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

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service
  • Pool
The current price is NZ$208
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept

Explore the area

View 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

Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
  • 31 sq m
  • Marina view
  • 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
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Electric kettle
  • 31 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior King Room

1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior King Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Marina View King Room No Balcony

1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Marina View King Room No Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Junior Suite

1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Junior Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Twin Room

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

View all photos for Marina View King Room With Balcony

1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

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

  • ‪The QUAY - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Kfc - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Jovial Judge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Turkuaz Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Esquires - Whangarei - ‬9 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.

Languages

English

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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 25 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre on 31 Aug 2025 start from NZ$207.57, 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. 157 out of 546 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 222 out of 546 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 107 out of 546 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 546 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 546 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Venessa

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

Business traveller
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 traveller
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 traveller
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 traveller
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