About 470 New North Road
470 New North Road is the public address of The Kingslander , a sports pub, restaurant and live-entertainment venue in Kingsland. Its upstairs function and performance space is called Nectar Bar . The venue remains open and trading, generally from noon until late from Tuesday to Sunday. It is particularly notable for combining a neighbourhood pub, an Eden Park pre-match gathering place and a small independent performance venue in one historic building.
The building is part of the former A.W. Page grain and forage complex at 468–472 New North Road. Page established a grocery and post office in Kingsland in 1885, later developing a major grain and merchandise business that employed more than 30 people. The grain store is a Category 2 historic place and has been on New Zealand’s heritage list since 26 November 1981.
The Kingslander opened in 2005, shortly before that year’s British and Irish Lions tour. A major refurbishment followed before the 2011 Rugby World Cup, including conversion of the building’s loft into Nectar Bar. That upstairs addition broadened the venue beyond sport, allowing it to host gigs, film screenings, launches, fundraisers, meetings and private celebrations while retaining the building’s warehouse origins.
Events and Programming
The downstairs pub’s regular programme includes a Tuesday quiz, Wednesday salsa, Thursday open mic, local bands on Friday and Saturday, and major combat-sport screenings on Sunday. Rugby, rugby league, cricket, boxing and UFC events are shown on large screens, with the atmosphere becoming especially busy before and after fixtures at nearby Eden Park.
Programming from 2021 to 2025 demonstrated the building’s versatility. It hosted international short-film selections, electronic and house-music parties, psytrance events, Art Battle live-painting competitions, community association nights, alumni talks, business meetings and private DJ functions. The annual Kingsland business district meeting has also repeatedly used Nectar, reinforcing its role as a community room as well as a nightlife venue.
In March 2026, Creative Jazz Club Aotearoa relaunched its Auckland programme at Nectar. Its Wednesday concerts typically present original contemporary jazz, tributes, emerging musicians and ensembles from Tāmaki Makaurau, Pōneke, Australia and further overseas. Standard 2026 prices have generally been around NZ$40 for general admission, with lower prices for members, students, unwaged patrons, working musicians and accompanied school-age visitors. More expensive international projects can reach about NZ$50. The organisation has confirmed support for both its 2026 and 2027 seasons, although a complete 2027 calendar has not yet been announced.
Tickets and Booking
Most weekly pub entertainment is free or inexpensive: the quiz and open mic are normally free, while salsa has commonly charged about NZ$10 for the lesson. Friday and Saturday bands are often presented without a separate concert ticket. Jazz concerts, touring artists and promoter-run club nights are ticketed individually. Historic special-event prices have ranged from roughly NZ$20 for local electronic nights to NZ$40–$50 for curated concerts.
There is no conventional daily theatre box office. Buy through the authorised checkout attached to the event announcement, or use door sales when the organiser confirms they are available. Because Nectar holds only 150 people, booking early is sensible for visiting artists, album launches and seated jazz performances. Table reservations are recommended for major sports screenings and Eden Park event days.
Seating and Layout
Nectar is an approximately 200-square-metre upstairs space with a published maximum capacity of 150. It is divided into three principal zones: the bar area, a raised lounge and a sheltered outdoor rooftop courtyard. The arrangement is flexible rather than theatrical, accommodating standing gigs, dancefloors, rows or clusters of chairs, cocktail functions and presentations. No official fixed seated capacity or room dimensions have been published.
For concerts, the clearest close-up experience is normally on the floor directly facing the performance area. The raised lounge can provide a more relaxed, slightly elevated perspective, although furniture and sightlines change between events. CJC performances usually mix seated and standing admission, so patrons who need a chair should arrive near doors. The sheltered courtyard is best treated as a social and refreshment area rather than a guaranteed performance viewpoint.
The downstairs Kingslander has informal pub seating, leaners, pool tables, darts and multiple screens. There are no permanent VIP boxes or numbered theatre seats. For sport, reserve a table facing the principal screen; for bands, choose the dancefloor edge if you want energy without standing directly in front of the speakers.
Production and Technical Facilities
Nectar’s published hire inclusions are a projector, a microphone for speeches, bar staff and door security, with clients permitted to bring a DJ or band. The weekly open mic supplies a PA, microphones and cables. Commercial listings also identify a sound system, lighting and Wi-Fi, but the venue does not publish a detailed technical rider covering console models, speaker brands, lighting fixtures, electrical loads, rigging or backline. Touring productions should therefore confirm their requirements before load-in rather than assuming a full concert package.
Getting There and Parking
The venue is at 470 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021 . Kingsland Station is approximately one minute away on foot: leave towards New North Road and follow the village frontage to The Kingslander. The station has lifts, tactile platform markings and wheelchair access, although its access ramps are steep enough that some wheelchair users may require assistance.
Frequent buses serving Kingsland include routes 20, 22N, 22R, 24B, 24R and 64, connecting the neighbourhood with the city centre, St Lukes, New Lynn, Avondale, Sandringham and Newmarket. Services and train patterns can change during rail works or major events, so allow extra time. Late-night buses also operate along the New North Road corridor, but frequencies reduce after normal evening hours.
The venue does not advertise private visitor parking. Street spaces are limited, New North Road includes clearway restrictions, and Eden Park events can trigger resident-only parking zones and temporary road closures. A nearby paid car park at 4 Kingsland Terrace publishes casual rates beginning around NZ$4, with maximum charges commonly between NZ$7 and NZ$16 and an event rate around NZ$25. Always follow the rate board and temporary street signs applying when you arrive.
Inside the Venue
Enter through The Kingslander; Nectar is upstairs. The ground floor feels like a traditional Kiwi sports pub, with large screens, a full bar, casual dining, pool and darts. Upstairs is more self-contained, with its own bar, lounge and courtyard. Private hires receive bar staff and door security, while ticketed promoters may add ID or bag checks.
The kitchen serves pub-oriented food suited to sharing before a show, including burgers, pizzas, steaks, fish and chips, ribs and platters. Current food specials commonly sit around NZ$20–$30 for an individual meal, although event-day menus and function catering differ. CJC advises patrons that the full downstairs menu is available before its concerts. Bars offer beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and non-alcoholic choices.
There is no permanently advertised merchandise counter or coat check. Merchandise may be sold from a temporary table for individual artists. Keep valuables with you, bring a light layer for the rooftop courtyard and expect the indoor rooms to become warm and loud when full.
Nearby Amenities
Kingsland’s compact dining strip makes pre-show planning easy. Kingsland Social and Taiko are almost next door, while Jaan offers Turkish food further along New North Road. Groove and Full Time provide alternative bars within a short walk. The closest established accommodation is the motel on Sandringham Road near Eden Park; broader hotel choices are available in central Auckland, reachable by train, bus or a short rideshare journey.
Allow 60–90 minutes for a meal on an ordinary evening and considerably longer when Eden Park is hosting rugby, cricket or a concert. Kitchens, footpaths and transport fill quickly on those nights. If staying after the final train, plan a night bus, taxi or rideshare before the show finishes.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Kingslander’s character comes from contrasts: a heritage grain store beside a modern rail station, serious contemporary jazz above a noisy sports pub, and intimate community functions within walking distance of New Zealand’s national stadium. It is neither a formal concert hall nor a generic nightclub. Its flexible rooms allow emerging musicians, community organisations and independent promoters to work at a human scale.
No public study isolates the venue’s economic impact, but its practical influence is visible. It draws Eden Park crowds into Kingsland businesses, employs hospitality and security staff, supports local bands through regular paid performance opportunities, hosts the district business association and now provides a home for a publicly supported jazz programme extending into 2027.
Visitor Tips and Information
The ground-floor pub is listed as wheelchair accessible, but official venue material does not clearly describe the step-free route, lift availability or accessible toilet provision for upstairs Nectar. Visitors requiring access to the upper floor should confirm the exact arrangement for their event. The American ADA standard does not apply in New Zealand, and the venue does not publish information about hearing loops, captioning, sensory sessions or sign-language interpretation.
Age rules depend on the programme. Late-night club events may be R18, while CJC allows under-18s with a parent or legal guardian and offers a reduced school-age price. Carry valid photo identification if you may purchase alcohol. Dress is relaxed: jeans, casual shirts and team jerseys are normal. There is no universal published bag-size or professional-camera policy, so promoter conditions govern ticketed events. ticketfairy.com
For a major match, arrive well before the pre-game rush or reserve a table. For jazz, being present when doors open improves your choice of chair. For open mic, musicians should register early and bring their own instruments even though basic PA equipment is supplied. Do not rely on parking directly outside, and check temporary signs before leaving a vehicle anywhere near Eden Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 470 New North Road the same place as The Kingslander?
Yes. 470 New North Road is the venue’s commonly published street address. The ground-floor business is The Kingslander, while Nectar Bar is its upstairs performance and function space. Some heritage, licensing and event records use the broader property address 468–472 New North Road or list Nectar as 472. These references describe the same historic building complex.
Is The Kingslander still open in 2026?
Yes. As of August 2026, The Kingslander remains open and actively trading, with weekly quizzes, salsa, open mic sessions, live bands and sports screenings. Its published standard hours are Tuesday to Sunday from noon until late, with Monday normally closed. Hours may be extended, shortened or otherwise altered for public holidays and special events.
What is the capacity of Nectar Bar?
The official maximum published capacity is 150 people. This figure applies to the flexible upstairs Nectar function venue rather than a fixed-seat auditorium. The comfortable capacity may be lower when an event uses extensive seating, musical equipment, a large stage area or catering stations. Event organisers determine the final layout within occupancy and safety requirements.
Does Nectar have numbered or reserved seats?
No permanent numbered seating plan is published. Nectar is a flexible general-admission room that can be arranged for standing gigs, dance events, presentations or partially seated concerts. Some jazz performances sell seated and standing allocations, but seats are usually selected on arrival rather than assigned by row and number. Arrive at doors if a particular position is important.
How early should I arrive before an Eden Park event?
For a major rugby match, cricket fixture or stadium concert, arriving two or more hours before the event is sensible if you want food and a good table. The Kingslander is one of the closest prominent pubs to the stadium and fills quickly. Leaving immediately after a match can also involve queues, crowded footpaths and temporary traffic controls.
How much do concerts at Nectar usually cost?
Prices depend on the promoter. Free weekly bands and open mic performances sit at one end of the range, while local dance parties have historically cost around NZ$20. Curated 2026 jazz concerts generally cost about NZ$40 for adults, with concessions around NZ$10–$30. International or larger ensemble projects can be approximately NZ$50 before booking charges. ticketfairy.com
Can I buy concert tickets at the door?
Door sales are commonly offered for CJC jazz concerts when advance tickets have not sold out, with cash and EFTPOS previously accepted. Other promoters may operate card-only entry or advance sales. Because the room holds only 150 people, never assume tickets will remain available. Check the conditions in the event announcement and arrive before performance time.
What time do CJC jazz concerts normally run?
The standard 2026 format has doors at approximately 7.30pm, music from 8pm until 10pm and an intermission between sets. This makes it practical to eat downstairs before going up to Nectar. Workshops, visiting-artist specials and performances held at other venues can use different hours, so treat this as the usual Wednesday arrangement rather than a universal rule.
Which train station is closest?
Kingsland Station is the closest and is approximately a one-minute walk from the pub. The station has lifts, passenger information screens, tactile platform markings and wheelchair access. Auckland Transport cautions that its access ramps are steep, so some wheelchair users may need assistance. Train routes and platform patterns can change during engineering work or network transitions.
Which buses stop near The Kingslander?
Frequent routes serving Kingsland and the surrounding New North Road and Sandringham Road corridors include the 20, 22N, 22R, 24B, 24R and 64. These provide connections with the city centre, St Lukes, Avondale, New Lynn, Sandringham and Newmarket. Stop locations differ by direction, but several are within a few minutes’ walk of the venue.
Is there parking at 470 New North Road?
No dedicated patron car park is advertised. Limited street parking and a commercial car park at 4 Kingsland Terrace are nearby. Published commercial rates range from about NZ$4 for short casual stays to NZ$16 for longer weekend parking, with event pricing around NZ$25. Eden Park restrictions can remove otherwise legal street spaces, so public transport is generally easier.
Is Nectar Bar wheelchair accessible?
The ground-floor Kingslander is identified as wheelchair accessible by current restaurant listings. However, Nectar is upstairs and the venue’s official function information does not specify whether every event has reliable lift access or an accessible toilet on that level. Guests who cannot use stairs should confirm the exact route and facilities before purchasing a ticket or accepting a function invitation.
Are children and teenagers allowed?
There is no single age rule covering every programme. CJC explicitly permits under-18s when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and offers a school-age concession. Late-night electronic parties may be restricted to people aged 18 and over. Early dining and some sports screenings are more family-oriented, but minors must not purchase or consume alcohol.
Can I eat before an upstairs performance?
Yes. The downstairs kitchen provides a full pub menu, and CJC specifically advises that food is available before its concerts. Arrive early enough to order and finish without missing the first set, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays or Eden Park event days. Private functions can arrange platters or buffet catering, while outside food generally requires prior approval.
Does the venue have a bag or photography policy?
No permanent public policy specifies a maximum bag size or universal camera restriction. Ordinary small bags and phone photography are typical of a pub venue, but ticketed promoters may introduce searches, flash restrictions or professional-camera rules. Travel light, keep aisles clear and follow instructions from performers, security and event staff. Never bring outside alcohol into the licensed premises.
What equipment is included with private hire?
Nectar hire includes a projector for visual material, a microphone suitable for speeches, bar staff and door security. Organisers may bring a DJ or band and can decorate the venue by arrangement. A basic sound system is listed, but detailed mixing, lighting, backline and staging specifications are not published. Production-heavy events should establish exactly what must be hired separately.
Is the rooftop courtyard usable in bad weather?
The upstairs outdoor area is described as sheltered rather than fully enclosed. It remains useful for fresh air and conversation in light rain, but wind and winter temperatures can make it less comfortable than the lounge. The principal event continues indoors, so weather rarely cancels a performance. Bring a jacket if the courtyard forms an important part of your evening.
What is the best way home after a late show?
Kingsland Station is easiest while trains are operating. Late-night buses serve the New North Road corridor, although services become less frequent later in the evening. For events ending after public transport has reduced, arrange a taxi or rideshare and expect pick-up delays after an Eden Park crowd disperses. Avoid waiting in a traffic lane or signed New North Road clearway.
