Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

3.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

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

Room options

Marina View King - Balcony

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

Junior Suite

  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior King Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View King - No Balcony

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 334 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 Hundertwasser Art Centre. 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
  • ‪Esquires - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Noodle Canteen - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Aqua Restaurant & Bar - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

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 concierge services, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

As of Feb 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre on Mar 1, 2026 start from 112.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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 Claphams National Clock Museum, and within a short walk of Whangarei Art Museum. You'll also find Botanica & Cafler Park and Hundertwasser Art Centre 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.

Is Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre a good place to stay for couples?

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, this hotel has a spa tub.

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 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. 189 out of 605 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 238 out of 605 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 117 out of 605 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 605 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 605 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ange

Liked: Cleanliness
Staff were really friendly. We had a bacony & marina view, was lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meral

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Spacious and clean
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

mark

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Was a bit run down ,tired
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Glenn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Modern room with good facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

beaudine, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was perfect for what i needed
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Paul, Jacksonville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I only gave it 4 stars because it’s on a busy street which rooms face with only a sidewalk in between. The breakfast was superb! I highly recommend you have the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Richard, Howick

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Carl

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty sink in bathroom, stained carpets and no water source to fill hot water jug or have a drink only option was the dirty looking bathroom sink
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

carmen

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to beautiful view and playground
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely friendly check in staff. Great room and so close to town - we walked everywhere. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Very helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was kept really clean which i appreciated, the food in the restaurant for dinner meals wasnt that good but their breakfast was good, staff are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Tania

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
There was a punnet of rotten oysters in the fridge so it was pretty smelly unfortunately
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was ideal, nice and spacious rooms, breakfast buffet was excellent, staff were great. Room was nice and quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kedar, palo Alto

Decent hotel near the waterfront of Whangarei. It is about a 1/4 mile walk to the marina restaurants but a beautiful walk. Rooms are good with central heating / AC. The "Marina View" rooms have balconies which are next to a moderately busy street, so expect a small amount of vehicle noise. Overall a decent stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayden

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean comfortable room, handy location
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and good value for money.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gemma, Weymouth

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashleigh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No sky sport in the rooms so couldn’t watch the all blacks game but still a great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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