Bay of Islands Hotel, New Zealand

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Introduction

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is our historic Bay of Islands hotel in the town of Russell offering charming lodgings with sumptuous breakfasts and spectacular views of the Bay of Islands.

Enjoy the cozy restaurant and a truly amazing waterfront location at our hotel in Russell, NZ.

“The Duke”, as it's affectionately known, holds New Zealand's oldest pub license. A haven of hospitality for over 150 years, our hotel in Russell, NZ, is one of the country's most gracious establishments.

When you want to rediscover the meaning of romance, you'll find it at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel – A Bay of Islands hotel where history and romance meet, on the fabled waterfront at Russell, right at the heart of New Zealand's enchanting Bay of Islands.

Our Russell hotel is three and a half hours by car from Auckland via Opua Car Ferry, 30 minutes by car from Kerikeri Airport via Opua Car Ferry and a short passenger ferry journey across the Bay from Paihia, the region's largest town.

Our Bay of Islands Hotel Accommodation

Waterfront Suites – These luxurious rooms at our hotel in Russell, NZ, offer panoramic views over the bay, a large bath or spa, separate toilets and super-king beds. A unique experience.

Sundeck Mini-Suite – This suite at our Russell hotel is ideal for families, and has a large bathroom. These rooms have a spacious sunny deck area.

Superior Room – These large rooms at our Bay of Islands hotel have modern shower facilities and overlook Russell.

Standard Room – Standard rooms at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, NZ, offer a queen bed (twin bed configuration is possible) and views over romantic Russell.

All rooms at our hotel in Russell, NZ, have tea and coffee making facilities, en suite, wifi accessibility and SKY TV.

Bungalow – The one bedroom self-contained bungalow is located right next to The Duke of Marlborough Hotel and features a comfortable bed with crisp cotton bedding, a kitchenette, sofa bed, en suite bathroom with a spa and SKY TV.

Rates at our hotel in Russell, NZ, include a continental breakfast.

Dining at our Bay of Islands Hotel

Relax at our Russel hotel in the old world charm of our cane lounge with an open log fireplace and adjacent waterfront verandah.

The house bar at our Bay of Islands hotel is open to visitors and guests, and we offer an extensive selection of drinks, from beers to cocktails and wide range of New Zealand wines by the glass.

The dining room of our Russell hotel is open daily for a traditional dining experience offering meals prepared with New Zealand's best produce.

Reflecting our Russell hotel's close association with the sea, the menu features local produce with the emphasis on freshly harvested seafood and locally caught fish as well as meats and game dishes.

For bookings and further information about staying at our hotel in Russell, NZ, please contact us, visit our Bay of Islands hotel Web site, or make a booking.

Weddings and Conferences at our Bay of Islands Hotel

The Duke is a wonderful choice for a Bay of Islands conference venue. We can design packages specifically to meet the needs of your corporate group, including dinner, bed and breakfast packages, morning and afternoon teas and lunches.

The conference room at our Bay of Islands hotel can cater for up to 30 people for boardroom meetings or 45 people theatre style, whilst our adjacent larger function room can seat 200 people theatre style and up to 150 for dinner. This area has a fully serviced bar and entertainment stage which is a great platform, of course, for guest speakers or team leaders to address your conference or function group.

Team building activities are plentiful within the Bay of Islands and the friendly staff at our Russell hotel will be most happy to assist with booking of all activities during your stay with us.

As a wedding venue, our Bay of Islands hotel is one of the most idyllic destinations in New Zealand and certainly the most popular in the Bay of Islands. We will help you plan and coordinate your special event, and ensure it to be a most memorable day for you and your guests. All aspects of your wedding can be arranged for you, based on your desires and our commitment to excellence.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels and as such, has a wonderful touch of yesteryear seldom found these days. Come and visit us for your next conference or function. Enjoy planning for your corporate future while enjoying the Duke's Old World charm and hospitality.

History of our Bay of Islands Hotel

Russell, or as it was formerly known, Kororareka, was one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, and “The Duke” has featured significantly in its colourful history.

In 1827 the land was purchased by John Johnson, who built the first hotel on the site. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel holds the No. 1 Licence to keep an Inn or Public House, issued on 14th July 1840 by the Colonial Treasury of New Zealand. It is the only hotel remaining of some nine hotels originally trading in Russell.

The present building is the fourth on the site, the first having been burnt down in 1845 by Hone Heke of Flagstaff fame. It was rebuilt only to be burnt down 30 years later and the third Duke of Marlborough Hotel was built. This, however, suffered the same fate when the boarding house “The Gables” next door caught fire and the hotel was burned down as well.

In 1931, the Women's Accommodation Block at the Cable Station, Cable Bay, was floated down on barges and established on the original “Gables” site and still remains as the existing frontage of the present hotel.

For over 160 years, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the Bay of Islands has provided hospitality for the traveller, from those early days when Kororareka was renown for its grog shops and brothels to the present tranquil village of Russell. As your hosts we endeavour to provide you with a setting of comfort and charm to complement your stay in Russell.

For bookings and further information about staying at our hotel in Russell, NZ, please contact us, visit our Bay of Islands hotel Web site, or make a booking.

Affiliations

The following features, memberships and organisations are associated with The Duke of Marlborough Hotel: