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From90US$ /night
Check-in
20Mar2026Select date
Check-out
21Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, New Zealand, 0112
-
Near the Whangarei Art Museum
Very good
7.7
8.2
/10
2.7
3.5
/5

Location

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is located opposite the famed Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery. The hotel is a short walk from the Whangarei city centre and the beautiful Whangarei Town Basin. The Bay of Islands is less than an hour's drive from the hotel, offering access to stunning outdoor activities.

Rooms

The hotel offers 115 guest rooms and suites, including Superior Hotel Rooms and Junior Suites that have been recently renovated. Each room includes luxury cloud-like beds and enhanced soundproofing for a better night's sleep. Marina View King Rooms provide scenic views of the Town Basin Marina and the Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Dining

The on-site Portobello Restaurant serves breakfast daily, featuring a range of dishes to fuel guests for their day ahead. Guests can relax at the Anchor Down Lounge Bar that offers a selection of drinks and sports viewing. The hotel's dining options include room service for convenience.

Wellness

The hotel includes an indoor swimming pool and spa pool, available for guest relaxation after a busy day. Additionally, the well-equipped gym provides opportunities for fitness during the stay. Complimentary off-street car parking is available, further enhancing guest convenience.

Business Facilities

Distinction Whangarei boasts the largest hotel-based conference centre in the area, catering for events of up to 130 attendees. The flexible conference rooms include natural light and modern amenities, ensuring productive meetings. Custom catering options allow guests to tailor their dining experience for special events.

Highlights

Location: Opposite Hundertwasser Art Centre

Dining: Portobello Restaurant for daily breakfast

Wellness: Indoor swimming pool & spa

Business: Conference centre for up to 130 guests

Rooms: Luxury cloud-like beds in Superior Rooms

Exploration: Less than 1 hour to Bay of Islands

“While some rooms have been refreshed, inconsistencies in service and housekeeping need addressing. Its prime location near the Hundertwasser Art Centre and the Whangarei Town Basin is a definite advantage. The conference facilities are extensive, the largest among hotels in the area, which makes it attractive for business meetings.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Marina View King without Balcony
2 persons
360 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Marina View King Balcony
2 persons
360 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
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Facilities

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Billiard tables

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, dining flows seamlessly into the surrounding beauty of Whangarei. Guests are invited to indulge in vibrant culinary experiences at Portobello Restaurant and unwind in the sleek Anchor Down Lounge Bar, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Whangarei Town Basin Marina.
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Restaurant photo
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Restaurant photo
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Restaurant photo

Portobello Restaurant

International with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets
Ambiance
Traditional setting with a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends and family
Key Offerings
A delightful breakfast menu that sets the tone for the day, offering a range of wholesome and hearty dishes. Open for dinner, showcasing delightful international flavors.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner
06:30 - 09:30 daily

Anchor Down Lounge Bar

Casual bar atmosphere with a selection of drinks and light bites
Ambiance
Stylish and contemporary, ideal for socializing with colleagues or unwinding after a day of exploration
Key Offerings
Pre-dinner drinks and a relaxed space to enjoy craft cocktails, with views of the marina adding to the ambiance.
Reservation
Not required
Open for dinner; specific hours not listed

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Location

9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, New Zealand, 0112
Map view
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, New Zealand, 0112
Nearby
Museum
Claphams Clock Museum
1400 ft
WhangareiNew Zealand
Town Basin
1400 ft
8 Quayside
Burning Issues Gallery
1400 ft
Restaurants
Mokaba Cafe
1500 ft
6 Quayside Town Basin
Riverside Cafe
1600 ft
Town Basin 14 Quayside
Serenity Cafe
1800 ft
Shop 6 Whangarei Town Basin
No. 8
1900 ft
8 Quayside Town Basin
The Brauhaus Frings
2300 ft
104 Dent Street
The Walton Street Cafe
2100 ft
67 Walton Street
Traditional Roast
2100 ft
63A Walton Street
The Judge House of Ale
2300 ft
57 Walton Street
Split Bar & Restaurant
2200 ft
15 Rathbone Street
PimarnThai Restaurant
2300 ft
12 Rathbone Street
Explore Whangarei
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Claphams Clock Museum
5 minutes' walk
Unique collection of clocks showcasing intricate designs and mechanisms, perfect for clock enthusiasts.
Whangarei Art Museum
17 minutes' walk
Features a variety of contemporary artworks and historical exhibitions showcasing local talent.
Town Basin
5 minutes' walk
Scenic waterfront area with shops, galleries, and cafes, ideal for leisurely strolls and local culture.
Hundertwasser Art Centre
17 minutes' walk
Art center celebrating the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser featuring vibrant architecture and contemporary exhibitions.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
25 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens showcasing native plants and stunning landscapes, a perfect spot for relaxation and picnics.
Parihaka MTB Park
25 minutes' walk
Exciting mountain biking trails for thrill-seekers offering varied terrains. Bike rentals available for all levels.
Riverside Cafe
6 minutes' walk
Charming cafe serving fresh coffee and homemade pastries with outdoor seating overlooking the river.
Mokaba Cafe
6 minutes' walk
Cozy cafe with a relaxed vibe, offering a variety of brunch options and vegan-friendly dishes.
Burning Issues Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Local art gallery featuring contemporary exhibitions, often hosting art events and community gatherings for all ages.
MD Gallery
12 minutes' walk
Promotes diverse visual arts with regular exhibitions and events, great for culture enthusiasts and art lovers.
Getting around
City Centre
Whangarei5 min  ·  1400 ft
Airports
Whangarei Airport (WRE)13 min  ·  5.1 mi
Bay of Islands Airport (KKE)127 min  ·  52.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs NZD 35 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
42
Former name
Kingsgate Hotel Whangarei

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 517 verified reviews
7.6/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.8/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Waterfront location
Comfortable bed
Clean rooms
Cons
Poor bathroom design
Guest reviews
based on 1151 reviews
7.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Are there any guest rooms featuring a bathtub for a relaxing soak?
10 November 2024
Only the superior king rooms are equipped with a spa bath.
Is it true that this hotel accommodates individuals in quarantine or those without homes?
16 December 2024
Rest assured, this establishment does not serve as a quarantine or homeless shelter.
What are the swimming pool operating hours during my stay?
25 January 2025
The indoor pool is available for use from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Is there complimentary parking available for guests?
15 February 2025
Yes, guests are welcome to enjoy free off-street car parking.
Is breakfast offered in a buffet style?
22 March 2025
Breakfast is served as a buffet for guests.
Can I arrive late at night, and is there an option for extended check-out?
30 April 2025
Late arrivals are fine, and a check-out extension until midday can usually be arranged.
Is prepayment required for reservations with free cancellation?
12 May 2025
Yes, prepayment is required, but it will only be processed on the morning of arrival.
What types of rooms have outdoor spaces like balconies?
18 June 2025
There are only five superior rooms that have a balcony, but this cannot be guaranteed when booking.
Do standard rooms offer views of the marina?
23 July 2025
Standard rooms do not provide marina views; a superior room would be needed for that feature.
What are the specific breakfast hours for guests?
1 August 2025
Breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Can I trust a discounted room rate if booked through a partner site like booking.com?
5 September 2025
Yes, those offers are legitimate and often come with special deals.
Is the indoor pool temperature suitable for children?
14 October 2025
The indoor pool maintains a welcoming temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.
Will I need to pay a bond when checking in with a debit or EFTPOS card?
2 November 2024
Yes, a bond is required for debit or EFTPOS transactions, but not for credit card prepayments.
Is smoking allowed on balconies?
8 December 2024
Smoking is permitted as long as the ranch slider is closed and no smoke drifts into the room.
What bed sizes can guests expect in the rooms?
20 January 2025
The rooms feature comfortable either queen or king beds, designed for a restful sleep.
What time is check-in and check-out at the hotel?
27 February 2025
Check-in is available from 2:00 PM onwards, with check-out at 10:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on weekends.

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