Bay of Islands (Ngapuhi), Aotearoa New Zealand
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
About this stay
The Duke of Marlborough is a historic hotel on the waterfront of Russell, across the bay from Paihia, and holds New Zealand's first liquor licence. Russell, once known as Kororāreka, was the country's first European port town. The restored hotel has rooms ranging from small doubles to waterfront rooms and an apartment, plus a well-known restaurant on the water. The passenger ferry to Paihia and Waitangi leaves from the wharf nearby. It suits couples who want a slice of history and a quieter base than Paihia.
Good for
About Bay of Islands (Ngapuhi)
The Bay of Islands is a wide, sheltered harbour on Northland's east coast, scattered with more than 140 islands and ringed by small towns such as Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. It suits travellers who want sailing, sea kayaking and coastal walks alongside some of the most significant history in Aotearoa. Unlike Rotorua's geothermal drama or the remote East Cape, this is a settled, easygoing holiday coast where Māori and colonial stories sit side by side, all within a short drive of each other.
Getting there
Kerikeri's Bay of Islands Airport (KKE) has Air New Zealand flights from Auckland, about 50 minutes. By road, Paihia is about three to three and a half hours north of Auckland on State Highway 1. Intercity coaches also run the route from Auckland.