Functions

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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Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival

9, 10, 11 August 2024

The Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues 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. 

The Duke of Marlborough boasts acts over the three days, check out our Accommodation options too! 

The Edge Bay of Islands Beast

24 August 2024

The Bay of Islands Beast is designed to be tough but fun, so have some fun by participating in an awesome fancy dress costume – just make sure it can handle hills!

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend

10, 11, 12, 13 October 2024

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

25, 26, 27 October 2024

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.

Northland Chess Championship 2024

2 November 2024

Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon

16 November 2024

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!

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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