The Hundertwasser Art Centre is located in the Whangarei Town Basin alongside the marina.
1 / 10

Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery

4.7
·826 reviews·Whangārei, New Zealand

A vibrant fusion of visionary art and contemporary Māori culture, housed in a building that's a masterpiece itself.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Holidays

Special events and vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
The Hundertwasser Art Centre is located in the Whangarei Town Basin alongside the marina.

Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery

Best Time

Weekends & Holidays

Special events and vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant fusion of visionary art and contemporary Māori culture, housed in a building that's a masterpiece itself.

4.7
(826 reviews)

"Really enjoyable experience! So much to see and do the cafe was delicious!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎨 Embrace the Curves

The building's unique design features sloped floors and winding stairs. Enjoy the artistic journey!

☕ Delicious Cafe Stop

Don't miss the cafe for great food, coffee, and brilliant service. Perfect for a break!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hundertwasser's Visionary Architecture

Hundertwasser's Visionary Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Explore a building that's a work of art itself, bursting with color and organic shapes. A true feast for the eyes!

Wairau Māori Art Gallery

Wairau Māori Art Gallery

Within the Centre

Discover contemporary Māori art alongside Hundertwasser's masterpieces. A vibrant cultural fusion.

Artist's Lifelong Journey

Artist's Lifelong Journey

Exhibition Spaces

Trace Hundertwasser's creative path through framed pieces and impressive building models.

Rooftop Garden View

Rooftop Garden View

Rooftop

Enjoy panoramic views of Whangarei and the port from this unique garden space.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While not always necessary, booking tickets online in advance can save time, especially during weekends and holidays. The opening date was February 20th, and bookings opened then, so check for any special events or exhibitions that might increase demand. TikTok

Embrace the Curves

Hundertwasser's designs famously avoid straight lines. Be prepared for unique architecture, including sloped floors and winding staircases. It's part of the immersive experience! Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
Special events and vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Opening date is 20th Feb. Bookings open now✌🏼 #nztravel #hundertwasser #northland #whangarei #hundertwasserartcentre #artcentre #nzmustdo #newnz
@escape.video
3.7K likes • 53.3K views

🎨 Embrace the Curves

The building's unique design features sloped floors and winding stairs. Enjoy the artistic journey! Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Stop

Don't miss the cafe for great food, coffee, and brilliant service. Perfect for a break! Reddit

Whangarei in Minecraft #NewZealand #NZ #Minecraft #kiwi #Northland #Kaitaia #KeriKeri #Whangarei #Auckland #South #north #Waikato #Southland #Wellington #city #town #village #art #docks #building #CBD #bigcity #BTE #BuildTheEarth #Hundertwasser #German #artist #design #cafe #shops #spending #money #online #offline #gaming #gamer #chair #PC #Xbox #Playstation #console #basment #project #council #pa...
@yondo76
2.6K likes • 35.2K views
Celebrate Labour Weekend at the Hundertwasser Art Centre ! Looking for something inspiring to do this long weekend? Bring your family and friends to the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei, open all Labour Weekend from 🕙 10 AM to 4 PM! Explore the world of visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for his bold, colorful designs and passion for nature. Wander through the Hundertwasse...
hundertwasserartcentre
70 likes • 928 views

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Browse the downstairs shop for unique souvenirs. Friendly staff make it a pleasant experience. Reddit

⏰ Allow an Hour

Plan for about an hour to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower. Reddit

Totara Grove Dreamer Kauri-Rose had a different perspective to her classmates and created a tiny treehouse during our Term 1 art programme at the @hundertwasserartcentre. It's so cool to see how each Dreamers put their own spin on their work. 👌 #HundertwasserArtCentre #inspiringdreams #IHaveADreamNZ #Whangārei #learning #DREAMTEAM
ihaveadreamnz
4 likes • 69 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎨 Embrace the Curves

The building's unique design features sloped floors and winding stairs. Enjoy the artistic journey! Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Stop

Don't miss the cafe for great food, coffee, and brilliant service. Perfect for a break! Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Browse the downstairs shop for unique souvenirs. Friendly staff make it a pleasant experience. Reddit

⏰ Allow an Hour

Plan for about an hour to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower. Reddit

🖼️ Art & Nature Fusion

Appreciate Hundertwasser's awareness of nature and water conservation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(826 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Hundertwasser Art Centre for its unique and colorful architecture, describing it as a 'dynamic journey' and a 'visual delight'. The combination with the Wairau Māori Art Gallery is highly appreciated, and the on-site cafe receives glowing reviews for its delicious food and excellent service. Some find the building's unconventional design a bit disorienting, but overall, it's considered a fulfilling and entertaining experience.

"Really enjoyable experience! So much to see and do the cafe was delicious!! We got food and coffees and they were great and brilliant service from the man in the restaurant and we bought some souvenirs in the shop down stairs from the lovely lady behind the counter too!"

Rosie Cousins

"The Gallery takes you on a Dynamic Journey through the artists lifelong journey creating art works, from framed pieces to magnificent buildings around the globe.🌎
The scale building models were impressive, in the ways they demonstrated the create talent of the artist.
Must visit
Worthy of the $25 door ticket
Very fulfilling and entertaining"

Kiwi Kiwi

"This house, designed by Hundertwasser, follows the roule to avoid straight lines. It's amazing to see how a house is built without any straight lines or any straight walls. It takes about one hour to visit the house and the roof top garden including the watch tower. There you have a nice view over Whangarei and the port."

Foxfire

What People Like

Unique and colorful architecture
Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Delicious cafe and service

What People Dislike

Disorienting design elements

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hundertwasser Art Centre is located in Whangarei's town basin. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options may also serve the town centre. Instagram

Yes, there are parking facilities available in Whangarei's town basin area, close to the Art Centre. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees. Instagram

If you are staying in Whangarei's CBD or town basin area, walking to the Art Centre is a pleasant option, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings. Instagram

The most common way to travel from Auckland to Whangarei is by car, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Bus services are also available. TikTok

While the unique architecture might present some challenges, the centre generally aims to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission ticket is priced at $25, which is considered worthy of the experience by many visitors. Reddit

Tickets can likely be purchased at the door, but booking online in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to avoid queues. TikTok

The Art Centre is open on weekends and holidays, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours. Instagram

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not explicitly mentioned, but it's worth inquiring directly with the venue. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking a time slot, especially for peak periods, can help manage visitor flow and ensure entry. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore Hundertwasser's art and architecture, discover contemporary Māori art at the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, and enjoy the rooftop garden with city views. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that about one hour is sufficient to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower. Reddit

The building's design intentionally avoids straight lines, featuring sloped floors and unique staircases. While disorienting for some, handrails are available. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not readily available, but the exhibition provides insights into the artist's life and work. Instagram

The Wairau Māori Art Gallery showcases contemporary Māori artists, offering a cultural counterpoint to Hundertwasser's work and highlighting local talent. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe and restaurant on-site that serves delicious food and coffee, with positive reviews for both the food and service. InstagramReddit

The restaurant offers fresh local produce, including seafood like Waiheke Island oysters. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's common for cafes and restaurants to offer a range of choices. It's best to inquire directly. Reddit

Typically, cafes within attractions are accessible to the public, but it's advisable to confirm this with the venue. Reddit

Reviews suggest the food and coffee are great, and the service is brilliant, implying good value for the experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas. Check for signage. Instagram

The exterior architecture itself is incredibly photogenic. The rooftop garden also offers great views for photography. InstagramReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around public attractions due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. TikTok

For casual social media content, filming is usually permitted. However, professional filming or large productions may require permits. TikTok

The building's unique, organic design, vibrant colors, and lack of straight lines create a visually striking and unusual aesthetic that's perfect for photography. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hundertwasser Art Centre is a fantastic place for families, offering a visually stimulating and engaging experience for children. The vibrant colors and unusual shapes of the architecture are sure to capture young imaginations. Instagram+1

While the unique design might be a bit disorienting for very young children, the playful nature of the building and the opportunity to explore different levels, including the rooftop garden, make it an adventure. The on-site cafe also provides a convenient spot for snacks and meals, ensuring a comfortable outing for everyone. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Hundertwasser Art Centre is a must-visit. You'll be captivated by the extensive collection showcasing Friedensreich Hundertwasser's distinctive artistic vision, from his paintings to his architectural models. InstagramReddit

The inclusion of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery adds another layer of artistic appreciation, offering a diverse range of contemporary Māori art. This dual focus provides a rich cultural and artistic experience, highlighting both international and local talent. Instagram

📸 Photographers

The Hundertwasser Art Centre is a photographer's dream, with its incredibly unique and colorful architecture providing endless opportunities for striking shots. The organic forms and vibrant facades are unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. InstagramReddit

Don't forget to capture the views from the rooftop garden and the intricate details within the exhibitions. The building itself is a masterpiece, making it a perfect subject for both amateur and professional photographers looking for distinctive imagery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian-born visual artist and architect, renowned for his distinctive style that rejected straight lines and embraced organic forms, vibrant colors, and integration with nature. His philosophy was deeply rooted in environmentalism and a critique of modern, sterile architecture. He believed that buildings should be more like living organisms, growing out of the landscape and reflecting the individuality of their inhabitants. InstagramReddit

His work often features undulating floors, mosaic-covered facades, and trees growing from within the structures. This approach aimed to create a more humane and harmonious living environment. The Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei is a testament to this philosophy, bringing his unique vision to life in New Zealand. Instagram

Visitors can explore the artist's lifelong journey through various exhibitions, including models of his iconic buildings around the globe. This provides a comprehensive understanding of his artistic evolution and his impact on architecture and art. Reddit

Wairau Māori Art Gallery: A Cultural Counterpoint

Complementing Hundertwasser's international art is the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, which celebrates contemporary Māori artists. This gallery provides a vital platform for indigenous artistic expression, showcasing diverse perspectives and traditional influences within a modern context. Instagram

The juxtaposition of Hundertwasser's bold, colorful designs with the rich cultural narratives of Māori art creates a unique and enriching experience for visitors. It highlights the vibrant artistic landscape of New Zealand and fosters an appreciation for both global and local artistic traditions. Instagram

This integration ensures that the centre is not just a monument to one artist but a dynamic hub for diverse artistic dialogue, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Aotearoa. Instagram

Navigating the Unique Architecture

Prepare to be enchanted by the building's unconventional design, a hallmark of Hundertwasser's work. The centre famously eschews straight lines, opting instead for flowing curves, sloped floors, and whimsical staircases. This creates an immersive and playful environment that challenges conventional architectural norms. Reddit

While the organic design is a visual delight, some visitors might find the uneven floors and winding paths a bit disorienting. However, the presence of ample handrails ensures safety and accessibility throughout the building. It's an experience that encourages you to slow down, observe, and appreciate the artistry in every detail. Reddit

This architectural approach is not just aesthetic; it reflects Hundertwasser's belief in creating spaces that are more in tune with nature and human well-being, offering a truly unique and memorable visit. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2