Last updated July 2026
The Hundertwasser Art Centre at 81 Dent Street in Whangārei’s Town Basin is the last authentic building completed to designs by Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He conceived the project in 1993 while living near Kawakawa in Northland. The centre opened on 20 February 2022 and houses the largest collection of his original artworks outside Vienna alongside the Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
Practical Information
| Location | 81 Dent Street, Town Basin, Whangārei |
| Hours | 10am–4pm, 7 days (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday) |
| General admission | Adult $30; Senior (65+) $25; Child (5–17) $20 |
| NZ resident discount | Adult $25; Senior $20; Child $15 |
| Whangārei District resident discount | Adult $20; Senior $15; Child $10 (proof of address required) |
| Family pass | 2 adults + up to 3 children from $50 (district residents) to $80 |
| Guided tours | $20 + admission, Thursday–Sunday 11am–12pm |
| Audio guide | $7 (lifetime access on own device) |
| Ground floor entry | Free — shop and entry area only |
| Contact | 09 430 4230 or en*******@***********************co.nz |
About the Centre
The building features Hundertwasser’s signature style with curved lines, irregular surfaces, a grass-covered afforested roof planted with native New Zealand species, and ceramic mosaic columns. No two windows are the same. A ticket is required to enter the Hundertwasser Exhibition, the Wairau Māori Art Gallery and the afforested roof, while the ground-floor shop and entry area remain free.
The Hundertwasser in New Zealand 1973–2000 Exhibition displays 80 original works including paintings, prints, watercolours, tapestries, architectural models and photography spanning his career from the 1950s to 2000. This makes Whangārei the most significant Hundertwasser destination outside Austria.
The Wairau Māori Art Gallery occupies the ground floor and is the first dedicated public gallery for contemporary Māori art in Aotearoa. It is curated by professional Māori curators and presents rotating exhibitions that maintain a strong Māori curatorial voice. The name “Wairau” translates the artist’s surname as “one hundred waters.”
The afforested roof offers panoramic views across the Whangārei marina and Town Basin. Guided tours run Thursday to Sunday mornings and provide context on the architecture and collections. Visitors are advised to allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a self-paced visit.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers highlight the building’s distinctive architecture as a standout feature and praise the depth of the Hundertwasser exhibition. The Wairau Māori Art Gallery receives consistent mention for the quality of its exhibitions and curatorial approach, while the afforested roof is frequently noted for its views on clear days.
Visitors describe the centre as a highlight of any Whangārei trip, appreciating the combination of art, architecture and the living roof. Many recommend allowing extra time to explore at a relaxed pace and note the helpful staff and well-presented collections.
Where to Learn More
Hundertwasser Art Centre — Hours and Admission: official page with current prices, tour schedules, audio guide details and concession eligibility.
Hundertwasser Art Centre — Wikipedia: covers the design history, construction timeline, Hundertwasser’s Northland connection and the gallery’s founding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei?
It is the last authentic building completed to designs by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, housing 80 of his original artworks and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the first dedicated public gallery for contemporary Māori art. It opened on 20 February 2022.
How much does entry cost?
General admission is $30 for adults. Seniors (65+) pay $25 and children (5–17) pay $20. NZ residents and Whangārei District residents receive discounted rates with proof of address. Family passes are available.
What are the opening hours?
The centre is open 10am–4pm seven days a week and closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. The ground-floor shop is free to enter.
What is the Wairau Māori Art Gallery?
It is the first dedicated public gallery for contemporary Māori art in Aotearoa, located on the ground floor and curated by professional Māori curators. Exhibitions rotate while maintaining a Māori curatorial voice.
Can I visit the afforested roof?
Yes, access is included with a general admission ticket. The roof is planted with native species and offers views across the marina and Town Basin.
Are guided tours available?
Public guided tours run Thursday to Sunday at 11am–12pm for an additional $20 on top of admission. An audio guide is available for $7.
Why is the centre located in Whangārei?
Hundertwasser lived near Kawakawa in Northland for the last three decades of his life and designed the building in 1993. The project was completed posthumously after his death in 2000.
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