The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Nearby photoThe Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Exterior photoThe Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Exterior photo
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From95US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202
-
Steps from the waterfront
Great
8.8
9.3
/10
4.4
4.0
/5

Location

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is situated on the waterfront in Russell, offering stunning views of Kororareka Bay. This location provides easy access to the charming township of Russell, which is rich in historic significance as New Zealand's first European settlement. Guests can also explore nearby attractions, such as Long Beach, located just a 10-minute walk away.

Dining

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel houses an award-winning restaurant that serves a menu focused on locally sourced, seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy dishes like market fish and Waikare Inlet oysters, enhancing their dining experience with views of the bay. The on-site dining options include two lovely decks and a charming garden bar, catering to both lunch and dinner service.

Rooms

Accommodation options at The Duke of Marlborough include premium waterfront rooms with balconies and views of the bay. Each room features a super-king bed, en-suite bathroom, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. The hotel also offers a one-bedroom self-contained waterfront apartment with a kitchenette and a private entrance, perfect for extended stays.

Functions

The Duke of Marlborough provides several unique spaces for private dining, including The Deck with bay views, The Ballroom, and The Duchess Room. The dedicated events team assists with planning and executing weddings, conferences, and special functions, ensuring a seamless experience. This hotel is recognized for its historical charm as New Zealand's first licensed hotel, adding a special touch to any gathering.

Wellness and Recreation

Guests have access to the hotel's exclusive gym, designed for a refreshing workout during their stay. The nearby tennis courts offer additional recreational opportunities. The beautiful Bay of Islands serves as a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures such as walking and biking trails.

Highlights

Location: waterfront in Russell

Dining: award winning restaurant

Rooms: premium waterfront rooms

Functions: The Deck overlooking The Bay

Wellness: exclusive gym

Activities: nearby tennis courts

Must-do experiences

  • Savor fresh fish and chips at the iconic Duke of Marlborough.
  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Okiato for stunning views and tranquility.
  • Explore the historic Pompallier Mission for a glimpse into local history.
  • Visit the Russell Saturday Market for unique crafts and local produce.
  • Discover the hidden beauty of the Tapeka Point lookout at sunset.
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Select your room type

The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Small Double Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Apartment Sea View
2 persons
315 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Queen Room Balcony
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Queen Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Tennis court

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At The Duke of Marlborough, dining offerings blend local flavors with stunning waterfront views. This inviting venue captures the essence of New Zealand's culinary heritage, showcasing a delightful range of vegetarian and gluten-free options for every meal, whether it's a hearty breakfast or a leisurely dinner.
The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Restaurant photo
The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Restaurant photo
The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Russell Restaurant photo

Duke of Marlborough

Local New Zealand cuisine
Ambiance
Family-friendly and modern, with a picturesque waterfront setting
Key Offerings
Locally caught seafood and traditional Kiwi favorites, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options
Reservation
Reservations are not needed
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel Location

35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202
Map view
35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202
Nearby
Museum
Russell Museum
900 ft
Church
Christ Church Russell
1300 ft
5 The Strand
Pompallier Mission and Printery
1400 ft
25 York St
Just Imagine Gallery
800 ft
Island
Russell
700 ft
Bay
Kororareka Bay
800 ft
Restaurants
Duke of Marlborough
100 ft
35 The Strand
Bayside Restaurant and Bar
200 ft
29 The Strand On The Waterfront
Delish Coffee and Ice Cream
400 ft
Cass Street
TukTuk Bangkok Thai Restaurant
600 ft
19 York Street
Butterfish
400 ft
25 The Strand Far North
Tuk Tuk Bangkok Cafe
700 ft
Restaurant
Diggers Restaurant
700 ft
1 Chapel Street
GREENS Traditional Indian & Thai Cuisine
800 ft
15A York Street Russell
Chef Fabian
2100 ft
8 Gould Street
Explore Russell
Explore Russell
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Russell Museum
Russell Museum
4 minutes' walk
The Russell Museum showcases the area's rich maritime history with unique exhibits and artifacts.
Christ Church Russell
Christ Church Russell
5 minutes' walk
New Zealand's oldest church, offering beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, is ideal for history buffs.
Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve
Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve
11 minutes' walk
This historical site provides panoramic views of the bay and compelling stories of early European settlers.
Oneroa Bay
25 minutes walking
A tranquil beach known for its stunning scenery and ideal swimming conditions, perfect for relaxation.
Russell Boating Club
Russell Boating Club
19 minutes' walk
Engaging in water sports like kayaking or sailing, the club provides boat rentals and scenic experiences.
Yoga at Tapeka Point Beach
25 minutes walking
Relaxation sessions offered on the beach, perfect for unwinding in beautiful natural surroundings.
Walking Trails at Long Beach
20 minutes' walk
Hiking trails surrounding Long Beach provide beautiful views and the thrill of outdoor adventures.
Duke of Marlborough
Duke of Marlborough
1 minute' walk
Local seafood specialties and a lovely waterfront view create an inviting atmosphere for casual dining.
Bayside Restaurant and Bar
Bayside Restaurant and Bar
1 minute' walk
A relaxed setting offering Modern Kiwi cuisine with fresh, local ingredients, also caters to dietary needs.
TukTuk Bangkok Thai Restaurant
TukTuk Bangkok Thai Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
Authentic Thai cuisine served in a vibrant atmosphere, with vegetarian options available and great reviews.
Just Imagine Gallery
Just Imagine Gallery
3 minutes' walk
An art gallery showcasing local artwork, hosting regular exhibitions that appeal to art enthusiasts.
Live Music at Butterfish
2 minutes' walk
A casual dining spot with live music nights, providing a lively atmosphere for families and couples alike.
Getting around
City Centre
Russell3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Bay of Islands (KKE)59 min  ·  24.1 mi
Whangarei (WRE)126 min  ·  51.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs NZD 30 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
38

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 862 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
94%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.1/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.3/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Guest reviews
based on 862 reviews
8.9/10
based on 1671 reviews
8.8/10
Jackson from Canada
Single
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 11, 2026
9.3/10

Fantastic Stay!!!

comfortable bedslovely productsyummy food
The beds were comfortable, and I noticed lovely cleaning products in the bathroom. I found nice tea and coffee available. The building's character is beautiful. The food was AMAZING!!!
The room, while great, was slightly smaller than I had anticipated.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offers a garden bar. It overlooks the water and provides a less formal atmosphere. Guests can also find interesting historical information displayed on the hotel walls. I noted the hotel also has regular passenger ferry.
Location
10/10
The hotel has a superb location. It's right on the waterfront, close to everything. Ferries come and go, and there are boats at anchor. It is a short walk to shops and around the township.
Service
9/10
The staff were very helpful. I would like to point out Camila at the reception. I found them to be excellent professionals, focused, and efficient.
0 Helpful
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Grayson from United Kingdom
Single
King Room Sea View
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
9.0/10

charming waterfront experience

waterfront locationcomfortable roomhelpful staffhotel setting
i found the location excellent, right on the waterfront. i enjoyed easy access to the surrounding area. the hotel offered comfortable rooms and lovely decor. the bar downstairs provided a pleasant social space (the cocktails were amazing!). the room had access to an internal deck which i liked. the bed was comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. the staff was friendly and helpful. the cleanliness of the hotel was also notable. the hotel's setting allowed for views of the water, boats, and people. the ambiance was nice. the provided food and service were both commendable. the hotel's proximity to local attractions added to the appeal. i could easily explore dining options and points of interest. i will come back next time.
Rooms
9/10
the king room provided a sea view and comfortable setting. i noticed the decor attracted comments from friends (when i shared pics online). the room had internal deck access.
Location
9/10
the hotel is close to various dining options and activities. it is easy to access the waterfront and explore the area. the setting offers views of boats and people enjoying the surroundings.
0 Helpful
|
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Paul from United Kingdom
Single
King Room Sea View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 06, 2026
8.8/10

Historic Charm with Minor Hiccups

easy check-incentral locationbeautiful architecturedangerous water temperature
Check-in was smooth and efficient. The building's architecture and decorations felt classy. The ferry dock proximity was convenient for exploring nearby areas. I loved the location of this hotel, central to everything. I found it easy to walk around town.
The shower water temperature fluctuated dangerously. It alternated between cool and scalding water without adjusting the tap. This made showering quite difficult and not enjoyable.
Location
9/10
The hotel is centrally located within the township. It allowed easy walks to various attractions. The position offers convenient access to the waterfront and nearby shops.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel provides a restaurant and a bar. These are located within the main building. This makes it easy to access dining and social options .
Dining
9/10
The bar area offers a local vibe. It is staffed by efficient people. The restaurant provides dinner and lunch options. It is a convenient choice for meals.
Rooms
9/10
The room had a comfortable bed and felt clean. It created a pleasant environment for resting. Rooms offer sea views, increasing the appeal of the stay.
0 Helpful
|
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elliot from australia
Single
king room sea view
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 16, 2025
9.3/10

fine stay!

sea viewamazing dinnerwedding noise
i had a room facing the sea for two nights, and the views were very nice! the photos on the walls added a lovely touch. the dinner in the restaurant was AMAZING!!! i will recommend this hotel to my friends in perth and coffs harbour.
the wedding was present , and non-wedding guests weren't advised. as a result, there was considerable noise from the band, guests, and general drunkenness late into the night, which really affected my sleep.
Rooms
9/10
the king room sea view had excellent decor and cleanliness, i found it good! the room included a comfy bed. the bathroom was large and very well maintained, what a treat!!!
Location
10/10
the hotel is right on the waterfront. the building is iconic and close to great places to eat. russell is a fantastic place, this makes it easy to access many islands.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel offered easy access to the hotel gym, great! parking was also available. i thought the front desk staff were helpful. i found the lounges in the hotel area comfy.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Duke Of Marlborough
How far is The Duke Of Marlborough from Paihia?
The Duke Of Marlborough is located 40 km from Paihia.
What are nearby historical attractions from The Duke Of Marlborough?
Nearby historical attractions include Russell Museum (0.5 km), Pompallier Mission (0.5 km), and Flagstaff Hill (1 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Duke Of Marlborough?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What dining options are available at The Duke Of Marlborough?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that offers a range of New Zealand dishes, including locally caught seafood.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Duke Of Marlborough?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Does The Duke Of Marlborough offer any fitness facilities?
Guests can access a gym and use nearby tennis courts.
How far is the nearest beach from The Duke Of Marlborough?
Long Beach is located 1 km from the hotel.
Is breakfast included at The Duke Of Marlborough?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 30 NZD.
Is the property accessible for guests with limited mobility at The Duke Of Marlborough?
The Duke Of Marlborough features wheelchair access within the property.
What activities can guests enjoy while staying at The Duke Of Marlborough?
Guests can enjoy activities such as dolphin watching, swimming, and fishing in the surrounding area.
Does The Duke Of Marlborough have a bar?
There is a bar/lounge area available at the hotel.
What type of hotel is The Duke Of Marlborough?
The Duke Of Marlborough is a historical, waterfront hotel offering luxury accommodations and dining.

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