Events at 145 Karangahape Rd, Auckland

About 145 Karangahape Rd

145 Karangahape Road is home to Raynham Park, an industrial-chic loft studio at the heart of Auckland’s famous “K’ Road” arts district. The space spans about 338 m² on a single level (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (aucklandpride.org.nz). Originally part of an older commercial building (its basement was formerly a hostel (property.jll.nz)), the venue was completely modernized and stripped back to a clean, bright loft format. Inside you’ll find high stud ceilings, polished wooden floors and crisp white walls with skylights at either end, creating an airy, open feel (www.bayleys.co.nz). The standout feature is the large “Halo” infinity cove – a curved white backdrop ideal for seamless photo or video shoots (www.sharedspace.co.nz). This gives the room a New York-style creative vibe that attracts producers and artists. With world-class lighting and sound systems built in, Raynham Park can host very large events (up to ~350 people in cocktail mode (www.sharedspace.co.nz)). Crucially, it extends Karangahape Road’s legacy of creativity and nightlife – local guides note that K’ Road is “Auckland’s creative hub for alternative arts & events” and even claim it’s “New Zealand’s only street that never sleeps” (www.karangahaperoad.com). In short, 145 Karangahape Rd matters as a versatile blank-canvas venue for music, fashion, film and arts, and its unique character comes from that loft studio feel on one of Auckland’s most iconic streets.

Events and Programming

Raynham Park’s calendar is eclectic. It hosts live music and dance shows of many varieties – from electronic and house DJ nights to indie band concerts to cultural showcases. For example, in late 2019 international DJs like DJ W!LD, Franky Rizardo and Kolombo performed here, and locally popular bands have staged album launches (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). After the Covid hiatus, the venue resumed hosting similar club-focused events by 2024. One example in Nov 2024 – a techno dance night called “Da Synergy” – sold advance tickets for $50 (up to $70 at the door) (www.ticketfairy.com). By 2025 Raynham Park was also hosting theme nights (e.g. a Brazilian culture showcase event featuring live samba on Dec 6, 2025) with all-ages audiences. That cultural event had general admission around NZ$25 (www.eventfinda.co.nz). In other words, Raynham Park isn’t tied to one genre; it’s a hub for community and underground shows. Many evenings see DJs, dance-floor lighting and a club atmosphere, but it also opens for one-off art or fashion events, photography shoots, and product launches thanks to its blank-walled design and in-house production gear. Recurring series (like local club nights or video gigs) vary – there isn’t a fixed weekly show, but promoters regularly book the space on weekends. Typical events run on Thursday nights through Saturday nights, often starting in the early evening. Ticket prices likewise vary by event: local or cultural gigs can be inexpensive (around $20–$30 plus fees (www.eventfinda.co.nz)), while bigger club shows can be $40–$50 in advance (www.ticketfairy.com). Some events sell out quickly, so popular concerts or dance parties are usually announced a month or two in advance. In general, most events at this address are age-restricted (18+) unless explicitly a family show.

Tickets and Booking

Since Raynham Park has no box office on site, tickets are bought in advance through each event’s official channels. Check the venue’s website or social media, or the promoters’ event pages (usually hosted on platforms like Eventfinda or similar) to purchase tickets. For example, a formal event page noted general admission at $25 (NZD) plus fees (www.eventfinda.co.nz). There is no dedicated walk-up counter at 145 Karangahape, so online purchase is the norm. On occasion, remaining tickets may be available at the door – for instance, one 2024 show charged $50 presale and $70 at the door (www.ticketfairy.com) – but this isn’t guaranteed. For especially popular shows (big DJs or huge community events), tickets often sell out at presale. It’s wise to book early, especially if a lot of hype surrounds a performance. Larger events may also have tiered pricing (e.g. earlybird vs. standard), while small local gigs may just be one price for General Admission. Keep track of public announcements for door-opening times and ticket releases. In every case, you’ll need to print or display your ticket (barcode or QR code) at entry, and most night events strictly require valid photo ID at entry (Raynham Park enforces age rules at the door).

Seating and Layout

Inside Raynham Park there are no fixed seats – it’s essentially one open-plan studio. The entire floor is general admission and can hold up to about 350 people in a cocktail-style setup (www.sharedspace.co.nz). The performance stage (or DJ booth) is typically at one end of the room with speakers pointed toward the dance floor. This means for most shows you’ll stand with the crowd. If you want a prime view, aim to arrive early and position yourself near the front center of the floor – that spot will usually have the clearest sightline to the stage. The area near the speakers at the very front can be loud, so you may prefer the center of the floor for balanced sound. If you step back a bit there are usually fewer obstructions, but it will be louder at the front on bass. The loft has high ceilings – it’s not a seated theater with balconies – so you can move freely. Some show setups include small lounge or bar counters against the walls, but these are for socializing, not seating. In short: treat it like a club dance floor. Access is mostly one level; there’s a small rear balcony/projection space in one corner (rarely used by the public). If there are VIP or press areas, they are usually just a cordoned-off section or side table near the bar. On event nights the organizers might set up a roped-off catering area or a bar cart near the stage, but these don’t offer formal seats. So for the best experience, plan on standing. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to move with the crowd. The venue’s built-in sound system and lighting can usually be adjusted for different configurations, so the vibe can range from a tight nightclub to a spacious performance hall depending on the show.

Getting There and Parking

145 Karangahape Rd is centrally located on Auckland’s K Road (1010 postcode), within easy reach of the CBD. For those taking public transport, it’s very convenient. Several bus lines run along Karangahape Road and Queen Street. In fact, a bus stop is immediately outside the venue (www.colliers.co.nz) – you can catch frequent city buses (for example, routes along Queen St or via Ponsonby) right to K Road near Cross Street. When Auckland’s City Rail Link opens the nearby Karanga-a-Hape station will make train travel possible, but until then the nearest train station is Britomart or Mount Eden (both a 15–20 minute walk or a short bus ride away). In practice many visitors coming from elsewhere in Auckland will catch a bus to K Road. If driving, note that there is no private parking lot at 145 K Road. Paid parking is available nearby: for instance, the Wilson Parking building at 75 Karangahape Road (entrance off Liverpool Street) serves as a public car park (www.wilsonparking.co.nz). Another large lot is off Mercury Lane by Beresford Square, just a block south of K Road. Street parking on K Road itself is limited and metered; free parking is scarce, especially on weekend nights. Many visitors prefer to ride-share or taxi directly to the door – a car can drop you off on Karangahape Road right in front of the staircase entrance. If you do drive, give yourself extra time to find a spot or use a park-and-ride with a short bus transfer. Walking from nearby inner suburbs (Ponsonby, Newton or the CBD) is also common – it’s about a 5–10 minute walk from Myers Park or a few blocks from Queen Street via Cross Street. In summary, public transit or ride-share is usually easiest; paid city car parks within a few minutes’ walk cover drivers if needed.

Inside the Venue

Once inside 145 Karangahape (Raynham Park), you’ll encounter a raw, industrial studio space. Entry is up a flight of stairs – the door on Karangahape Road leads to the main level (keep this in mind if mobility is a concern). The atmosphere is minimalistic: concrete and white walls, exposed beams, and professional lighting rigs overhead. As a guest, expect friendly security staff at the door checking tickets and IDs. The venue is air-conditioned and climate-controlled, so it stays cool even with a big crowd. The sound system is powerful-to-good; you’ll likely notice deep bass during music sets. (Earplugs can be a good idea for especially loud techno nights.) The lighting is dynamic – spotlights and strobes transform the space based on the show’s theme. During performances, the room might feel dark save for colored stage lights or projections. There are restrooms available on-site (usually in the back or side areas); most shows don’t supply extensive facilities beyond the basics. Amenities include a bar area: the venue can serve drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, etc.) through a staffed counter during events. Outside alcohol is generally not allowed unless stated (some private bookings may permit BYO for small gatherings, but public shows usually handle bar service). Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the venue (www.sharedspace.co.nz), which is handy for sharing photos or coordinating with friends. For artists and crew, there are also backstage facilities – dressing rooms with mirrors and makeup stations, even an on-site shower and green room listed for the venue (www.sharedspace.co.nz), though these are off-limits to the general audience. Entertainment areas like merchandise tables or pop-up coat-check desks may appear depending on the event’s size, but there is no permanent coatroom or locker system. Dress casually or in club attire – you won’t need anything fancy. In short, Raynham Park inside is functional and tech-equipped, offering everything a producer might need: stage, projectors, audio system, and a flexible lounge space rather than ornate decor. It feels more like a professional photo studio with a concert element than a traditional bar.

Nearby Amenities

Dining and pre-/post-show options abound on K Road. Top-rated nearby restaurants include Asian fusion and international cuisine: for example, the European-style bistro Apero Food & Wine (0 m from the venue) and 3 Nutmegs (Indian) all earn praise from locals and travelers (www.tripadvisor.com) (www.tripadvisor.com). Many casual cafes and eateries line the street: you can grab coffee at boutique cafés or sample street-food snacks. Since the venue itself doesn’t have built-in food service, fans often eat at K Road pubs and restaurants beforehand. Adjoining the venue at 146 K’Road is Bar Celeste – a popular cocktail lounge perfect for a drink before the show. Other nearby bars and clubs include the well-known Galatos Theatre Bar (just around the corner at 9b K Road) and the late-night clubs on Beresford Square. For those needing accommodation, Karangahape Road isn’t packed with large hotels, but a few are close by: the quirky Ibis Styles (at the top of K Road), the SkyCity Hotel and Cordis Auckland (at the city end of Queen Street) and some boutique inns are all within a short drive. Downtown Auckland hotels are only 5–10 minutes away by foot or car, and many continued-night buses run through the early evening. As for transportation after events, note that late-night bus service on K Road can be limited – taxi/ride-share is a safe bet after midnight. In summary, 145 K’Rd is surrounded by lively eateries, bars and a few hotel options, making it easy to plan a full night out whether you want a gourmet dinner, a quick bite, or a club crawl.

What Makes This Venue Special

Raynham Park stands out for combining artist-friendly design with the energy of K Road nightlife. Unlike a typical nightclub, it was built as a creative studio first – the interior is a photographer’s dream and a performer’s playground. The feature “Halo” infinity cove and tall loft walls mean it can instantly become a content-creator stage or a dance-floor spectacle (www.sharedspace.co.nz). At 338 m² it’s one of the largest flexible event spaces on K Road (aucklandpride.org.nz), so productions that need space – whether an EDM dance party or a runway fashion show – can happen here. The retro-fitted wooden flooring and skylights give it real character (Bayleys marketing even highlights the “huge amount of character” and natural light (www.bayleys.co.nz)). On a cultural level, it embodies K Road’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity. Local organizations like Auckland Pride list Raynham Park as a fixture on queer-friendly K Road, emphasizing its connection to the LGBTQ+ and arts community (aucklandpride.org.nz) (www.karangahaperoad.com). Artists and promoters often praise the venue’s versatility – one can go from setting up rock band speakers in the afternoon to producing a late-night DJ rave with laser lights by midnight. On the audience side, fans appreciate that Raynham Park has a raw, underground feel but still provides professional comforts (in-house Wi-Fi, catered bars, clean facilities). In short, it’s special because it can wear many hats – an urban studio gallery one minute, a thumping club the next – all while being steeped in the unique history of Auckland’s most bohemian street.

Visitor Tips and Information

If you’re planning a visit, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience at 145 Karangahape Road. First, check the event details for admission rules. Most evenings are 18+ only; have a photo ID ready (this is strictly enforced on entry). Doors typically open about 30–60 minutes before showtime (for example, one concert had doors at 6:30PM for a 7PM start (www.ticketfairy.com)). It pays to arrive early to avoid lines and get a good spot, especially on busy nights. The venue itself is upstairs from street level – you’ll climb one flight of stairs, since there is no wheelchair access (aucklandpride.org.nz) (if that’s a concern, plan accordingly or contact the organizers for alternative arrangements). Dress comfortably and according to the event’s vibe. There is no formal dress code, but K Road generally attracts stylish or edgy attire – just don’t wear swimwear or overly casual sports gear. Bring only a small bag or wallet, as large backpacks might be subject to search or not allowed at some events. On that note, outside drinks and food are usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed (most nights the venue’s bar provides all refreshments). Photography: personal phone snaps and video are usually fine, but professional cameras or flash photography may require permission from the event staff. Be mindful of other guests – as an intimate loft, overcrowding can feel intense, so stand back if you need space to breathe. If the music is very loud, consider earplugs. Raynham Park is heated by the crowd, so layer clothing as needed. WIFI is available (www.sharedspace.co.nz), so you can stay connected (or plan to share your night on social media). Cash or card? Most bars and vendors take cards, but it’s wise to have a small amount of cash for tips or if there’s a street food stall outside. Public transit is recommended; if driving, plan for limited parking (see above). After the show, local buses should resume evening routes along K Road, but a taxi or rideshare may be more convenient late at night. Finally, KL Road’s community is friendly – don’t hesitate to ask staff or locals for help if you need it. In sum: ID, arrive early, dress for a night out, and enjoy the creative energy!

Frequently Asked Questions