The Duke's Grand Ballroom. A perfect venue for your function.
The Duke's grand ballroom with ornate ceilings, low hanging chandeliers and polished wooden floor boards opens up directly onto a sun filled deck over looking the sea. The ballroom is filled with individually upholstered chairs seating up to 150 guests comfortably or 250 for a standing cocktail and canape function. We can also cater for larger groups seating up to 300 guests across the ballroom and restaurant over the quieter winter months of the year. Perfect for those looking for private dining or function venues to host a Gala dinner or special event.
With award winning chefs and restaurant managers, the Duke offers exquisite cuisine and exceptional service. The Duke has an onsite function manager to help plan the menu and all other details of your gala dinner to ensure a smooth, professional experience.
For any enquiries please contact us via email [email protected] or phone 09 403 7829 or to view our full function pack, click on the following link
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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.
Weddings
Located on the Russell Waterfront, The Duke offers a majestic setting for you & your guests to enjoy your Bay of Islands Wedding!
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Conferences
The Duke can cater for small, and large conference groups. We are on hand to help you build your itinerary, and let you work on your business away from home.
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Events in the Bay
It's not all beaches and sunsets here in the Bay of Islands - we are lucky enough to have many different events and festivals running throughout the year. Click here for further information.
Read MoreWhat our customers say
The Duke of Marlborough is such a beautiful venue. We had the pleasure of having our wedding in the end of April at the Duke. Throughout the planning process and to day of celebrating our wedding the Duke went above and beyond. Thank you all for making our day so special and flawless
- Laura & Rem April 2021,
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