Hundertwasser Art Centre Whangarei: Largest Collection
Walk through the world's largest Hundertwasser collection outside Vienna and climb to the cupola for 360 views of Whangarei.
The Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei is a self-guided or guided museum visit featuring the largest collection of Friedensreich Hundertwasser's original paintings, graphic art and hand-knotted rugs outside Vienna, plus the Wairau Māori Art Gallery and an award-winning Afforested Roof with a golden cupola. Admission includes all-day access to the exhibitions, film theatre and onsite café. Guided tours (1 hour, available Thursday–Sunday) are an additional charge and tell the story of Hundertwasser's life, his ecological practices and his connection to New Zealand.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Hundertwasser Art Centre
- Enter Hundertwasser Art Centre
- View Hundertwasser artworks exhibition
- Explore Wairau Māori Art Gallery
- Walk on Afforested Roof and cupola
- Watch documentaries in film theatre
- Shop at MuseumShop
- Enjoy meal at Café-Restaurant
- Optionally join guided tour
What’s included
- Full-day admission to all galleries and spaces.
- access to the Afforested Roof and cupola.
- the film theatre.
- the MuseumShop.
- and the onsite Café-Restaurant (food and drink purchased separately).
- guided tour available Thursday–Sunday for an additional fee.
Times
- Monday to Wednesday 13:00
- Thursday to Sunday 11:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Hundertwasser Art Centre
Prices and times updated 13 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Admission gives you the run of the building for as long as you want. The core draw is the Hundertwasser in New Zealand 1973–2000 exhibition (the largest collection of his work anywhere outside Vienna) displayed across multiple spaces with original paintings, graphic art and hand-knotted rugs. You'll also see living examples of his ecological practices woven into the building itself, from the award-winning Afforested Roof planted with native trees to the golden cupola at the top, where you can stand and take in 360-degree views of Whangarei and the Hātea River below.
The Wairau Māori Art Gallery occupies its own space inside the centre (the world's first dedicated public gallery for contemporary Māori artists) with rotating exhibitions exploring indigenous themes and histories. A small film theatre runs documentaries on loop, and the MuseumShop stocks Hundertwasser's applied art, objects and gifts alongside Wairau merchandise. If you want to eat, the onsite Café-Restaurant overlooks the marina and serves brunch, lunch and dinner.
You can wander on your own or book a 1-hour guided tour (Thursday–Sunday only, separate from admission) to hear the full story of Hundertwasser's life, his commitment to living in harmony with nature and why he matters to New Zealand. The guide is in English and the tour adds depth if you want context for what you're looking at, but it's not required: many visitors come just for the art and the views.
Is this one for you?Choose admission alone if you prefer to wander at your own pace and soak in the art and the views without narration. Add the guided tour (Thursday–Sunday) if you want the full story of Hundertwasser's life, his ecological philosophy and why his work resonates in New Zealand. The guide brings context that deepens what you're seeing.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What's the largest Hundertwasser collection outside Vienna, and where is it?
The Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei holds the largest collection of Friedensreich Hundertwasser's original works outside Vienna, including paintings, graphic art and hand-knotted rugs displayed across the Hundertwasser in New Zealand 1973–2000 exhibition.
Can I take a guided tour, and when are they available?
Guided tours run Thursday–Sunday and last 1 hour. They're an additional charge on top of admission and tell the story of Hundertwasser's life, his ecological vision and his connection to New Zealand. Self-guided visits are always an option.
What else is inside the art centre besides Hundertwasser's work?
The Wairau Māori Art Gallery features contemporary Māori artists exploring indigenous themes, a film theatre runs documentaries, and the onsite Café-Restaurant serves meals overlooking the marina. The MuseumShop sells Hundertwasser applied art and gifts.
Is there a viewpoint in the building?
The award-winning Afforested Roof is planted with native trees and topped with a golden cupola where you can stand and see 360-degree views of Whangarei and the Hātea River.
How long should I plan to spend at the art centre?
Admission includes all-day access, so you can stay as long as you like. A self-guided visit typically takes 1–2 hours. If you add the guided tour, plan for an extra hour on top of that.
Hundertwasser Art Centre Whangarei: Largest Collection
1h–3h · EN
from NZ$ 30 per person
≈ US$ 17 in your currency
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