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Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Photo gallery for Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Courtyard
Marina View King - No Balcony | Water view
Indoor pool
Marina View King - Balcony
Front of property

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Bar
The current price is NZ$197
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Marina View King - Balcony

Marina View King - Balcony

Marina View King - Balcony

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • 31 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
Iron/ironing board
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior King Room

Superior King Room

Superior King Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
Iron/ironing board
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View King - No Balcony

Marina View King - No Balcony

Marina View King - No Balcony

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
  • 31 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior King Room

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior King Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Twin Room

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

View all photos for Marina View King Room No Balcony

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Marina View King Room No Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Marina View King Room With Balcony

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Marina View King Room With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

About the area

Whangarei

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre puts you in the heart of Whangarei, steps from Town Basin Marina and within a 10-minute stroll of Claphams Clock Museum. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Enjoy the gym and Hot tub. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 7 AM and 9:30 AM. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 3-property class Riverside hotel include Hundertwasser Art Centre and Whangarei Art Museum.

What's nearby

  • Town Basin Marina - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Whangarei Art Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Claphams National Clock Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Northland Event Centre - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Whangarei Quarry Gardens - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The QUAY - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Turkuaz Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Jovial Judge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Noodle Canteen - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Waterfront hotel with fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers its guests an indoor pool, Access to hot tub, and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

The business-friendly Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre also features tour/ticket assistance, a garden, and concierge services. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Whangarei hotel is smoke free.

  • 115 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers 115 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and free newspapers. 32-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Whangarei hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7 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 lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

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 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from 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 per cent

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

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. 

National rating

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

What is the cancellation policy at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 9 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre on 24 Oct 2025 start from NZ$197.14, including 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.

Is parking available at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yep, Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

The closest beach to Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is Parauwanui Beach (17.4 km).

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a pool?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre has an indoor pool.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre serve breakfast?

Yep, buffet brekkie is offered daily from 7 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

No, Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 558 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 224 out of 558 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 558 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 558 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 558 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

Tania

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Dean

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

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

4/10 Poor

Simon

Business traveller
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 traveller

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 traveller
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 traveller
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

8/10 Good

Anne

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Handy to town centre. Friendly staff. Great parking
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

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

Handy location in Whangarei

Very happy with our choice to stay at The Distinction. An older property but the benefit of that is spacious rooms. A bonus was a spa bath and separate shower in a large bathroom. Great to have the balcony overlooking the Marina. Friendly staff. Free parking. Very happy
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Marissa

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Andrea

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The room was nice, clean, bed comfy, tap in bathroom leaked, hallways spelt like smelly feet. Lady at front desk very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Maneesh

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Avg.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Natasha

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Tainui

Travelled with partner
Nice room but thin walls and small shower for a superior room
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Business traveller
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 traveller

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