About Mount Park
“Mount Park” is the local nickname for Tauranga’s Mercury Baypark events complex. Baypark is a multi-purpose venue at 81 Truman Lane in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty www.ticketfairy.com . The stadium (once Trustpower/ASB Baypark) seats about 19,800 people and hosts speedway, rugby union (Bay of Plenty Steamers home games) and large outdoor concerts. Adjacent to it is the Mercury Arena – an indoor stadium with fixed and retractable seating (about 4,400–6,000 capacity depending on the configuration) www.ticketfairy.com . The entire site also includes exhibition halls, a running track and training fields. Originally opened in 2001, Mercury Baypark is owned by Tauranga City Council and managed by Bay Venues . It’s uniquely sited at the foot of Mauao (Mount Maunganui), with ocean breezes and a backdrop of the iconic volcanic cone. This gives the venue a distinctive coastline ambience – one of the largest event spaces in the South Pacific with city, harbour and beach views . In practical terms, “Mount Park” matters because it’s the Bay of Plenty’s premier events hub: sports matches, rock concerts, festivals, exhibitions and community gatherings all happen here.
Events and Programming
Mercury Baypark sees a diverse mix of events year-round. In the stadium you’ll find motorsport (dirt-track speedway and jetsprint boat racing in summer), Kiwi rugby (Bay of Plenty NPC/mitre10 cup games), and occasional high school shows or large festivals on the grass. Big outdoor concerts and festivals – from rock bands to themed music events – are often staged with portable stages and lighting rigs on the field. The arena and indoor halls host national and international concerts, comedy shows, trade fairs and sporting fixtures. Past performers at Baypark’s indoor arena include Bryan Adams, The Beach Boys, 10cc and Maori showband acts . The venue also hosts family-friendly shows (ice skating, circus, dance competitions), community events (like Tauranga Boat Show or school gala expos), and even corporate conferences or eSports tournaments using its 4,500 m² TECT Auditorium and 2,349 m² Lion Foundation Centre exhibition spaces . Seasonally, expect rugby or netball matches (the Waikato Bay of Plenty “Magic” netball team plays home games here), indoor basketball or volleyball tournaments, and the occasional food/drink festival. For example, the Baypark has hosted annual music festivals (Bay Dreams New Year festival in past), outdoor markets, and concerts by local bands. There are often a few hundred events a year, ranging from free community gatherings to large-ticket concerts. Ticket prices vary wildly – from under $20 for community shows up to $100+ for headline concerts – depending on the event’s scale and seating category.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Mount Park events are generally sold through official vendors or the Baypark box office. Live concert and festival tickets go on sale via national ticketing outlets or the event promoter’s site, typically months in advance. For popular shows (concert headliners or major sports finals), look out for pre-sales or fan club offers and be ready on the public sale date. Many events now sell on sites like Ticketmaster or Flicket (be careful of scams – buy only from authorized sellers). The Mercury Baypark box office (next to the main arena) is sometimes open during big events for last-minute purchases or will-call pickup. Prices follow a tiered structure: lower-level seats and standing (general admission) are cheapest, premium floor or club areas cost more, and VIP/Suite packages come at a premium. Occasionally there are day-of-show door sales if the event isn’t sold out – especially for sports matches. Group and corporate packages are sometimes available (e.g. discounted group tickets or hospitality suites via Bay Venues). For really high-demand concerts, local radio stations or Facebook fan groups often run presales. In short, plan ahead: sign up for artist or Bay Venues newsletters, check Mercury Baypark’s official site or local event listings, and have your payment ready when tickets drop. Box office opening hours vary by event – typically around event days only – so buy early online to avoid sold-out warnings.
Seating and Layout
The Mercury Baypark site actually consists of multiple arenas. Indoors, the largest space is the Lion Foundation Centre inside Mercury Arena: a sprung-floored exhibition hall with retractable grandstands. This hall can be set up variously – seating up to about 4,400 people for a concert or netball game . It features a recessed stage end, built-in lighting ladders, two large video screens, and engineered acoustics designed for high-quality audio-visual shows . For indoor events, best seats are usually center-floor or first few rows of side stands, where sightlines and sound are optimal. The side “corporate” boxes (arena club lounges) offer a lounge-view option behind VIP barriers. Outdoors, the Baypark Stadium has a large open bowl with concrete grandstands on all sides and standing room or temporary seating on the infield. For concerts here, stages are usually placed at one end of the field. The closest seats (front-row stands and general admission on the turf) give the most immersive experience, but any seat along the lower aisles (Tier 1 and 2 stands) has a good side-on or straight-on view. Upper-tier seats (Tier 3) are more distant and so farther from stage sound – some fans avoid corner sections behind the stage where sound muffling or obstructed views can occur. The stadium bowl offers clear lines of sight from almost anywhere (being relatively bowl-shaped), but keep in mind it’s an outdoor space: noise can drift. In either venue there are no “bad” seats per se, but personal preference (vision vs proximity) should guide your choice. Watch out for brief overlaps: at stadium concerts the seats in front of the stage occasionally have no roof cover, so a poncho or hat is wise. Acoustics at the arena are more controlled; at open-air gigs you might feel a breeze or hear echoes, which is part of the live vibe.
Getting There and Parking
Mount Park (Mercury Baypark) sits at the end of Truman Lane off State Highway 2 in Mount Maunganui. It’s well-signposted from major junctions (Sandhurst Drive/SH2 near Bayfair). By car, approaches from Tauranga city (just west) or Mount Maunganui (south) lead along State Highway 2, exiting at Sandhurst Drive then heading north to Truman Lane (see maps for directions). The main venue entrances (Gate 1) are on Truman Lane at the south edge of the campus . Parking at Baypark is ample and free on-site for most events . There are multiple large car parks and overflow lots – including a dedicated 22,000 m² asphalt area – all used first-come, first-served . For very large events (break-5,000 attendance), traffic marshals may redirect cars and implement special traffic plans; event announcements include advice on which lots open or closed. Occasional local construction (Bay Link road works) can alter routes, so allow extra time if road works are in progress. Taxis, rideshares (Uber/Zoomy) and on-demand shuttles typically drop off near the main gate. Baybus (public transit) also connects Tauranga Central and Mt Maunganui to the stadium area: for example, Route 2 buses run past Truman Lane from downtown Tauranga (check Baybus schedules). Walking from nearby suburbs is feasible (there are footpaths along SH2 and connecting driftways), and limited bike racks are usually available near the main entrance. For those flying in, Tauranga Airport is only a few minutes’ drive south, making Baypark easy to reach from out of town .
Inside the Venue
Once inside Mercury Baypark, you’ll find a family-friendly, open atmosphere. Entry points have ticket scanners and friendly security teams. (Note: bags may be checked and common-sense rules apply – no personal alcohol, outside food beyond snacks, large signs, etc.) The arena has a box office window, turnstiles and concourses with concession stands selling snacks, coffee, burgers, beer and local wines. The stadium bowl also has temporary food trucks and drink kiosks near the concourse and field entrance for outdoor events. Expect toilets and basins on every level and at the courtyard area – families and accessible facilities are clearly signed. The Lion Foundation Centre (arena) foyer has a coffee bar and a wing with corporate suites and meeting rooms (sometimes open during small events). Coat checks or storage lockers aren’t standard arena features, but small-sized clear bags are usually permitted. Merchandise tables are common for concerts – you can buy artist T-shirts or event merch near the arena floor or by the stadium concourse. There’s usually limited free Wi-Fi in the main public areas (check for “Baypark Guest” networks on device). Mobile phone reception (NZ carriers) is generally good indoors and excellent outside. For quick cash, an ATM is located in the arena foyer just outside the main hall. If you need help or first aid, look for the staff booths (often marked “Info/Safety”) near main entrances: event volunteers are stationed there during concerts. In short, expect typical venue amenities: concessions, toilets, info boothing, with room to spread out between event stages in the plaza or concourses. The vibe is relaxed (casual café-chill in lulls, lively at peak showtimes), reflecting “Bay lifestyle” – fans often mill around enjoying the sunset or barbecues before a show.
Nearby Amenities
There’s plenty around Mercury Baypark to round out your outing. Within a short drive is Mount Maunganui village (“The Mount”) with dozens of cafés, restaurants and craft breweries on Maunganui Road and The Strand. Think seaside options: beachside bars, casual bistros (The Strand Station is just up the road by the harbour), and classic fish & chip shops. For a meal with a view, hotels like The Phoenician or Dalton’s Bar offer dining terraces. Closer by (within 1–2 km) is the Bayfair shopping complex, which has fast-food outlets and coffee shops if you prefer chains. On event nights, pubs like Harbourside or Crate Brewery (downtown) fill up but are a convenient 5–10 minute drive. If you need to arrive early, consider cafés like Little India Tauranga or Ocean Eleven for breakfast/coffee at 7 am before gates open. Parking is easier if you arrive well before showtime. Nearby hotels include Shelly Bay Resort (Panoramic views), Quest on Durham Street or the At Holiday Inn for more amenities. Late-night rides home are mostly via footpaths (street lighting on Truman Lane) or by booking a taxi/Bayride – there’s usually strong Uber/Zoomy service around Baypark on event nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
Mount Park stands out for its sheer versatility and setting. Few places combine beach-coast charm with a world-class event complex. Architecturally it’s unpretentious: simply a sprawling low-rise stadium and halls – what makes it unique is how it leverages its locale. The complex literally faces Mauao (Mt Maunganui’s volcanic cone) and Tauranga Harbour, so even die-hard fans take selfies with the scenic backdrop. The annual Baypark Speedway (Southern Hemisphere’s largest dirt track) is a local heritage attraction, as is the NZ Jetsprint championship which roars through the stadium in December. Culturally, Baypark has hosted many “firsts” for Tauranga – from hosting Metallica’s practice in 2010 (legend has it they filmed a trick-smoking segment at Baypark) to live simulcasts of the Olympics for locals. It’s deeply linked to Bay of Plenty identity: Bay Venues proudly notes people “walk through the doors of the 24 venues we manage” with pride – Baypark being the jewel of the set. The name “Mercury” reflects the power utility sponsorship, but locals still say “we’re going to Mount Park”. Community-wise, the venue has seen countless high school graduations on stage, and Baypark’s teams (like the Bay of Plenty Magic or Steamers) have local legends associated with it. In short, artists love it because of the friendly crowd and tropical vibe, and audiences love it because you can grab a crepe and surfboard photos at the beach an hour before a concert. It’s one of the few places where Ōhinehoa spirit, motorsport roar and rock ‘n’ roll all converge.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Mercury Baypark is wheelchair-friendly. Designated disabled parking is available near the main gate, and accessible seating zones are provided in both the arena and stadium as needed . Ramps and elevators connect foyer and concourses; seating is tailored event-by-event. Ask staff for assistance if needed – they’ll help find the lift or aisle for mobility devices.
Bags & Cameras: Small clear bags are usually allowed. Large backpacks or outside glass bottles are often banned on safety grounds. Professional camera gear (DSLRs, video cameras) is generally not permitted – however, small point-and-shoots and smartphones are fine for capturing memories. If in doubt, there’s usually a signage or ask security at the gate.
What to Bring: Treat nights in Tauranga as outdoorsy – even at a stadium show, it can get breezy. Sunscreen and a hat help for early shows; bring layers or a raincoat if the weather’s changeable. Earplugs are a good idea at speedway or rock concerts. Clear your pockets of loose coins (some parking cones punish on the wind). Don’t forget your ID if you plan on buying alcohol (standard 18+ ID policy is enforced).
Common Mistakes: Avoid arriving too late: parking and entry queues can build up quickly. Don’t stand directly downwind of barbeque stalls (smoke line) or crowded food trucks if small children are with you. Overpacking (too many bags) slows security checks. If arriving by shuttle, check the return schedule – after big concerts there may be a wait. Note also: no drones are allowed over the venue at any time.
Age Restrictions and Dress: Generally there is no dress code – just casual beach or summer wear is fine. Some events are 18+ (alcohol permits), but many family-friendly concerts or sports are all-ages. If under 15, you’ll usually need an adult. Wear comfortable closed shoes – especially for events on grass or around the speedway (it gets dusty).
Insider Tips: Before a show, stroll the small heritage area (Historic Village is nearby) or climb Mauao if there’s time – Mount Park is minutes from great local attractions. During intermissions, take the chance to walk into the concourse plaza for a scenic breather. If the event has a chill-out area (often outside the main halls), you can often catch an early afternoon breeze off the harbour. Finally, remember to rehydrate – it’s often warmer here than you might expect at other NZ venues (coastal Bay climate). In short, plan ahead not just for the event but for the whole Tauranga experience – it’s all part of Mount Park’s appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Mount Park?
The venue comprises two main spaces. The outdoor stadium can hold roughly 19,800 spectators . The indoor Mercury Arena (main hall) seats up to about 6,000 (roughly 4,400 in the main tiered stand plus floor seating) depending on setup . Remember these are maximum figures; actual seating on any night depends on the event’s configuration.
How do I buy tickets for events at Mount Park?
Tickets are typically sold through authorized online outlets or the official box office. Check the event promoter’s announcements and buy early. Many tickets sell out, so avoid third-party scalpers. For last-minute needs, the Mercury Baypark stadium box office sometimes sells remaining tickets on event day. Follow the venue’s or artists’ official social media for presale codes or alerts, and respect age restrictions noted on ticketing sites.
Where can I park, and how much does it cost?
Mercury Baypark has large on-site parking lots and most events offer free parking for attendees . Vehicles park in one of several designated lots around the complex. Gates open a few hours before big events, and parking attendants guide you to available space. For major shows, arrive early to secure a spot. There's no official fee, but occasional events may encourage donations or use city-managed lots with pay stations (posted on event pages).
Is there public transport to Mount Park?
Yes. Baybus runs routes connecting Tauranga city and Mount Maunganui to the Baypark area. Typically Route 2 buses stop along Truman Lane or Sandhurst Drive near the stadium – check the Baybus timetable for “Mercury Baypark” stops. For special events with heavy attendance, extra shuttle buses or Park & Ride services are occasionally arranged from central Tauranga. Taxis and ride-share drop-offs are also common at the main entrance.
What are the best seats for concerts at Mount Park?
For indoor arena shows, center-floor or lower-tier seats near the stage are ideal for sound and sightlines. The retractable stands in the Lion Foundation Centre give good coverage, but front-floor rows bring you closest to the artists. In the outdoor stadium, front-row stands or general admission on the field (if available) put you near the stage. If you prefer an overview view with confidence in sightline, mid-level stands (sections 2 or 3) are a safe bet. Avoid the very back rows or behind the stage, where sound can be distant or the view blocked.
Are there accessible seats and facilities at Mount Park?
Yes. Mercury Baypark provides wheelchair-accessible parking close to the entrances and has designated accessible seating areas in both the indoor arena and stadium . Ramps and elevators connect all main floors. If you have special access needs (companion seats, assistive listening devices, etc.), you can arrange these through the box office or event organizer in advance. Accessible restrooms are scattered throughout the concourses. Venue staff and ushers will gladly assist anyone who needs extra help during an event.
Can I bring food, drinks, or bags into the venue?
Standard policy bans outside alcohol and large coolers. Small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in spill-proof containers are usually fine (but check each event’s rules). Empty water bottles may be allowed through and refilled inside. Bag policy varies by show; compact clear backpacks or purses under about 20cm are generally accepted. Large backpacks or professional photo/video equipment are not permitted. On entry you'll pass through metal detectors or wanding and there may be security checks, so pack lightly.
Are children welcome, and are there age restrictions?
Children are welcome at many events, but it depends on the show’s rating. Most sporting events and family concerts are all-ages (though a ticket may be needed for anyone over a certain height). Some late-night concerts or festivals are 18+ (especially if primarily alcoholic for sale). If a show has an age limit, it will be noted on the ticket. The venue itself does not impose a general age limit – it’s set by event organizers. For children under 5, consider booster seats or bringing ear protection for noisy shows. Facilities like changing rooms or family restrooms may not be available, so plan accordingly.
Is there free Wi-Fi or mobile coverage?
Mobile phone signal is excellent at Mount Park (all major NZ carriers work inside and out). The venue sometimes provides free guest Wi-Fi in the foyer areas, but this is not guaranteed during every event. For data access, rely on mobile 4G/5G. Keep your phone handy for e-tickets and ride apps, and note that peaks of usage (start/end of big concerts) can slow service temporarily.
How far should I arrive before show time?
It’s wise to arrive at least 30–60 minutes ahead of the scheduled start, especially for big concerts or weekend games. This gives time to park, queue at gates (which often open an hour or two early), and find your seat. If you have floor or general admission tickets, line up at entry well before showtime. Arriving early also means you won’t miss pre-show opening acts or ceremonies. Note that traffic and parking can be heavier for sold-out events, so in those cases allow an extra 15–30 minutes just for lot entry.
