Events in the Bay

Bay Of Islands Activities

Check out all these exciting events and activities held in the Bay of Islands - all of which you can do while staying and enjoying the comforts of The Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Trip to Sip - with 144 Islands

31 October 2025

Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through 144 Islands wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm! 

Melbourne Cup at The Duke of Marlborough

4 November 2025

Join us to watch the races in style, on the Russell Waterfront at The Duke of Marlborough! 

Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon

22 November 2025

Starting in Okaihau the 21.1km course makes its way through rolling countryside to finish in the centre of town at the Kerikeri Domain. The race is largely downhill, so good for a PB, and perfect if you're new to running!

Christmas Day at The Duke of Marlborough

25 December 2025

We will be open for Christmas Dinner from 5pm, as this is a special occasion we will be working with a Special Christmas Day Set Menu; of which we will confirm the price close to  – and a two-course Set Menu for children under the age of 14. Our restaurant will be closed for Lunch Service. However, our sister restaurant, Charlotte's Kitchen, will be offering a Christmas Lunch..

New Years Eve

31 December 2025

Join us at The Duke of Marlborough to see in 2026, with live music, set course dinners, and the bubbles flowing, it is the place to be! 

Blue70 Beach to Bay - Ocean Swim

21 February 2026

Prepare to be left in awe as you depart from one of the Far North’s most stunning beaches and find yourself in the charming, heritage-rich town of Russell. This scenic harbour crossing will challenge you both physically and mentally, delivering an unforgettable experience.

What our customers say

We recently celebrated our wedding at this amazing venue, and it was truly the best day of our lives! From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The accommodations were stunning, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience for us and all our guests. The view was absolutely breathtaking, adding a magical backdrop to our ceremony and photos that we will cherish forever. Every detail, from the service to the setting, was handled with care and professionalism, making our special day seamless and unforgettable. We absolutely loved everything about this venue, especially the incredible view, and cannot recommend it highly enough to any couple looking for the perfect place to tie the knot. Thank you for making our wedding day so incredibly special

- Mariana & Nikita, Saturday 16th Feburary 2024,

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