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.
Moana – Free Movie Night – Bay Of Islands
20 June 2025
Gather your friends and whanau for a magical outdoor movie night featuring Disney’s Moana from 5.30pm! Enjoy the movie under the stars in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Bring along a blanket or some comfy chairs, wrap up warm, and settle in for an unforgettable evening.
This free community event is proudly brought to you by Business Bay Of..
Brew of Islands - Kerikeri
28 June 2025
Get ready for a craft beer adventure like no other in the stunning Bay of Islands! Brew of Islands brings together the best local and national breweries, mouth-watering food vendors, and epic live entertainment for a festival packed with flavour and fun
Fifth Annual Tohunga Tumau: Puanga Matariki Dinner
28 June 2025
We are brining Tohunga Tumau back to Northland for the fifth year! Showcasing the best of modern M?ori cuisine, as part of our six-course dinner menu, including wine pairing!
Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival
8 August 2025
The Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues and Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand – one of the top tourist spots of the country.
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
9, 10, 11, 12 October 2025
We walk many of the islands and remote spots on the peninsula that are hard to access as individuals – the walking weekend makes it cost effective and hassle free. The walks are spectacular with breath taking scenery, amazing flora and fauna, but also very rich in history and culture, you are walking in footsteps of some of the first explorers to arrive in New Zealand.
PIC Bay of Islands Coastal Classic
24, 25, 26 October 2025
The PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Auckalnd's Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held annually at Labour weekend since its inception in 1982.
Rum Festival with The Wellington Sea Shanty Society
25 October 2025
Ahoy, me hearties! Hoist the sails, set yer compasses and set course for the Duke of Marlborough in Russell, where we be hostin' a Rum Festival to rival all others, especially the day after a race when ye be needin' to unwind and carouse like true pirates!
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 are so glad that we chose the Duke as our wedding venue. They absolutely exceeded our expectations. The Duke itself is a stunning venue, located at the waterfront of dazzling Russell. The functions staff was incredibly helpful, had attention to detail and accommodated all wishes we had. On the day everything was well organized and worked out fantastically! Our guests were stoked by the food - that was the best cured fish many of us had eaten. The indoors and outdoors set-up was fantastic. The staff was flexible, accommodating, kind and responsive. We loved the small, neat touches that made us feel like we were part of the Duke's tribe. We would absolutely choose the Duke again and will be glad to return. Thank you!
- Magdelena & Richard, Thursday 8th Feburary 2024,
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