
Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery
A vibrant fusion of visionary art and contemporary Māori culture, housed in a building that's a masterpiece itself.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Special events and vibrant atmosphere

Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Best Time
Special events and vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant fusion of visionary art and contemporary Māori culture, housed in a building that's a masterpiece itself.
"Really enjoyable experience! So much to see and do the cafe was delicious!!"

🎨 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Artist's Lifelong Journey
Exhibition Spaces
Trace Hundertwasser's creative path through framed pieces and impressive building models.

Rooftop Garden View
Rooftop
Enjoy panoramic views of Whangarei and the port from this unique garden space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Curves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 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!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Browse the downstairs shop for unique souvenirs. Friendly staff make it a pleasant experience.
⏰ Allow an Hour
Plan for about an hour to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 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!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Browse the downstairs shop for unique souvenirs. Friendly staff make it a pleasant experience.
⏰ Allow an Hour
Plan for about an hour to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower.
🖼️ Art & Nature Fusion
Appreciate Hundertwasser's awareness of nature and water conservation.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The most common way to travel from Auckland to Whangarei is by car, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Bus services are also available.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission ticket is priced at $25, which is considered worthy of the experience by many visitors.
Tickets can likely be purchased at the door, but booking online in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to avoid queues.
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.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not explicitly mentioned, but it's worth inquiring directly with the venue.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot, especially for peak periods, can help manage visitor flow and ensure entry.
🎫 🧭 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.
Most visitors find that about one hour is sufficient to explore the house, rooftop garden, and watchtower.
The building's design intentionally avoids straight lines, featuring sloped floors and unique staircases. While disorienting for some, handrails are available.
Information on guided tours is not readily available, but the exhibition provides insights into the artist's life and work.
The Wairau Māori Art Gallery showcases contemporary Māori artists, offering a cultural counterpoint to Hundertwasser's work and highlighting local talent.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The restaurant offers fresh local produce, including seafood like Waiheke Island oysters.
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.
Typically, cafes within attractions are accessible to the public, but it's advisable to confirm this with the venue.
Reviews suggest the food and coffee are great, and the service is brilliant, implying good value for the experience.
📸 📸 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.
The exterior architecture itself is incredibly photogenic. The rooftop garden also offers great views for photography.
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.
For casual social media content, filming is usually permitted. However, professional filming or large productions may require permits.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Friedensreich Hundertwasser
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.
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.
Wairau Māori Art Gallery: A Cultural Counterpoint
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.
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.
Navigating the Unique Architecture
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit