The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel - Russell

4-star historic waterfront hotel on Kororareka Bay

Historical Waterfront Hotel

The Duke Of Marlborough is the first licensed hotel in New Zealand, dating to 1827, and sits directly on the Russell waterfront overlooking Kororareka Bay. The property offers two onsite decks with unobstructed views of the bay, a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 250 guests, and a guest lounge with a fireplace. This Duke of Marlborough hotel preserves its 19th-century character while providing modern amenities such as an electric vehicle charging station and accessible facilities for disabled guests.

Rooms and Self-Contained Apartments

Guest rooms at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel combine traditional decor with flat-screen TVs and refrigerators; some rooms open to private balconies with bay views. The hotel also operates self-contained waterfront apartments, including a bungalow with a jetted tub, kitchenette, and a private courtyard. All accommodations are located within walking distance of Long Beach and the Russell town center, with free on-site parking and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Dining and Entertainment

The Duke of Marlborough's restaurant serves award-winning New Zealand cuisine with a focus on locally caught seafood, accompanied by an extensive list of local wines at the waterfront House Bar. Guests can also dine or relax in the garden bar overlooking the water or on the restaurant veranda with bay views. The hotel provides a bar with special diet menus, kids' meals, and wine/champagne, and offers live music on the deck during summer evenings.

Activities and Nearby Attractions

A short walk from The Duke of Marlborough leads to the Russell Museum, the historic Pompallier House, and Flagstaff Hill with significant historical views. The hotel is also close to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a new mountain bike park, and multiple walking trails, with easy access to dolphin watching, swimming, and fishing in the Bay of Islands. On-site recreational facilities include tennis courts and a gymnasium, and the concierge desk can arrange luggage storage and local tour bookings.

Events and Business Facilities

The Duke of Marlborough Russell offers a dedicated wedding and function team that can organize events in the grand ballroom for up to 250 guests, with a ceremony and reception space on the waterfront deck. Business travelers benefit from 24-hour front desk service, meeting and banquet facilities, fax/photocopying, and packed lunches. The hotel also provides board games/puzzles, 24-hour security, CCTV monitoring, and key access for guest safety.

• Historic Status: First licensed hotel in New Zealand (1827)
• Waterfront: Two decks with Kororareka Bay views
• Rooms: Self-contained apartments and bungalow with jetted tub
• Dining: Award-winning restaurant with local seafood and wine list
• Function Space: Grand ballroom for 250 guests with dedicated wedding team
• Recreation: Tennis courts, gym, dolphin watching, mountain bike park access