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

Indoor pool
Daily buffet breakfast (NZD 35.00 per person)
Front of property
Courtyard
Superior Twin Room | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Hot Tub
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, 0112
  • Place, Town Basin Marina
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Hundertwasser Art Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Whangarei Art Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Whangarei (WRE)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Marina View King - Balcony

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 334 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Superior Twin Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior King Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 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

  • Sleeps 2

Superior Twin Room

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

Marina View King Room No Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

Marina View King Room With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

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
  • Hundertwasser Art Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Whangarei Art Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Claphams National Clock Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reyburn House - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Oh My Pho - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Dickens Inn - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Esquires - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Turkuaz Cafe - ‬8 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.

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

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 Claphams National Clock Museum and Mair Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site 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.

What do couples enjoy most about Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

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

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a hot tub?

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).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

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

Reviews

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Reviews

7.8

Good

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 575 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 229 out of 575 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 575 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 575 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 575 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dean

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Candace

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryce

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location, spacious room, nice and clean,
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Amy

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Bed was comfortable bathroom was clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

See you again soon.

As always your restaurant team were amazing. Thanks again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Keoni, Kaitaia

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

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

Wonderful

Wonderful welcoming reception staff, perfect location overlooking the harbour, clean, comfy, quiet room and delicious food served in the restaurant in the evening.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ailyn, Rotorua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and room is clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Andrew

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
First room had brown/red marks around and in sink in bathroom. Staff were very helpful. Second room had sticky wooden surfaces and was not particularly clean. Furniture was dated and scruffy. No lift access to 1st floor (not mentioned). Strange, musty smell throughout room.
Marks around sink in first room.
Sticky/greasy surfaces in second room.
Filthy shower head (2nd room)
Mould around shower plate and screen. Also 2nd room
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer, Avondale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Simon

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Old and tired

Very dated. Mould in bathroom. Carpets look like they are 50 years old. Gym is a disgrace. Bar staff didn’t know menu and basic service manners. Needs knocking down and starting again. Won’t be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

beaudine, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great venue
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norie

Liked: Amenities
.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Antonia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Teana at reception was a gem. Nothing was a problem and her warmth and customer service at the end of a shift was exceptional. That girl will go far!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a good tidy place to crash in. Walkable distance to restaurants on a fine day. Very old property, but refurbished room. No sky tv
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Nice and close to Waterfront.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location by the Whangarei basin. Quick check in and indoor pool and spa is great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juyong

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

8/10 Good

Bill

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
In the two days saty - it met all my needs
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

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

Great place

at a local wedding, perfect and close walk to town
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Karl

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025