Know Before You Go

We suggest you arrive at the theatre 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. This will allow you plenty of time to relax, visit the bar or bathrooms, and find your seat. 

Venue foyers and theatre bars are generally open 60 minutes before a performance is scheduled to begin. 

To plan your trip to a venue via public transport you can use Auckland Transport’s journey planner. 

If you’re driving to the venue, you can find more info on your parking options here.

The majority of performances and events at Auckland Live venues have a strict latecomers' policy (also referred to as lockout/delayed admittance policy) to ensure that the performance isn’t disturbed or for safety reasons. 

If you are running late, you will be admitted at the first suitable break in the performance, as determined by the promoter of the event or performing arts company. In some cases, the first suitable break may be the interval. 

Our staff on the night will do all they can to ensure you are able to enter the performance as soon as possible.

You may be able to leave your coat, bag and/or umbrella at the venue coat check. 

Coat check is available on an event-by-event basis at the Aotea Centre (at Stalls level on the ground floor), The Civic, Auckland Town Hall and the Bruce Mason Centre. To see if coat check is available, ask any of our front of house staff upon arrival at the venue.  

In most theatre performances you aren’t permitted to take photos during the show. You’re welcome to take photos in the foyer or in the auditorium before the show or during interval. 

If you are seen taking photos when it isn’t permitted, you will be asked to stop. 

For some performances, promoters are happy for you to take photos. The audience will advised of this prior to the event, or there will be signs by the auditorium entrances. Please do not use flash or block other peoples’ views of the stage with your camera or phone. 

For professional quality cameras, a media pass is generally required – photographers can apply for these via the promoter of the show. 

We ask that you turn your mobile phone off during performances. 

Switching a phone to silent may eliminate noise, but the light or vibrations from your phone are likely to be a distraction to other audience members. 

Door and seat numbers are printed on your ticket. Ushers will help you to your seat. 

No hot food or drinks are allowed inside the theatre. A range of cold beverages and snacks are available at the venue and these can be taken into the theatre.

Snacks and drinks can be purchased at the venue before the show. 

For other options and more information about restaurants nearby check out our Eating and Drinking page.