Winslet and husband at historic pub for dinner

Hollywood star Kate Winslet has been enjoying a low-key break in the Bay of Islands after wrapping up her new movie in Melbourne.

The Oscar-winning actress and her husband, Ned Rocknroll, were spotted dining at the Duke of Marlborough pub in picturesque Russell on Tuesday night.

Winslet has recently been based in Australia shooting 1950s drama The Dressmaker alongside Hunger Games actor Liam Hemsworth.

Staff at the Duke of Marlborough were stunned when Winslet, wearing matching shorts and top, turned up on Tuesday to book a table for dinner.

"She seemed happy to be seated among the regular guests in the restaurant but was persuaded to take a VIP dining room for more privacy," a hotel source said.

Winslet and Rocknroll - her third husband - returned at 7pm for tea. The two - who have a young son called Bear - spent the evening dining on seafood, washed down with wine.

"Kate looked stunning but they slipped in really quietly and no one even noticed they were there," the source added. "They ordered lots of oysters and shellfish and seemed to have a great time."

Winslet - who has tasted Academy and Emmy Award success - has a longstanding love affair with New Zealand. In 1994 she shot to stardom in her debut movie Heavenly Creatures after being discovered by Kiwi director Sir Peter Jackson.

Winslet and Rocknroll, who is the nephew of billionaire Virgin Air founder Sir Richard Branson, were in New Zealand last February to pay Sir Peter a visit. The couple stunned locals in Masterton with a visit to a local fashion shop, along with the The Hobbit director.

Meanwhile, the Herald on Sunday understands one of the Bay of Island's most famous land owners is set to spend more time in the idyllic region.

Opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa has cut back her performances this year and is set to trade in her UK base to spend more time at her property at Rawhiti, near Parekura Bay.