1,065 reviews
From
$1179 Riverside Drive, Whangarei, 0112, New Zealand
1,065 reviews
1/39
Restaurant
Indoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
Air conditioning
Bar
Welcome to the Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, your gateway to an unforgettable stay in the heart of New Zealand! Nestled just a kilometer from the bustling city center, this charming 4-star hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With rates starting from just $117, you can treat yourself to a getaway that won't break the bank, all while enjoying views of the beautiful river from your room.
Dive into a world of relaxation with fantastic amenities! Take a refreshing dip in the indoor swimming pool or invigorate your senses in the fully-equipped fitness center, both complimentary for all guests. Savor delicious meals at the hotel's restaurant, where breakfast is always included to start your day on the right note. Among the myriad of services, you'll find free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and even kids' meals – making it an ideal choice for families and solo travelers alike.
With over 1,160 glowing reviews, guests can't stop raving about their experiences at the Distinction Whangarei. You'll love the friendly 24-hour front desk service, ensuring your needs are always met, while the private parking and non-smoking rooms guarantee a relaxing stay. Whether you're here for a conference or a leisurely retreat, you'll find everything you need right at your fingertips, including meeting facilities available for an extra charge. Come and discover why the Distinction Whangarei is the perfect hotel for your next adventure!
As you venture into the Distinction Whangarei, prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure at the Portobello Restaurant. With a charm that embraces traditional vibes mixed with international flair, this onsite eatery serves delectable dishes that cater to every palate. Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet that fuels your adventures or wind down in the evening, indulging in exquisite meals that showcase local ingredients and influences from around the globe. Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a fine dining experience, Portobello ensures that every meal is a treat!
And that’s not all—the Distinction Whangarei is teeming with spaces to unwind and recharge. Dive into the indoor swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing swim regardless of the season. Designed with a shallow end, it’s perfect for families and individuals alike who want to splash around without a care in the world. When you’re not poolside, hit up the fitness center where you can break a sweat and glad your gym routine doesn't have to be neglected while traveling. Just imagine leisurely laps in that inviting pool followed by a satisfying workout—now that's the way to enjoy a holiday!
As your escapade at the Distinction Whangarei draws near, you'll want to unravel more of what Whangarei has to offer. Step out and explore the vibrant city center or embark on a scenic adventure to its stunning natural landscapes. With family-friendly accommodations and plenty of facilities that cater to both work and play, this hotel is more than just a place to lay your head; it’s a launchpad for memories waiting to be made! So charge your cameras and your spirits, because at the Distinction Whangarei, the warm hospitality is only rivaled by the delightful experiences that await outside its doors.
Closest airports
Whangarei Airport
3.8miKerikeri Airport
39.5miRestaurant
Indoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
Air conditioning
Bar
Parking On Site
24-hour front desk
Non-smoking rooms
River view
Kids' meals
Balcony
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Show 5 photos
Room With Marina View
1 King Size Bed
355 sqft
Flat-screen TV
x4
+
x3
More details
The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Show 5 photos
Superior, 2 Queen Size Beds
2 Queen Size Beds
235 sqft
Minibar
Wheelchair accessible
x4
+
x3
More details
Superior Twin Room is 237 square feet and includes 2 queen-size beds 150-154 width plus desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities , and ironing set and is Wheelchair-accessible.
Show 4 photos
Superior, King Size
1 King Size Bed
355 sqft
Minibar
Wheelchair accessible
+
More details
Superior King Hotel Room is 355 square feet and includes a king-size bed 150-183 width plus desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities , and ironing set and is Wheelchair-accessible.
Show 2 photos
Superior, King Size, Marina View
1 King Size Bed
355 sqft
Minibar
Wheelchair accessible
x4
+
x3
More details
Superior King Marina View is 355 square feet and includes a king-size bed 150-183 width plus desk, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities , and ironing set and is Wheelchair-accessible.
Show 5 photos
King Room, Marina View, Balcony
1 King Size Bed
Balcony
+
More details
Junior Suite
1 Queen Size Bed
x5
+
x3
More details
Junior Suite Standard
Show 5 photos
Superior, 2 Twin Beds
2 Twin Beds
x3
+
More details
Superior Twin Room
Room With View, Balcony
1 King Size Bed
355 sqft
Free wifi
Flat-screen TV
x10
+
x6
More details
Room With View
1 King Size Bed
+
More details
Views
Standard Room
1 King Size Bed
x4
+
x3
More details
Standard
Superior, Marina View, Balcony
Balcony
+
More details
Run of House
x10
+
x6
More details
Room Run Of House
7.4
1,065 reviewsCategories of assessments
Cleanliness
Comfort
Location
Facilities
Staff
Value for money
WiFi quality
Featured reviews:
Karen
8.2
August 2025
The room was very nice with two super comfortable queen size beds. Heat pump very effective. Good water pressure in shower, bathroom clean. Heated pool and spa were great. All staff were professional and friendly.
The facility is very tired. Our room was one of the renovated ones, but the hallway was run down and a bit stale. The common areas, such as the restaurant buffet area, could do with an upgrade, and while I appreciate that it is a big facility it could do with some attention to the outdoor areas which had several overgrown plants and many weeds in the stone areas. The pool and pool area would also benefit from a thorough cleaning. Also, the guest laundry was not somewhere I wanted to leave my clothes.
Toni
8.2
May 2025
Loved the up to date room. Was very comfortable. Staff were super helpful with any questions. Also the addition of spa, pool and gym was lovely. Amazing value. Really love the stay overall.
Didn’t mind anything to much but I guess Wish that there was a map on the website or one given when checking in. Could hear a lot of running around above our room and 1 of the dishes were dusty, over all though it was really clean. Toilet was a wee bit squishy to but honestly we weren’t super fussed by it
Clifton
8.2
August 2024
beds are comfy and rooms have a semi upgrade about them, some are quiet and some are not
my room had a dining table, the two chairs were unique, 1 was a comfortable dining chair, the other was a garden plastic chair, hardly what i would expect from the distinction brand Breakfast is expensive at $35.00 for the whole thing, however i wanted just a cooked breakfast and had to ask for a reduction which was given but that means the price is misleading. i wanted to purchase a bottle of wine at the bar and add this to my food bill but was told the bar is a separate company and could not do that
Dakota
9.1
January 2024
The rooms were nice and clean and the beds were quite comfy. Good location, only a short drive into the main shopping village and all it had to offer.
The staff were beyond nice. Particularly the lady who was manning the buffet breakfast during our stay at the receptionist with what I'm trying to recall after this time was black curly hair (I apologise if I've gotten this wrong), those two ladies were very hospitable and had a lovely energy about them. I will however point out that the young lady who was on the evening we checked in, had bit of an attitude, this was only forgiven as the other staff we encountered were so accommodating, possibly something that may need monitoring or further training on. Another note would be to maybe install another washer and dryer for the volume of rooms there are.
Anonymous
8.2
July 2025
The room decor was up to date and nice, the food was good in the restaurant and the location was a great, just a short walk to central town.
The down pipe outside the room was really loud in the rain, the lighting was either really bright or off in the room. Not many staff around though, they were sometimes hard to find but lovely to deal with.
Cathy
8.2
October 2023
Clean room, good to have a restaurant on site, nice friendly staff. Great location opposite a lovely location and close to town and the supermarket.
The only thing I didn't like about the Distinction was the rooms were not sound proofed. I got very little sleep over the four nights I stayed at the hotel. If you had your TV on and the room next door had their TV on you could hear everything from the other room, it was terrible. You could hear people on the phone talking, people talking at all hours of the night. I complained and the night staff told the people in the room to turn down their TV, at 3:30 am after listening to sport for hours! If there were rooms above you, I could also hear when people got up and walked around..
Kate
10
April 2025
Location was perfect, the cleaners were amazing and so friendly and polite and the beds were seriously the most comfortable ones I've slept on at a hotel.
The signs stated that the pool was heated and it wasn't. The rooms were not sound proof at all and we could hear our neighbours talking.
Joan
9.1
June 2024
- very large room with 2-3 seat couch and coffee table, and spacious ensuite with bath/jacuzzi and separate shower (booked room with riverside view) - location is superb, the town basin just across the road
- I wish the hotel will do away with individual mini containers of shampoo/conditioner/shower gel/ hand soap and go for the pump ones to minimise plastic usage
Doug
8.2
August 2025
The place has a very positive vibe, great location and the room was excellent, was not sure what to expect but was very happy with ,y stay and will stay again.
The corridor way out back where my room was has seen a lot of traffic, needs an update but did not detract from a fun stay
Bristow
8.2
August 2025
Rooms were clean and comfortable. Pleasantly surprised 😮
If I had to Nit Pic Toiletry Condiments could have been better, especially compared to the tea and coffee, excellent brands. Better shelter over the outdoor sitting area. Improved Changing room/Toilet to the pool and spa.
Attractions
Whangarei Falls
2.7miKauri Museum
29.2miAttractions
Whangarei Falls
2.7miKauri Museum
29.2miAirports
Whangarei Airport
3.8miKerikeri Airport
39.5miPortobello Restaurant
Cuisines
Ambiances
Location
Features
Availability
Restaurant
Indoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
Air conditioning
Bar
Parking On Site
24-hour front desk
Non-smoking rooms
River view
Kids' meals
Balcony
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Activities
Pool table
Bathroom
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Towels
Bedroom
Alarm clock
Linens
Wardrobe or closet
Business Facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Laundry
Food & Drink
Bar
Breakfast in the room
Kids' meals
Packed lunches
Restaurant
Wine/Champagne
Front Desk Services
24-hour front desk
Baggage storage
Concierge
General
Air conditioning
Carpeted
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Heating
Non-smoking rooms
Room service
Smoke-free property
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Electric kettle
Living Area
Sitting area
Sofa
Media & Technology
Flat-screen TV
Telephone
TV
Outdoors
Balcony
Outdoor furniture
Parking
Free Private Parking
Parking On Site
Room Amenities
Fan
Iron
Safety & security
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Safe
Smoke alarms
Services
Wake-up service
Spa
Fitness center
Indoor swimming pool
View
River view
From 14:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
From 07:00
Until 10:00
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
0 - 2 years
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
The maximum number of cribs, extra beds, and children allowed in existing beds can vary depending on the option booked.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
No capacity for extra beds.
Cash
Mastercard,
American Express,
Visa,
JCB,
Cash only,
Eftpos
This property accepts cash.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
For those planning to reside at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, the doors open for check-in at 02:00 PM and it's time to say goodbye by 10:00 AM.
Does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre come with parking?
Yes, there is free private on-site parking available at the Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre. No parking reservation is required.
What are the rates at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
For stays at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, prices generally start at $117. However, your final rate might differ due to room types and date selections. To know the exact cost, specify your dates.
What types of rooms does Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offer?
The Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre offers a variety of room types. These include the Marina View King with Balcony, Superior King Room, Junior Suite, Superior Twin Room, and Marina View King without Balcony. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms. The occupancy ranges from 2 adults with no children to 4 adults and 2 children. The bed sizes vary from King size to Queen size, with some rooms offering multiple beds.
How can guests spend their time at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
Guests at the Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre can spend their time enjoying a range of leisure amenities. They can start by taking a dip in the indoor swimming pool, which is available all year round. This pool also features a shallow end, making it suitable for guests of all ages. For those looking to relax, there is a hot tub or jacuzzi available.
If guests are in the mood for some physical activity, they can visit the fitness center to work out or grab some drinks at the bar afterwards. There is also a pool table for guests to enjoy some friendly competition.
When it's time to dine, guests can visit the on-site restaurant, Portobello Restaurant. It offers a traditional ambiance and serves a variety of international cuisines. Overall, guests at the hotel have several options to make their stay enjoyable and memorable.
Is there a swimming pool at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
The Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre has an indoor pool that is available all year round. The pool features a shallow end.
Is there an in-house restaurant at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
Yes, the Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre has a restaurant on site. The restaurant is called Portobello Restaurant and it offers traditional ambiances and serves international cuisine.
Can I use my credit card at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre?
Yes, you can use your credit card at Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre. They accept Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Visa. Additionally, they also accept payment in cash.
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