Evening dining on the historic Colonial-style verandahs of the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands

Duke of Marlborough

Bay of Islands

Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a Northland landmark set on the sandy shores of Russell. Boasting an award-winning restaurant, accommodation and event space - The Duke is the pride and joy of the Bay of Islands.

This iconic property includes several verandahs, waterfront seating and gardens. Facing West towards Paihia and Waitangi, The Duke gets the most breathtaking sunsets and ocean views.

The Grand Ballroom is a Victorian-style space with ornate ceilings, low-hanging chandeliers, polished wooden floors and upholstered chairs seating up to 140 guests.

Established in 1827, The Duke was the recipient of NZ's first liquor license in 1840 and remains a significant building in the region's history.

This all-encompassing venue includes assistance with event planning, on-site coordination, catering and accommodation.

Located an hour north of Whangarei and 45 minutes from the nearest airport - The Duke is the home of events in the Bay of Islands.

Whether you're planning a milestone birthday, wedding, meeting, conference or a relaxing weekend in Northland - The Duke is a generous host.

Key venue details
Location:
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Capacity:
Up to 300 (Cocktail, The Ballroom); Up to 140 (Dining, The Ballroom)
Event Spaces:
6 flexible event spaces available
Facilities:
Onsite Parking, AV Equipment, Onsite Catering, Wi-Fi, Accommodation
Event Types:
Gala Dinners, Cocktail Functions, Weddings, Meetings

Gallery

Evening dining on the historic Colonial-style verandahs of the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.
A wedding couple approaches the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands, with its historic colonial architecture and ornate verandahs.
The scenic Bay of Islands, with its numerous boats, showcases the historic waterfront setting of the Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
White floral arrangements adorn the colonial-style verandah at the historic Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands.
A couple celebrates their wedding in the Duke of Marlborough Hotel's historic, richly furnished dining room in the Bay of Islands.
The Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands, offers a historic meeting room with an elegant chandelier and projector screen.
A colonial-style lounge with leather seating and maritime decor at the historic Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands.
An outdoor dining area at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands features wooden tables on a grassy waterfront patio.
White florals and a wedding seating chart accent an elegant reception at historic Duke of Marlborough in Bay of Islands.
An outdoor wedding ceremony at the historic Duke of Marlborough in the Bay of Islands, held on the waterfront beneath a grand, ancient tree.
An elegant dining space adorned with vibrant floral arrangements at the historical Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands.
People walk by the colonial-style Duke of Marlborough Hotel verandah, shaded by flowering Pōhutukawa trees in the Bay of Islands.
Outdoor champagne tower celebration at the historic waterfront Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.
A colonial-style veranda at the historic Duke of Marlborough in the Bay of Islands, with inviting chairs and serene water views.
The Victorian-style Grand Ballroom at the Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands, set for a formal dining event.
Catering of beautifully presented appetizers at the historic Colonial-style Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.
A couple dances on a wooden pier at sunset, part of the historic, colonial-era Duke of Marlborough waterfront hotel in Bay of Islands.
A sophisticated dining setup with white flowers and candles at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.
This historic, maritime-themed dining room at the Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands, features pink walls and colonial decor.
Outdoor dining on the elegant colonial-style verandah of the historic Duke of Marlborough in the Bay of Islands.
A joyful wedding party celebrates with confetti on the historic waterfront pier at the Duke of Marlborough in the Bay of Islands.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel's colonial veranda restaurant provides waterfront dining in the Bay of Islands.
Guests enjoy the colonial-style white wooden balconies of the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands.
Chefs meticulously plate gourmet dishes in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel's charming kitchen in Bay of Islands.
An elegant Victorian-style function room with ornate ceilings and a projector at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Bay of Islands.

Spaces

RoomsCocktailDiningTheatreMeeting
The Ballroom300140100100
Front Half of the Ballroom150404040
The Duchess Room-181616
The Villa Room (off site)--2515
The Deck10050--
The Garden Bar1005050-

Reviews

Ian

We had a truly memorable experience at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. From the moment we arrived, the friendly and hard-working staff made us feel welcome and well cared for. The highlight of our stay was the exceptional dinner for our special occasion—every dish was a delight. The snapper was incredibly fresh and flavourful, the pork belly was hands-down the best we've ever had, and the Yorkshire Pudding dessert was both exquisite and intriguingly mysterious. It was so impressive that our party of five made a point to personally thank the chef! We highly recommend this wonderful establishment and look forward to returning.

BB

I want to commend the staff who worked seamlessly to ensure our event was able to continue and all attendees were safe with little disruption. A very professional and welcoming team. Food and service was superb. Thanks Duke team..

Lili | Feb 2024

My partner and I couldn’t recommend the Duke of Marlborough more as a venue for your wedding. Such a stunning spot on the bay and the hotel is absolutely beautiful. Food was 10/10 and the service is extremely professional and so friendly - staff really go the extra mile. The whole process of planning the wedding at the duke was made so easy for us by our wonderful wedding planner Beth. The ballroom is such a stunning room to hold a wedding. Our day was simply perfect and we will be forever grateful to the Duke of Marlborough for making it so memorable for us all. Thank you Again xx

Evita | March 2024

In one word - beautiful! The waterfront offered stunning views. Everything was flowing seamlessly, staff were professional and at their best. And food was just fantastic. The couple couldn't have had chosen better place for their wedding!

Accommodation

We have a range of hotel accommodation options from our exquisite waterfront rooms with views over the Bay to Paihia and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to our Superior and Classic rooms with either a shared deck or a view over the lovely Russell village.

38

Total guest rooms

Waterfront room
waterfront apartment
superior room
superior queen
classic queen
classic room
small room

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a Northland landmark set on the sandy shores of Russell. Boasting an award-winning restaurant, accommodation and event space - The Duke is the pride and joy of the Bay of Islands.

This iconic property includes several verandahs, waterfront seating and gardens. Facing West towards Paihia and Waitangi, The Duke gets the most breathtaking sunsets and ocean views.

The Grand Ballroom is a Victorian-style space with ornate ceilings, low-hanging chandeliers, polished wooden floors and upholstered chairs seating up to 140 guests.

Established in 1827, The Duke was the recipient of NZ's first liquor license in 1840 and remains a significant building in the region's history.

This all-encompassing venue includes assistance with event planning, on-site coordination, catering and accommodation.

Located an hour north of Whangarei and 45 minutes from the nearest airport - The Duke is the home of events in the Bay of Islands.

Whether you're planning a milestone birthday, wedding, meeting, conference or a relaxing weekend in Northland - The Duke is a generous host.

Key venue details
Location:
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Capacity:
Up to 300 (Cocktail, The Ballroom); Up to 140 (Dining, The Ballroom)
Event Spaces:
6 flexible event spaces available
Facilities:
Onsite Parking, AV Equipment, Onsite Catering, Wi-Fi, Accommodation
Event Types:
Gala Dinners, Cocktail Functions, Weddings, Meetings