About The Print Room
The Print Room is a versatile live music and nightclub venue in downtown Ashburton. Housed at 199 Burnett Street (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), it offers a packed dance floor for roughly 300 people (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its industrial-chic interior (a nod to Ashburton’s printing heritage, hence the name) is wired for pro-quality sound and lighting – even a 360° stage setup for DJs (www.ticketfairy.com ). Locally it’s become a cultural landmark (even earning the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Ashvegas” (www.intercity.co.nz )) because it brings big-city nightlife to this rural Canterbury town. The Print Room regularly hosts both local bands and touring artists, making it the go-to spot for live music and dance events in Mid-Canterbury. It has played an important role in the community, hosting benefit concerts and fundraisers where “funds raised go back to the community” (events.humanitix.com ).
Events and Programming
The Print Room’s calendar is eclectic. You’ll find club nights (EDM, dubstep, drum’n’bass), live concerts, and themed dance parties. Recent headliners included Kiwi DJs like TRUTH (www.ticketfairy.com ) and international acts (for example, drum’n’bass artists Kelvin 373 & Gray from the UK have performed here) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue also features local acts – past shows ranged from folk-rock acoustic duos to pop-rock concerts (e.g. Opshop’s Jason Kerrison toured here in 2022). Family-friendly events are scheduled too: for example, the Halloween “RAVENOUS” series runs daytime raves and discos for school-aged kids, complete with costume contests and safe dancehall environments (www.ticketfairy.com ). Every few months the Print Room might host an “Early Edition” party or special fundraiser into the evening (recent events ran 4:30–9:30pm) (events.humanitix.com ). Ticket prices depend on the event: youth discos can be as cheap as $5 (www.ticketfairy.com ), standard club nights are often $10–$20, and special one-off events (like charity galas) have reached ~\$30–\$35. The program is usually busiest on weekends, but check the venue’s Facebook or ticketing sites (e.g. Humanitix, Ticket Fairy) for current listings.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Print Room events are usually sold online through New Zealand ticketing platforms. Promoters post links (often on the venue’s Facebook page) when tickets go on sale, which can be weeks before big shows. Popular events often sell out, so buying early is wise. For many shows, tickets are all general admission with a single price tier – occasionally you’ll see a VIP option (for example a show advertised a VIP ticket that included guaranteed entry and a gift) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Some events allow walk-up purchase at the door (the same price as advance); for instance a youth disco was advertised with “door sales $5” (www.ticketfairy.com ). There’s no permanent box office at the Print Room, so online is best. If door tickets are offered, arrive early to avoid missing out. Check refund/transfer policies on the ticket listing – typically these are non-refundable events (as noted in some fundraiser postings (events.humanitix.com )). Follow the venue or event pages on social media for any presale codes or updates.
Seating and Layout
The Print Room is designed as a flexible flat-floor club. There are no fixed theatre seats – the main floor is open for standing, dancing or mingling. The DJ or band stage is often low and centrally positioned so audiences surround it (one event description even touted a “360° stage experience” for visuals (www.ticketfairy.com )). A few chairs or low tables may line the perimeter as a “chill-out zone” for resting, but expect to be on your feet during shows. Front-of-stage is best for the loudest, most immersive experience; however, because surround sound is strong everywhere, even side or rear areas have decent sound but slightly lower volume. The Print Room’s layout encourages a social, in-the-round feel – no obstructed views. (Some events do sell a limited number of plush “VIP” packages that include perks like a private booth or souvenir, but these are rare.) As a small intensive venue, it can get crowded, so people with tight tech equipment or mobility needs may want to stay near the edges or by the bar. In general, being in the middle of the crowd is safe by the venue’s “R.O.A.R.” policy – “respect others and regulate” – so be aware of personal space and barriers around PA speakers. For sound-sensitive guests, earbuds or earplugs are a good idea, as Subwoofer bass is a feature of the shows.
Getting There and Parking
The Print Room’s address is 199 Burnett Street, Ashburton 7700 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). It’s right in the heart of Ashburton’s CBD (one block from Tancred St). If you’re driving, on-street parking is available but often time-limited. Council enforced parking allows about one-hour free on most central streets (www.ashburtondc.govt.nz ), and 1–2 hours on outer streets. So you can drop off right in front on Burnett St, but if you plan to stay all night, consider a nearby carpark. There are several 4- or 8-hour carparks a few blocks away (and unlimited all-day parking generally on the edges of town). Always check signage. For public transport, InterCity coaches from Christchurch stop at Ashburton’s main bus stop (East Street) – just a short 5–10 min walk to the venue (www.intercity.co.nz ). If you’re coming by train, take the train to Christchurch and then a coach or drive south on State Highway 1. The nearest airport is Christchurch International (about 75 km away). Rideshare and taxis do operate here: Uber and local cabs serve Ashburton (though wait times can be longer than in cities), so it’s wise to book a return trip in advance after the show. Note there is no late-night public bus running directly past the venue – make sure to arrange a lift if you’ll be staying after midnight.
Inside the Venue
Entry requires ticket/ID checks. For 18+ events, you must present valid photo ID – the door staff enforce “no ID, no entry” (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is usually a security guard team, and they explicitly ban alcohol brought in or rough behavior (www.ticketfairy.com ). Children are only allowed at designated family events. Once through the door, you’ll find a high-energy club atmosphere: dark, laser and strobelights, and front-of-house bars. A full drinks bar sells beer, wine and soft drinks (cash and card accepted). Smoking (including vaping) is only permitted in outdoor designated areas. Food is not cooked inside, but event organisers often allow food trucks or stalls in the covered courtyard at the back (www.ticketfairy.com ). These chill-out areas have some seating, free water, and cocktails/snacks for sale – the event page even reminds guests to “bring cash” for those amenities (www.ticketfairy.com ). Restrooms are inside near the entrance. There is no cloakroom (coat checks are uncommon), so keep belongings to what you can carry. For connectivity, don’t expect public Wi-Fi – mobile reception may be weak inside, so plan ahead (download e-tickets or meet-up info before the show). The venue fills with smoke haze during big shows for effect (NZ fire regs allow it), which adds atmosphere but can trigger sensitive peoples’ allergies.
Nearby Amenities
The Print Room is surrounded by Ashburton’s dining and accommodation options. Just a short stroll west on Burnett/Tancred Streets you’ll find casual eateries (cafés, bakeries, fish’n’chip shops) that are open late. Local pubs and bars are also nearby: for example, a popular steakhouse/sports bar and an Irish pub are each about 5 minutes’ walk away, offering hearty meals and drinks (though some pubs may cut off alcohol service by 11pm). If you want pre-show dinner, consider trying the nearby curry house or the takeaway pizza store on Tancred Street – Ashburton’s main hub. For shopping, there are dairies (convenience stores) within two blocks where you can buy snacks, a bottle of water, or energy drinks. Overnight guests can choose from many Ashburton hotels and motels. The Hotel Ashburton is a modern motel complex just a 5 min drive from the centre (www.booking.com ). Within town, motels like ASURE Adcroft (on Archibald St) and the Suites Ashburton are quiet, comfortable and often budget-friendly (www.adcroftmotel.co.nz ). (Tip: if catching an early bus or flight home, note the coach pick-up at East Street is only a short walk away.) Late-night rides home can be hailed from Burnett Street, as it’s a central thoroughfare – but plan a taxi in advance if possible, since demand spikes after events.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Print Room stands out because it injects big-city nightlife into Ashburton’s small-town scene. It transformed what was once a workroom into a vibrant cultural space, so it has a unique “inner-city loft” feel. Artists and audiences love the intimacy: it’s small enough to feel like an exclusive club, yet fully equipped with national-standard sound/lighting. Promoters even celebrate the contrast – InterCity’s travel site jokes that “Ashburton’s common nickname ‘Ashvegas’ is an ironic allusion to Las Vegas” (www.intercity.co.nz ), and local graphics splash that tagline on posters (www.ticketfairy.com ), reflecting local pride. Economically, it energises Ashburton: on event nights, food outlets and bars benefit from extended hours, and the venue often partners with charities (for example, an “Early Edition” party publicly noted that all money raised would return to community groups (events.humanitix.com )). Culturally, it has given local musicians and DJs a home stage and brought international acts that normally wouldn’t come to a town of 20,000. Fans frequently remark on its high-energy party atmosphere – the 360° lights and dance-floor fog make for a memorable experience (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, The Print Room is cherished for making Ashburton a late-night destination and for hosting creative events that wouldn’t fit at a pub or theatre.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is on one level at street grade, so wheelchair access is generally okay through the main entrance. However, there are no elevators (the entire space is ground floor). If you have mobility needs, consider contacting the venue ahead for any assistance (they have some portable seating and accessible toilets).What to bring: Always carry your ticket and photo ID (if attending an 18+ event (www.ticketfairy.com )). Cash is handy for the bar and snack vendors (www.ticketfairy.com ) (though credit cards are accepted at the bar). Earplugs can enhance comfort if you’re sensitive to loud bass. Dress warmly or light layers – club nights can get packed and warm, and the outdoor areas can be cool.Age restrictions: Most evening club or concert events are strictly R18 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Admission to these will be refused without valid ID. Family events (like day-time kids’ discos) are labelled “All Ages” (e.g. one event listing shows *“Ages 1+”* and even “Parents welcome free” (www.ticketfairy.com )). Always check the advertised age policy before buying a ticket.Entry rules: The Print Room enforces a “one-way door” policy – once you leave the venue, you cannot re-enter. Respect the security staff and other guests (their motto is for everyone to ROAR – “Respect Others And Regulate” (www.ticketfairy.com )). Any hint of violence or harassment will get you removed. Cameras are usually allowed for personal use, but some performers may ask guests not to flashbulb. Smoking is banned indoors by NZ law – use the outdoor area near the entrance if you smoke.Prohibited items: Do not attempt to bring drugs, weapons, non-commercial recording gear, or outside alcohol into the venue. Glass bottles will be confiscated at the door. Backpack-sized bags may be searched. Radars or laser pointers are illegal to carry – leave them at home.Before and after shows: If you arrive early, nearby cafés (like the Tancred Street Coffeehouse) offer good pre-show meals. Post-show, the town’s pubs and takeaway shops stay open late on busy nights – for example, a kebab shop just a block away often serves hungry crowds after midnight. For overnight stays, book popular motels in advance on weekends; last-minute rooms can be scarce when big acts play. Always plan your ride home the night before – bus and last train options won’t be available after a late show, so have a taxi number ready or a scheduled rideshare pickup.Insider tip: Follow The Print Room’s Facebook page and local event listings closely. Sometimes free or giveaway tickets are announced on short notice. Also, keep an eye on weather forecasts only in the sense that parking and walking conditions can change (in winter, Ashburton can be cold and icy after dark, so allow extra travel time).
How much do tickets cost for events at The Print Room?
Ticket prices vary by event. Youth-oriented daytime shows can be very cheap (around NZ$5 for kids’ discos) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most evening club nights or concerts range roughly NZ$10–$20. Special events (like charity fundraisers or visiting international DJs) have gone up to around $30–$35 in recent years. There may also be VIP packages for certain concerts (which include perks like a free drink or guaranteed seating). Always check the specific event listing for prices and age rules.
Where can I buy tickets for The Print Room shows?
Tickets are sold online. Most events use ticketing services like Humanitix or Ticket Fairy (links are often on the venue’s website or Facebook). Some local events may sell tickets at community outlets (like redeemable at a dairy), but generally you’ll buy directly on the event page. For popular shows, buy early – many tickets sell out in advance. If you miss out, ask at the door: often a limited number of tickets are kept for sale on the night (as advertised for example in a youth event, “door sales $5” (www.ticketfairy.com )).
What is the seating/standing arrangement at The Print Room?
The Print Room is primarily a standing-room venue with no fixed seating. The floor is open for dancing or moving around. There are a few benches or chairs along the sidewalls (labeled “chill zones”) where you can sit away from the crowd (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many events arrange low seating tables in the back or courtyard when it’s safe. The best views are on the main dance floor near the stage, but you can find a quieter spot on the edges if you prefer. (Unlike a theatre, you don’t reserve seats – it’s first-come, first-served.)
How can I get to The Print Room without a car?
The venue is centrally located, so if you’re staying in town you could walk or catch a town bus to nearby stops. For out-of-towners, intercity buses from Christchurch, Timaru, etc., stop downtown on East Street – about a 5–10 minute walk from Burnett Street (www.intercity.co.nz ). Local bus information is available on the council website. Taxi and rideshare services (like Uber or local cabs) operate in Ashburton, so you can easily book drop-off at 199 Burnett St. (Pick-up late at night is possible, but it’s wise to arrange it in advance.)
Is there parking near The Print Room, and is it free?
Yes – The Print Room is in the CBD, where on-street parking is mostly free but time-limited. Most spots in the heart of town allow 1 hour free parking (www.ashburtondc.govt.nz ). There are nearby pay-and-display lots and a few 24-hour parking areas (for longer overnight stays, some outskirts offer 2-hour or all-day parking). Always check the posted parking regulations. There’s usually space on Burnett or side streets, but places can get tight on event nights. The venue’s website and local signage can guide you to the nearest carparks if the front street is full.
What kinds of events and performances happen at The Print Room?
A wide mix: rock and pop concerts, electronic music nights, stand-up comedy, fundraisers, cultural festivals, and themed dance parties. They have hosted major DJ tours (e.g. dubstep/Drum’n’Bass headliners (www.ticketfairy.com )), family-friendly school disco events, and charity gigs (one night’s ad said "DJ blasting 80s, 90s, 2000s sounds” (events.humanitix.com )). The line-up changes seasonally – expect Hip-Hop, EDM, live bands, and even quiz nights or special holiday events. Check their online schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
What is The Print Room’s age restriction policy?
It depends on the event. Most evening club concerts are restricted to ages 18+ (strict NZ law requires photo ID for entry no matter how old you look) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Those shows will be clearly marked “R18” and enforce no-admission without ID. However, family matinees and youth dances are open to all ages – for example, a “Primary School Disco” was advertised as Ages 1+ with parents welcome free (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always check the event listing: under-age guests must be with an adult and in sessions that allow children; if in doubt, call the venue to confirm before making plans.
Are there facilities for disabled visitors?
The venue is a single-level space, so wheelchair users can enter and move around the main area. The entrance has a small step (or a portable ramp may be available on request). Inside, one toilet is designated accessible. Seating is portable only, so you may bring a caregiver or travel companion. If you need assistance or have questions (parking, viewing areas, etc.), it’s best to contact the organiser in advance. The Print Room strives to accommodate special access needs within the limits of an older building.
What items am I allowed or not allowed to bring inside?
Allowed: Small bags, coats, a cell phone/camera for photos, and any mobility aids. Not allowed: Outside alcohol or glass bottles (these are confiscated), illegal drugs, weapons of any kind, or large professional photography/video gear. Flash photography may be discouraged when performers are on stage. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is only permitted in the outdoor smoking zone. The venue’s staff may do bag searches on entry. If you need to bring medical supplies (like a rescue inhaler or snacks for a health condition) that’s fine, but alert the door staff.
Where can I find seating or a VIP area inside the venue?
There is no permanent VIP lounge or reserved seating; most events are general admission. Many attendees stand or dance in front of the stage. A few bar-height tables and chairs line the back walls or the outdoor courtyard. Some events sell "VIP tickets" that include extras like a free drink or early access, but there is still only standard floor space. If you prefer to sit, arrive early to claim a table by the wall. Hanging on the edges or near the bar is common for a quieter vantage point. Note that all areas have a full view of the stage (nothing is blocked by pillars).
Does The Print Room have a coat check or storage lockers?
Generally, no. The venue doesn’t officially provide a cloakroom service or lockers, as it’s a casual club environment. It’s best to bring only what you can comfortably carry. You might hang a coat on the back of a chair, but any unattended items are your responsibility. If you have a large coat in winter, you can check smaller items with a friend or wear it in a hallway. Just keep valuables on your person. If a heavy down-jacket is needed, consider wearing it and removing once inside to minimize what you carry.
Is photography or video recording allowed during shows?
Personal photos are usually fine (no flash for safety during light shows). For some events, they may announce if photography is prohibited during headliner sets; in that case the ushers will typically make an announcement. Filming for personal use (smartphone video) is generally okay unless stated otherwise on your ticket. Drones or professional cameras with large lenses usually require prior approval. The crowd often shares pictures on social media, so owners are aware of an informal photo/video culture at gigs – just be respectful of performers’ rules.
What time do the doors open for a typical night?
It varies by event. Usually doors open 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time. For example, a gig listed as 9pm start would have doors at 8pm or 8:30pm. Dance parties often open at 8pm for a 9pm start. Check your ticket details – if in doubt, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff to get through entry and secure a good spot. Late shows can go on until 2am (last drinks sell at midnight or 1am as per license). Because of the one-way door policy, once you leave after the show starts, you generally can’t re-enter.
