Whangārei Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Whangarei Airport is in Onerahi, about 8 km (10 minutes by car) south-east of the city centre; there are no direct rail or urban bus links, so every transfer requires a taxi or a rental car. With few flights a day and no life built around the airport, the choice almost always comes down to Whangarei's town centre, a 10-15 minute walk from the river and the restaurants of the Town Basin; sleeping in Onerahi, near the terminal, only makes sense for a dawn flight or a very late arrival.

Onerahi, near the airport

Airport area · The Comfort Hotel Flames is about 1.2-1.4 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle to the airport.

Best for: Dawn flights or arrivals after 22:00, when it pays to stay close to the terminal.

Pros

Free shuttle to the terminal, useful for those arriving or departing without a car
Tropical gardens and views over Whangarei's harbour, a quieter stop than the centre

Cons

Onerahi is a residential suburb: for dinner you almost always stay at the hotel
For the centre and the Town Basin you still need about 10 minutes by car or taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

Comfort Hotel Flames Whangarei: About 1.2 km from the terminal, among tropical gardens on Whangarei's harbour; part of the Comfort Hotel chain by Choice Hotels, with a free airport shuttle, restaurant and outdoor pool.

See more hotels in this area →

Whangarei town centre

City centre · About 10 minutes by car or taxi from Onerahi Airport; there is no direct bus between the airport and the centre.

Best for: Those who want the Town Basin, the riverside restaurants and the centre's shops within walking distance.

Pros

Town Basin, with restaurants and the Hundertwasser Art Centre, within walking distance of the hotels in the area
A convenient base for day trips to Whangarei Falls and the Whangarei Heads coast too

Cons

Without a car, every trip to the airport or the beaches requires a taxi
Whangarei is a small city: the evening scene winds down early compared to New Zealand's larger cities

Recommended hotels in this area

Bella Vista Motel Whangarei: On Western Hills Drive, 1.3 km from the centre and a 5-10 minute walk from the Town Basin; 18 units with air conditioning and an espresso machine in the room.
Cheviot Park Motor Lodge: At 1 Cheviot Street, about 1 km from the centre; pool, private spa and units all on the ground floor with parking right at the door.

See more hotels in this area →