Last updated June 2026
The Hihiaua Cultural Centre occupies a converted boat shed on the Hihiaua Peninsula at 56–58 Herekino Street in Whangārei, beside the Hatea River. It opened in 2019 as a contemporary Māori arts and cultural hub — a space for exhibitions, wānanga, workshops, performances, and community events in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). The centre has hosted more than 40 wānanga and workshops per year alongside a programme of conferences and exhibitions. Stage 1 is fully operational while Stage 2 remains under development.
Practical Information
| Location | 56–58 Herekino Street, Whangārei (Hihiaua Peninsula, beside the Hatea River) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance |
| Stage 1 | Open — exhibitions, wānanga, workshops, events |
| Stage 2 | Under development — auditorium, performance stage, café/restaurant |
| Venue hire | Available for meetings, workshops, exhibitions and events |
| Gallery enquiries | 022 493 0251 |
| Venue hire enquiries | 022 438 1943 |
About the Centre
Stage 1 of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre includes dedicated spaces for a range of Māori artistic and cultural activity: a studio environment for artistic production, a Māori science and technology laboratory, the Te Wairua Toi Art Gallery exhibition and retail space, waka shelter and river launching facilities, a kitchen, a meeting room, and a canopy walkway deck connecting the two main buildings. The canopy provides a sheltered outdoor space for events and public engagement directly over the Hatea River.
The centre was designed by Moller Architects and has received recognition for its architecture and its role in creating an authentic contemporary Māori cultural precinct. The building repurposes the existing boat shed structure with additions that respond to the river setting and the cultural programme it houses. Access to the Hatea River for waka launching makes the centre operationally connected to water-based cultural practice in a way few venues in New Zealand are.
Stage 2, currently in development, will add an auditorium with an outdoor/indoor performance stage, a conference and events centre, additional exhibition and retail spaces, and a café/restaurant on site. A stone carving workshop is also planned. The expansion reflects the centre’s growth since opening — it has become one of the main venues for Māori cultural events in Northland.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the setting as a distinctive contemporary Māori arts space beside a Northland river. Reviewers note the quality of the gallery exhibitions and the sense of a genuinely active cultural space rather than a static display. The river location and waka facilities are highlighted as making the centre feel embedded in its cultural context.
Where to Learn More
Hihiaua Cultural Centre Trust: official site with current event listings, gallery information, venue hire details, and updates on Stage 2 development.
Eventfinda — Hihiaua Cultural Centre: upcoming events at the centre listed with dates, times, and booking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
A contemporary Māori arts and cultural centre on the Hihiaua Peninsula beside the Hatea River in Whangārei. It opened in 2019 and includes gallery space, wānanga rooms, waka facilities, and an event venue — with Stage 2 currently under development.
Where is the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
56–58 Herekino Street, Whangārei — on the Hihiaua Peninsula, beside the Hatea River.
What kind of events are held at Hihiaua?
The centre hosts a wide range of events including wānanga, cultural workshops, art exhibitions, conferences, performances, and community events. It has hosted more than 40 wānanga and workshops per year.
Is the Hihiaua Cultural Centre open to the public?
The gallery and event spaces are open to the public during operating hours and event programmes. Check the centre’s website or Eventfinda for current opening times and upcoming events.
What is Te Wairua Toi?
Te Wairua Toi is the art gallery within the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, presenting exhibitions by Māori artists in a contemporary context.
Is there parking at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
A wheelchair-accessible car park is available at the centre.
When will Stage 2 of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre be completed?
Stage 2 is currently under development. It will include an auditorium, outdoor/indoor performance stage, conference centre, café/restaurant, and stone carving workshop. Check the official website for updates on the timeline.
Who designed the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
The centre was designed by Moller Architects, with Stage 1 recognised for its architecture and integration with the river setting.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.