About 470 New North Road
470 New North Road is home to The Kingslander , a lively Kingsland sports bar and grill. Housed in a historic 19th-century grain store building, the venue retains its old-world character – original brick walls, floorboards and steel beams "dating over 150 years old" are on display (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.myguideauckland.com ). Opened as a pub in 2005, it quickly became a Kingsland staple. The Kingslander is just steps from Eden Park stadium and the nearby train station, making it a go-to gathering spot for sports fans (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Signature features include multiple big screens (MyGuide notes “three large televisions and seven plasma screens” lining the bar) (www.myguideauckland.com ) so patrons never miss a minute of the action, plus hearty pub fare and daily food specials (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.theurbanlist.com ). It’s known as Kingsland’s premier sports tavern – the place “packed to the gunnels” on match days (www.theurbanlist.com ) – and also hosts live music and events. What makes the Kingslander special is this blend of historic charm, loud sports atmosphere (often buzzing with friendly banter during big games (concreteplayground.com )) and a commitment to entertainment on weeknights as well as weekends.
Events and Programming
The Kingslander runs a full weekly calendar of live events in addition to showing every big game. On weekends it features live bands: every Friday night brings local live music, and every Saturday “live bands every week in Kingsland” (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Weeknights have regular themes: for example quiz night on Tuesdays (free entry, starting 7 pm) with shared $37.50 quiz food platters (www.thekingslander.co.nz ), salsa nights on Wednesdays (with an 8 pm class followed by Latin dancing and live band) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ), and an open mic on Thursdays (free entry, hosted by a local music league) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Sunday evenings are dedicated to live sports on big screens – especially UFC and rugby matches (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). The venue often shows all major rugby, league, AFL and even PPV boxing or UFC events, drawing a crowd of fans. Special one-off concerts and band gigs also happen in the upstairs “Nectar Bar” space – for example a July 2025 show featured Kiwi rocker Jason Kerrison and others in an R18 live-music event (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Cover policies vary: most weekly nights have no cover (just pay-as-you-go for drinks), but some ticketed gigs will list a cover charge or ticket price through event listings. In short, The Kingslander’s programming runs from quiz and dance nights midweek through party bands each weekend, with special matches and music gigs filling the calendar. (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz )
Tickets and Booking
For most nights the Kingslander operates like an ordinary pub – there’s no box office entry fee for watching sports or enjoying the bar’s atmosphere. You generally don't need to buy tickets in advance except for special concert or charity gigs. When such events are scheduled (often advertised online or on posters), tickets may be available via those listings or at the door. The venue’s own website offers an online booking form for tables and functions (www.thekingslander.co.nz ); it’s wise to reserve ahead for large groups or busy game days, but not strictly needed for casual visits. Typical ticket prices (when charged) tend to be modest: local shows are often $10–$30. (One recent sponsored gig had an R18 cover.) Happy-hour-type specials are frequently announced – for example, My Guide Auckland notes the Kingslander runs $20 food specials nightly and $19 jugs of beer on Thursdays (www.myguideauckland.com ). In summary, for most events you can just show up, but if you see a big live band listed it’s safest to check online in advance and book early or arrive well before start time.
Seating and Layout
The pub is a large, multi-level space with a variety of seating options. The ground floor is one big room divided subtly into sections of tables, bar stools and lounge areas. Concrete Playground describes it as a “massive place, with a spacious indoor area downstairs … with a small outside area” (concreteplayground.com ). There is also a mezzanine/upper level (known as the Nectar Bar) that has its own bar, raised lounge seating and an outdoor rooftop courtyard (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). In total it can hold roughly 150 people (for events/functions) (www.cvent.com ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). The main downstairs bar area holds several dozens of guests around tables and the long bar. Big screens are visible from almost every vantage – multiple TVs and large projector screens are mounted above and around the bar. For the sporting atmosphere, many patrons stand or sit at the large wooden tables near the screens. If you prefer live music, the upstairs Nectar Bar has roomier lounge seating around a stage (complete with drum kit and pro sound system (www.songsoffreedom.nz )) and a fun outdoor deck – ideal for a more social vibe. The “best” seat depends on the event: down near the action is great for games (or sit out on the deck upstairs if weather permits), while bringing a group to relax is easy with the many large tables. (Tip: on big game nights, ask for a buzzer pager so you can wander busy lines – one reviewer notes they used a pager to fetch their meal while the pub was full (concreteplayground.com ).)
Getting There and Parking
The Kingslander is at 470 New North Road, in the heart of Kingsland village. It’s extremely convenient by public transit: the Kingsland train station is just a one- to two-minute walk away (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (www.myguideauckland.com ). Frequent Western Line trains run between the central city (Britomart/Queen St) and New Lynn, so you can hop off at Kingsland and stroll over in minutes. Several bus routes also serve the New North Road corridor. In particular, high-frequency routes like the 20 (Wynyard Quarter–Point Chevalier) and 22 (City–New Lynn) stop on New North Road near Mundy Street – just a block from the venue. Uber/Lyft or taxi drop-offs can be made at the front entrance on New North Road. Driving yourself: on-street metered parking exists along New North Road and side streets, but spaces can be scarce. Allow plenty of time, especially on match days – one reviewer warned that "parking for cars in this area is always quite difficult... so allow extra time" (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). There are no dedicated Kingslander parking lots, but you might find pay lots a short walk away (for example near the train station or Eden Park). Ridesharing and public transit are often easiest for big events to avoid parking headaches.
Inside the Venue
Expect a bustling pub atmosphere inside. Upon entry, staff (or security on busy nights) will check IDs if needed – late nights and special events can be 18+ only. Casual attire is fine. The bar itself offers dozens of local and international beers on tap, a full wine list and classic bar cocktails. The kitchen serves pub fare with a Kiwi twist – think burgers, pizza, sandwiches and share plates. (For example, menus have featured items like stone-grilled steaks, sliders, pulled pork plates and cheesy quesadillas (www.theurbanlist.com ).) Daily specials make dining affordable – MyGuide notes there are $20 daily food specials and even $19 jugs of beer on Thursdays (www.myguideauckland.com ). The service model is mixed: on busy nights you might seat yourself and order at the bar, or use a table service order if available. After ordering food, you’ll receive a buzzing pager – one patron described using a buzzer “to signal my food was ready among the masses” during a packed game night (concreteplayground.com ). Restrooms are available on-site (including wheelchair-accessible toilets) and the venue is marked as accessible (concreteplayground.com ). Coat hooks or a small cloak area may be available, but on very busy nights space is limited, so travel light if you can. Free Wi-Fi is typically offered. Throughout the venue you’ll find sports paraphernalia and big flat-screens (the Kingslander prides itself on “never missing] the action” ([www.myguideauckland.com )). Other amenities include pool and dart boards downstairs for games between matches. The staff is mentioned as friendly and hustles on big nights – reviewers note big crowds are handled with good cheer even under pressure. Finally, a small merch stall sometimes appears at music events, but generally no souvenirs; just come ready for a lively night with food, drinks and socializing.
Nearby Amenities
The Kingslander sits in Kingsland village, a block from Eden Park stadium. In the same few-minute walk you’ll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Directly across the street is the popular garden-bar Rosanna’s (on New North Road), and a door down at 462 New North Road is the modern Kingsland Social bar-restaurant. A short stroll past will bring you to other pubs (like The Lion Tavern, The Meads) and cafes that line the street. Fast-food and convenience shops are just around the corner, so last-minute snacks are easy. For accommodation, options include the nearby Nesuto Stadium Hotel (right by Eden Park) or other Wesley Motel-style lodgings. On game evenings, many fans stay in on-site motels or travel from central Auckland (a 10–15 minute train ride). If you want to eat before the show, dozens of eateries are in the Kingsland stretch: Asian and Thai restaurants (e.g. Nasi Padang at Kingsland), as well as casual chains (Grill’d burgers, Fish and Chips shops) are within a block or two, giving plenty of pre-show dining choices. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are more common a few kilometers away (e.g. Ponsonby or CBD), but the local neighborhood feel means plenty of off-street cafés and bars to explore before/after your visit. Public toilets, money machines, and a supermarket are all nearby to round out any visit to Kingsland.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Kingslander’s unique charm comes from its mix of heritage character and New Zealand sports culture. Few pubs in Auckland have such a storied building – its nineteenth-century grain-store roots give it an industrial-pub vibe you can see and feel (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.myguideauckland.com ). Fans love that on any big game day the place is “buzzing” and packed with spirited crowds (concreteplayground.com ) (www.theurbanlist.com ). Culturally, it has become an informal clubhouse for Eden Park events. Architecturally it’s noteworthy, and the community has embraced it: visitors remark on the lasting “friendly banter” heard there even after tough matches (concreteplayground.com ). Another special touch is the venue’s dedicated support for local music and events. Unlike a typical sports bar, the Kingslander invests in professional sound and staging for concerts – blog reports mention a “massive PA system” and full drum kit setting up for open-mic and band nights (www.songsoffreedom.nz ). It’s not unusual to catch a Whiskey Gully or Opshop-level act in the upstairs Nectar bar. As UrbanList puts it, whenever a major sports event happens this bar “gets packed to the gunnels” (www.theurbanlist.com ). The locals’ loyalty, the dual sports/music vibe and even the daily $20 food deals (www.myguideauckland.com )create a unique neighborhood hub that’s more spirited than most pubs. In short, it’s beloved for its community atmosphere – win or lose on the scoreboard, both home fans and visitors “definitely go back” for the food, drinks and crowd (www.theurbanlist.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
For your visit, here are some practical tips:Accessibility: The Kingslander is wheelchair-accessible (there is ramped entry and an accessible restroom) (concreteplayground.com ). There are also some outdoor seating areas on the deck. If you need special accommodation, the staff are generally helpful – it’s a large open space but with some level changes, so ask at the door if you have mobility needs. Timing: Arrive early on match days. Trains can drop you off by early afternoon, and the pub opens around 11am (www.theurbanlist.com ). Since parking is very limited (especially before big games (www.tripadvisor.co.uk )), many fans come by train or bus. Evening events (bands or fights) may not start until late (often 8pm or later), so check event listings. On quieter nights it’s fine to just drop in, but on weekend nights or big game days a reservation or early arrival is wise. What to bring: ID (for bar entry or if attending an 18+ event). Dress is casual – jeans and a jersey or shirt are typical. Layers are good (it can heat up inside). The bars take cards or cash, but during peak times cards minimize queues. There’s free Wi-Fi if you need internet. Food & Drink: The menu covers classic pub grub – burgers, ribs, pizzas, etc. Food can be slow when the place fills up, so consider sharing platters or ordering ahead of big events. Daily specials (like those $20 meals) can save money (www.myguideauckland.com ). If you come for pizza or main meals, try to order early or use table service. Bartenders rotate fast but still may have a queue when it’s busy. Tip for families: on Tuesdays the pub runs its popular quiz night – free to join, with multi-media rounds, but get there by 7pm to sign up as a team (no purchase required). Behavior: It’s a friendly crowd spot, but keep in mind it can get rowdy during games and fights. Respect other fans enjoying the big screens. Outside drinks are not allowed. They have a no-gun-skipper type security – cameras and staff enforce usual pub rules. Photography and recording are generally fine at public events, but be courteous to performers and signage. Cost: There’s typically no cover charge unless you’re attending a special concert. A beer or standard drink is in typical Auckland pub range ($8–$12), so plan for a spent of $20–$40 per person for average consumption. Large or premium beers and cocktails cost more. Age restrictions: By law there must be an adult (over 25) present until 8pm, but many under-18s do come with family early evening (especially for sports teasers). Note that advertised R18 events (like some live gigs) strictly enforce 18+ entry.
Do I need to buy tickets for events at 470 New North Road? For most evenings at the Kingslander, entry is free – it operates as a regular pub. No ticket is needed to come watch the sports or enjoy the music. However, special live concerts or fundraisers may require a ticket or cover charge. Check the Kingslander’s website or social pages for such events. When ticketing is used, it’s usually via an online vendor or at-the-door sale. Table reservations (for dining or parties) can be made on their website (www.thekingslander.co.nz ).
What are the best ways to get to the Kingslander? The easiest way is by public transport. The Kingslander is a 1-minute walk from Kingsland train station (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (Western Line from the city incorporates it). Several buses (e.g. routes 22 and 20 on New North Road) stop within a block. Driving is possible but on-street parking is very limited – be prepared to walk from a side street and give yourself extra time. Rideshares or taxis can drop you off right at the door on New North Road for convenience.
Is there parking available at or near the venue? There is no private Kingslander lot. Street parking on New North Road and nearby side streets is metered and very limited. Plan to arrive early for any match or concert (one review warns “parking in this area is always quite difficult” (www.tripadvisor.co.uk )). After 6 pm, the city parking meters often close, but legal spaces still fill up fast. Some paid parking lots exist near Eden Park or the train station (a short walk away). Many patrons avoid parking hassle by taking the train or bus in.
What is the seating capacity and layout of the Kingslander? The Kingslander can accommodate roughly 150 people at once (www.cvent.com ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). It spans two floors plus a small courtyard. The ground floor is a large open room with rows of wooden tables and a long bar, sectioned into zones so crowds can gather by the TV screens. There’s also an upper level (called the “Nectar Bar”) with lounge seating, its own raised bar and an outdoor rooftop courtyard (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). TVs and a projector screen are visible from all seating areas. Upstairs is often used for functions or live gigs. Seating is mostly first-come and can include high tables, booths and stools. For the best views: downstairs front tables are great for sports, while upstairs patio tables offer a social scene for bands.
What are the venue’s policies on bags, dress code, and age? It’s a casual pub environment. There is no strict dress code – feel free to come in jeans, team jerseys or smart casual wear. Large backpacks or luggage are discouraged simply due to limited space. The venue has security/IDs checks especially after 8pm: anyone attending advertised 18+ events or late-night gigs will need to show photo ID (NZ drivers’ license or passport). Under 18s can enter early on family-friendly nights, but once gambling or alcohol-focused events begin it becomes 18+. (One notable recent show was age 18+ only.) Generally, if you look 18+, carry ID to be safe. Photography and phone use are permitted, but always be respectful if filming performers. The pub is non-smoking (including e-cigarettes) inside by law.
What kind of food and drink does The Kingslander serve? The menu centers on New Zealand pub classics. Expect substantial burgers, stonegrill steaks, pizzas and share plates like sliders and quesadillas (www.theurbanlist.com ). They also run specials – MyGuide notes $20 food specials on many weekdays (www.myguideauckland.com ), and Thursday nights often have $19 jugs of beer deals. The bar stocks local craft beers plus mainstream international brands on tap and in bottles. Cocktails and a decent wine list are available too. In short: a full bar and kitchen service are offered, with generous portions and frequent happy-hour-style deals.
Does the Kingslander have accessibility features? Yes, the Kingslander is wheelchair accessible. There is ramp access at the front door and accessible restrooms on-site (concreteplayground.com ). Inside, the ground floor is open-plan, though some tables have fixed seating. The upstairs area (Nectar Bar) requires using a staircase, but down below is fully navigable. Staff are accustomed to accommodating guests’ needs – if you need assistance, just let the bar team know.
Are there any tips for enjoying a visit to the Kingslander? A few insider tips: If you’re coming for a big game or fight, aim to arrive early (e.g. 30+ minutes beforehand) to grab a good spot. The pub often provides a buzzer pager for your meal during busy orders (concreteplayground.com ) – accept it, as waiting times can be long. For quiz and open-mic nights (Tue and Thu, respectively), arrival by 7pm is wise to sign up teams or get a seat. Cash is handy for quick drinks, though cards are widely accepted. Bring ID even early, just in case an event enforces 18+. Dress warmly on cool nights if you plan to use the upstairs courtyard. Finally, be patient – lines at the bar and kitchen will happen on sold-out nights. Overall, arrive ready to enjoy the energetic vibe and you’ll have a great time.
