New Zealand may not have the castles, palaces and centuries old hotels found elsewhere in the world but that doesn't mean we're short on stories. In this series, Poppy Billington, PDNZ Product Co-ordinator, uncovers accommodation with a story to tell…properties that offer travellers more than just a bed for the night!
The Duke of Marlborough, Russell – “Serving Rascals & Reprobates Since 1827”
Some hotels offer luxury. Others offer location. But only a handful can claim to have witnessed the birth of a nation. Perched on Russell's picturesque waterfront in the Bay of Islands, the Duke of Marlborough is New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel and one of the country's most fascinating places to stay. Their famous tagline – "Serving Rascals & Reprobates Since 1827" – isn't just clever marketing. It's a nod to nearly two centuries of colourful characters, infamous stories and remarkable history.
The story begins with ex convict Johnny Johnston, who opened what was originally known as Johnny Johnston's Grog Shop. Fluent in Te Reo Maori and respected by local iwi, Johnston was able to purchase one of the first parcels of freehold land ever sold to a European in New Zealand. He later renamed the establishment the Duke of Marlborough, hoping to bring a touch of prestige to Kororareka – a town better known at the time as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific"…..now known as the quaint seaside township of Russell! During the 1830s, Kororareka was the largest whaling port in the Southern Hemisphere. After months at sea, hundreds of whalers descended on the town in search of food, drink and entertainment, creating a lively, often lawless settlement that shocked early missionaries and even inspired Charles Darwin, when he visited in 1835, to famously describe the residents as "the very refuse of society" - a reflection of the town's notorious reputation at the time.
The Duke has witnessed many of New Zealand's defining moments. Johnny Johnston is believed to have assisted with the translation of the Treaty of Waitangi, while New Zealand's first liquor licence - still proudly displayed in the hotel today - was issued shortly after the signing of the Treaty in 1840. The original hotel was destroyed during the Battle of Kororareka in 1845, while another building succumbed to fire in 1931. Remarkably, today's hotel is itself historic, having been relocated from Cable Bay in 1932 after serving as accommodation for telegraph workers.
Today, travellers can enjoy beautifully appointed waterfront rooms, exceptional dining and spectacular Bay of Islands views, all while being immersed in one of New Zealand's richest historical settings. Art is also woven into the Duke's story. The hotel proudly showcases the vibrant works of renowned Northland artist Lester Hall, whose unmistakable paintings have captured the charm of Russell for decades. Most recently, Hall transformed the restaurant with his signature splash of pink - a bold artistic statement that reportedly shocked the owners at first but has since become a much loved feature and another chapter in the Duke's ever evolving story. Step outside and you're within walking distance of Christ Church, Pompallier Mission, Russell Museum and Flagstaff Hill - each offering another chapter in the story of our nation's beginnings.
Why we think the Duke of Marlborough is a great option for your clients:
