The Hundertwasser Art Centre at 81 Dent Street in Whangarei’s Town Basin is the last authentic building completed to designs by Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He first conceived it in 1993, during the final years of his life near Kawakawa in Northland — the same period he designed the famous Kawakawa public toilets. The building opened in February 2022 and houses 80 original Hundertwasser artworks — the largest collection of his work outside Vienna — alongside the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the world’s first gallery dedicated exclusively to contemporary Māori artists.
Practical Information
| Location | 81 Dent Street, Town Basin, Whangarei |
| Hours | 10am–4pm, 7 days (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday) |
| General admission | Adults $30 |
| Concessions | $20 (seniors 65+ or Whangārei District locals with proof of address) |
| Children under 15 | Free with a paying adult |
| Guided tours | Thursday–Sunday 11am–12pm, additional $20 per person |
| Audio guide | $7 (lifetime access, use on your own device) |
| Ground floor entry | Free — shop and entry area only |
| Contact | 09 430 4230 |
About the Centre
The building is unmistakably Hundertwasser — 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. The ground floor entry area and shop can be accessed for free; a ticket is required to enter the Hundertwasser Exhibition, the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, and the afforested roof.
The Hundertwasser Exhibition spans the full breadth of his artistic output — paintings, prints, watercolours, tapestries, architectural models, and photography covering his career from the 1950s through to his death in 2000. The collection of 80 original works makes Whangarei the most significant Hundertwasser destination outside Austria.
The Wairau Māori Art Gallery occupies the ground floor and takes its name from the Māori translation of “Hundertwasser” — wai (water) and rau (hundred), meaning “one hundred waters.” It is curated by professional Māori curators and presents contemporary Māori art in a dedicated permanent context — the first gallery of its kind in the world. Exhibitions rotate within the gallery, but the commitment to Māori curatorial voice is constant.
The afforested roof is worth the climb — views across the Whangarei marina and Town Basin, with the native planting creating a green, living surface. Guided tours run Thursday through Sunday mornings and include context on the building’s architecture and the works inside.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor reviewers describe the building itself as a highlight — many note it as the most architecturally distinctive space they’ve visited in New Zealand. The Hundertwasser exhibition is consistently praised for its depth and curation, and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery receives specific mention for the quality of its exhibitions and curatorial approach. The afforested roof is flagged as a standout for anyone visiting on a clear day.
Wikipedia notes the centre opened on 20 February 2022 with the inaugural exhibition Puhi Ariki, curated by Nigel Borell for the Wairau Māori Art Gallery. The building has since received a Gold Qualmark award — New Zealand’s top tourism quality and sustainability certification.
Where to Learn More
Hundertwasser Art Centre — Hours and Admission — the official page with current prices, guided tour schedules, audio guide details, and concession eligibility. Book tickets in advance during peak season.
Hundertwasser Art Centre — Wikipedia — covers the history of the building’s design and construction, Hundertwasser’s years in Northland, the Wairau Māori Art Gallery’s founding, and the inaugural exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei?
It’s the world’s last authentic building completed to designs by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, housing 80 of his original artworks and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery — the world’s first gallery dedicated to contemporary Māori artists. Located at Town Basin in Whangarei, it opened in 2022.
How much does entry to the Hundertwasser Art Centre cost?
General admission is $30 for adults. Concessions (seniors 65+ or Whangārei District locals) are $20. Children under 15 enter free with a paying adult. The ground floor shop and entry area are free to access.
What are the Hundertwasser Art Centre’s opening hours?
10am–4pm, seven days a week. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
What is the Wairau Māori Art Gallery?
The world’s first gallery dedicated exclusively to contemporary Māori artists, curated by professional Māori curators. Located on the ground floor of the Hundertwasser Art Centre, it takes its name from the Māori translation of “Hundertwasser” — meaning “one hundred waters.”
Can I visit the afforested roof?
Yes — included with a general admission ticket. Planted with native New Zealand species, it offers views across Whangarei marina and the Town Basin.
Are guided tours available?
Public guided tours run Thursday through Sunday, 11am–12pm, at an additional $20 per person on top of general admission. An audio guide is available for $7.
Why is the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei?
Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived near Kawakawa in Northland for the last three decades of his life and had a strong connection to the region. He designed the building in 1993 and was actively involved in its planning before his death in 2000. The project was completed posthumously and opened in 2022.
For more cultural attractions in Whangarei, see the Historical and Cultural Sites hub. The Whangārei Art Museum is a short walk along Dent Street and is free to enter.