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Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

3.0 star property
3-star hotel perfect for exploring Whangarei

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Courtyard
Front of property
Marina View King - Balcony | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Marina View King - No Balcony | Water view
Indoor pool

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a 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 | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Twin Room

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

View all photos for Marina View King - Balcony

Marina View King - Balcony | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Marina View King - Balcony

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

View all photos for Marina View King - No Balcony

Marina View King - No Balcony | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Marina View King - No Balcony

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

View all photos for Superior King Room

Superior King Room | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior King Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 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 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 Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

  • 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 With Balcony

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

Marina View King Room With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

About the neighborhood

Whangarei

Riverside stay.You'll be steps from Town Basin Marina and within a 10-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum with a stay at this Riverside hotel. Hundertwasser Art Centre and Whangarei Art Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).

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
  • Northland Event Centre - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Whangarei Quarry Gardens - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The QUAY - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Jovial Judge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Turkuaz Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Aqua Restaurant & Bar - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Astro Boy - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

3-star hotel perfect for exploring Whangarei
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers its guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. 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
  • Meeting 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 complimentary newspapers. 32-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

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

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

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

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

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

  • 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.

Property 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: 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 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, 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 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, 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. 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 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

How close is Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre to the airport?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is 4.4 mi (8-min drive) away from the Whangarei (WRE) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Sep 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre on Sep 19, 2025 start from $96.49, 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.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 35.00 per person. It's available every day from 7 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

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

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

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

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a pool?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre features an indoor pool.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre to downtown Whangarei?

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre is 0.2 mi away from Whangarei.

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 548 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 222 out of 548 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 108 out of 548 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 548 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 548 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

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

8/10 Good

Anne

Business traveler
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

Traveled 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

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

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