Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

3.0 star property
Waterfront hotel with a fitness center and a 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Courtyard
Indoor pool
Marina View King - Balcony | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Marina View King - No Balcony | Water view
Front of property

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Room service

Explore the area

Map
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, 0112
  • Town Basin Marina
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Whangarei Art Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Whangarei Quarry Gardens
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Whangarei (WRE)
    ‪9 min drive‬

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Room options

Junior Suite

  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Superior Twin Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Marina View King - Balcony

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 334 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View King - No Balcony

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 334 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior King Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View King Room No Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Superior Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds

Marina View King Room With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Whangarei

Located in Riverside, Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is adjacent to Town Basin Marina and within a 10-minute stroll of Claphams Clock Museum. This 115-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like an indoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Town Basin Marina - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Whangarei Art Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Claphams National Clock Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Botanica & Cafler Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Whangarei Quarry Gardens - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butter Factory - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Brauhaus Frings - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Kfc - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Dickens Inn - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Waterfront hotel with a fitness center and a 24-hour front desk
At Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, guests enjoy features like an indoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a hot tub, meeting rooms, and free newspapers.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch LCD TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include refrigerators, electric kettles, and free newspapers.
An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

Children under 13 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: NZD 35 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the waterfront

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3.5 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 35.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately NZD 35.00 per person
  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 35.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3.5 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Kingsgate Hotel Whangarei
Kingsgate Whangarei
Distinction Whangarei Hotel
Distinction Whangarei
Distinction Whangarei Hotel Conference Centre
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Hotel
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Whangarei
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Hotel Whangarei

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do close to Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

This hotel is situated in Riverside, just steps from Town Basin Marina and Hundertwasser Art Centre, and within a short walk of Whangarei Art Museum. You'll also find Botanica & Cafler Park and Claphams National Clock Museum less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a casino at the property?

No, Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub.

Is Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre good for couples?

This waterfront hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including an indoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

The closest major airport to Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is Whangarei (WRE), which is 4.4 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yes, some guestrooms at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offer a balcony and may feature marina views.

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 154 out of 538 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 219 out of 538 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 106 out of 538 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 538 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 538 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Great staff but needs renovating

I want to start with saying the service was fabulous and the staff was lovely. The breakfast buffet offered a good variety. Location close to the harbour with access to plenty of restaurants and amenities. On the downside, the decor is dated - the carpeting in the main areas has seen better days and,even though it is vacuumed regularly, it appears dirty. Biggest issue for me was the lack of decent fitness center. It smelled so musty, the bench was ripped, weight selection lacking. Wound up paying $17 to drop in at the gym at the nearby Aquatic Center. Overall, this hotel served its purpose and would be fine for a night or two .
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Venessa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to Whangarei. Love the pool and spa. Makes for a great weekend away.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Theresa

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very noisy and everything was clumsy. Screaming from the pool at 7am on a Saturday morning. People up making noise late at night.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good spot and close to shops and restaurants. Bed wasn’t very comfortable and the hotel doesn’t have a lift so had to carry a lot up two flights of stairs.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jeremy

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tosca

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cleaning staff found and bagged my lost property. Very honest. Door cards weren't working very well.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kevin

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good place to rest up

Nice breakfast and rooms Good easy parking and close to the Town waterfront restaurants
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHANE A ROBERTS SUPERIOR

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Hohepa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHANE A ROBERTS SUPERIOR

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gareth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed staying however Shower great except the height too low I’m 5ft 9 inches and had to bend my knees to wash my hair. We were on the ground level and every time when the person above walked over their floor we heard every movement.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Terry

Liked: Staff & service
This hotel is showing its age but is in a nice location. I stayed in two different rooms on consecutive nights, there was a dirty flannel left in the first room, and the AC in the second was too noisy to leave running on a sultry night. Shower water pressure was pretty poor, the corridors are dingy. Could do with some investment.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Mike

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Mold in bathroom
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harsha

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenience and proximity.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Mathew

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Good stay, repeat customer
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice secure property
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Williams

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024