Events at BRAD'S Warehouse, Auckland

About BRAD’S Warehouse

BRAD’S Warehouse is a unique two-level event space in downtown Auckland, housed in a heritage bluestone warehouse built in 1861 (www.eventfinda.co.nz). It retains the original volcanic stone walls, timber floors and exposed kauri beams of that era (nzvenues.co.nz), creating an old-world industrial charm. The building is a Category A historic place on Auckland’s heritage register (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (listed as the 1860s Bluestone Store) and even features a sealed glass-covered well in the floor – Auckland’s first city well – for curious visitors to peer into (hauntedauckland.com). Today it operates as a blank-canvas hire venue (“BRAD’S”), privately run but open for public events. With a total capacity of 506 people (cocktail-style) or 380 if fully seated (nzvenues.co.nz) (brads-warehouse.com), BRAD’S can host medium-sized gatherings without feeling cavernous. It’s known for its BYO (“bring your own”) policy – there are no in-house bars or caterers unless the hirer arranges them, and no corkage fees (www.aucklandweddings.co.nz) – making it a hugely versatile and affordable space. In short, BRAD’S Warehouse is an iconic 19th-century landmark-turned-venue, treasured in the city’s events scene for its history, character and flexibility (nzvenues.co.nz).

Events and Programming

BRAD’S Warehouse is used for a wide variety of events. As a generic hire space with a kitchen, sound system and WiFi (www.aucklandweddings.co.nz), it plays host to everything from weddings, corporate launches, product showcases and art exhibitions to night-time concerts, dance parties and wellness workshops. Typical events in recent years have included organic wine tasting fairs, yoga and mantra evenings, immersive art shows, pop-up markets, and anniversary/birthday parties. For example, a sustainable wine expo (“Down to Earth Auckland”) ran here in 2024 for up to 70 vineyards, charging about $68 per ticket (www.organicwinenz.com). A multi-sensory light show (“Darklight: Descent Into Colour”) appeared in 2025, with general-admission tickets around $32 (students $20, children $10) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Local promoters often book BRAD’S for DJ nights or club-style events – one recent event was an electronic dance “Soundscapes” warehouse rave (www.eventfinda.co.nz) – since its raw acoustics and high ceiling suit loud music. Community and spiritual gatherings (like Kirtan chanting concerts) also find the venue appealing; a recent free mantra event there filled quickly via online RSVP (www.eventfinda.co.nz). On quieter days, companies host seminars or team meetings (upstairs can be curtained off for break-out spaces). Most privately ticketed shows at BRAD’S charge in the range of roughly NZ$20–$70, depending on the type and headliner. Wider events may be free or by gold-coin donation. Unlike big theatres, BRAD’S only has scheduled events when someone books it, so the venue itself doesn’t run a regular calendar – check event websites or social media for upcoming shows. Key annual uses include end-of-year Christmas parties, club nights on weekends, and industry expos. It’s common to see 2–3 events per week in the busy months; naturally some peak-time dates (like summer weekends) book out well in advance.

Tickets and Booking

There is no public box office at the venue itself. Instead, tickets are sold on a per-event basis through the event organiser’s official channels. Most concerts or performances use online ticketing partners (or the promoter’s website), and sometimes door sales are available if not sold out. If a show is popular, tickets often go on sale months ahead; following the venue’s social media or local gig listings can help you catch presales or early-bird offers. For open events there are usually different price tiers (e.g. general admission, concession, VIP). To avoid scams, always buy through authorised outlets. Because BRAD’S is privately managed as an event space (not a theatre chain), it accepts no restrictions on vendors – meaning you can’t use any nightclub membership or external ticket platform directly at the door. In practice, just treat it like any mid-sized club or function venue: get your ticket from the promoter in advance, or pay at the door (if advertised). For sold-out shows, secondhand resale via verified marketplaces might be possible, but be cautious of price gouging. Some festivals or series offer memberships or mailing lists for pre-sale access. In short, if you plan to attend a big event at BRAD’S, look up that specific event early – popular nights can sell out swiftly in a 500-capacity space.

Seating and Layout

BRAD’S Warehouse is fundamentally a standing-room venue. The floor plan is an open, long hall (the former store room) with multiple support columns, plus a partial first-floor mezzanine or “balcony” at one end. There are no fixed seats. Most music shows and parties are general-admission (GA): fans stand on the ground floor in front of the stage or DJ booth, and may drift upstairs for a break. Some events set up rows of chairs for talks or movie nights, in which case a seated layout (up to 380 seats) is possible in theatre style (brads-warehouse.com). Corporate dinners can use round tables on the main floor too. For optimal viewing at a show: standing near the front on the main floor (close to the stage area) gives the best sightlines and sound immersion. The first-floor balcony (above the rear half) provides a birds-eye perspective, which some prefer for a less crowded experience, though views may be partially shielded by columns. Acoustically, the stone walls and high roof do echo, so for loud concerts sound can be very “live”. (Promoters often hang drapes or bring extra speakers to tame the acoustics.) Bright LED stage lights are typically brought in by the event crew, as the venue’s fixed lighting is dimmer and ambient. Overall, there’s no bad seat per se, but if the event is well-attended it’s mostly a standing crowd. If you need seating or a quieter spot, ask the organiser if they’ll reserve a table or an area with chairs.

Getting There and Parking

BRAD’S Warehouse is located at **9-11 Durham Lane, Auckland CBD** (brads-warehouse.com) – a narrow lane just off Queen Street in central Auckland. It’s a short walk from many city points: about two blocks west of Queen Street (near Hobson/Federal Streets) and just east of the Britomart transport district. The nearest train station is Britomart (~800m east, a 10-minute walk) which connects to Auckland’s Eastern, Southern and Western lines (moovitapp.com). Many downtown buses on Queen Street serve stops within one block; for example Route 11 (to Queens Wharf) and 18 (to Auckland Domain) all stop close by. The ferry terminal at the Viaduct is about 15 minutes’ walk away for harbour ferries. In short, multiple buses or a short train ride will get you to Britomart Q or the Queen Street stop near Durham Lane. By car, there’s **no dedicated onsite parking**. Street parking is very limited (paid machines), so most visitors park in nearby public garages or lots. The nearest multi-storey is the **Civic Car Park** (on the corner of College Hill and Federal Street, just a few blocks north): it runs about NZ$2.50 per hour up to about $12.50 for the night (heartofthecity.co.nz). The Downtown Car Park (Queen/Cook Street) and Wilson/secure-parking lots near Britomart are also options, though they fill quickly on event nights. Because of traffic and one-way streets in the CBD, many people use rideshare (Uber/Zoomy) or taxis: Durham Lane is accessible via a small entrance, but drop-offs are usually done on adjacent Fed or Wyndham Streets. For public transport tips: the downtown AT Bus Depot (on Hobson Street) is nearby, and a host of routes on Wellesley or Queen Street connect from all suburbs. If you take the train, get off at Britomart and walk west down Queens or Britomart Place. Allow extra time in peak hours or on big event nights. After the show, late-night transport options include CityLink buses (some run until midnight) and night shuttles. Rideshare wait times can be longer after big events, so sometimes nearby bars or Queen Street have nearby pickup points.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival, you’ll enter through a large timber door into the musty-cool warehouse interior. Bag searches and ID checks are common, especially if liquor is being served. Staff or volunteers at the door will scan or collect tickets. There’s usually one main entrance and emergency exits at the far end and on the sides. You might want to arrive 20–30 minutes early for the doors to open, since lines can form on Durham Lane before big shows. Inside, the ambience is dark and loft-like. The walls and pillars are exposed grey bluestone; the floor is old wood. Overhead industrial lights aren’t very bright, so most illumination comes from stage or DJ lights during shows. It can get hot and loud, so dress in layers. The official capacity (506) means it can feel quite packed when full – be prepared for standing-room mingling if the event is clubby. Food and drink: BRAD’S does not sell its own liquor or food (it’s a “dry hire” venue). Because it’s BYO-friendly (www.aucklandweddings.co.nz), event organisers or guests typically set up self-serve bars. You can often bring in your own alcohol/catering with no extra fee. The venue has a fully equipped kitchen and a walk-in chiller (www.aucklandweddings.co.nz), so caterers can heat and store food on site. There’s no fixed bar counter unless a bartender is specifically hired, so sometimes drinks are passed around or placed on makeshift tables. Glassware, ice, mixers etc. are the responsibility of the hirer, so if you’re attending a private party at BRAD’S, check if drinks are provided or if you should BYO bottles. Facilities: Restrooms are on both levels. The ground floor has handicap-accessible loos (single-stall toilets), and the upper floor has more standard restrooms. Shower facilities are not available. Coat racks or a cloakroom might be set up by some events, but often you’ll simply hang your outerwear on provided racks or keep it with you. The venue does offer free Wi-Fi in the main hall (advertised on the listing) (www.sharedspace.co.nz), though speed depends on the event’s usage. It’s a big cavern, so cell signal from the four main NZ carriers is generally passable. If you’re visiting a gig, note that some events sell merchandise (T-shirts, CDs) at a table near the entrance or bar. Feel free to browse but most buyers pay cash. Photography rules vary by show: casual phone pics are usually okay, but professional cameras or video recording might be restricted. There are a few electrical outlets scattered along the walls (useful for charging a phone or running small devices), but don’t count on too many plugs; event planners often bring their own extension leads or power boards.

Nearby Amenities

Being in the heart of Auckland CBD, BRAD’S Warehouse is surrounded by countless eateries, bars and shops. For pre-show dining or drinks, you’re just off Queen Street – a world-class food corridor. Within a 5–10 minute walk you’ll find everything from casual cafes to award-winning restaurants. Some local favourites include Federal St Project (modern Kiwi bistro), Ringawera (smoky BBQ), and The Grove (upscale modern cuisine) – all on nearby Federal or Hobson Street. For quick bites, there’s a Starbucks or a New York-style pizza shop around the corner, and the Queen Street corridor has dozens of sushi bars, Asian eateries or sandwich cafes. Many event-goers grab fish & chips from Victoria Park Market (a 7-min walk) before a late show. After an event, if you want a post-show drink, there are many options on Stirling Street or Karangahape Road a short stroll away. The Civic Theatrette bar on Queen Street is a good nearby late-night spot. For nightlife, the Viaduct Harbour bars (10 min walk) or Queen Street pubs are buzzing if the event ends on a weekend. Hotels nearby include the Rydges Hotel (directly on K’Rd), Crowne Plaza on College Hill, and numerous boutique options in the Britomart precinct – all within 10–15 minutes’ walking distance. If you’re flying out or need airport transport afterwards, most shuttles and airport buses depart from downtown stops on Hobson Street or Quay Street; check schedules in advance. Note that ride-share drivers will typically meet you on Queen or Federal Street rather than down the narrow lane.

What Makes This Venue Special

BRAD’S Warehouse stands out for its blend of heritage and hip. In a city where old warehouses are scarce, this 1861 bluestone building is one of the only surviving stone commercial structures in central Auckland (hauntedauckland.com). Its “raw” industrial finishes and history give any event an instant atmosphere – you can literally lean on a 160-year-old wall or dance above the city’s first well (hauntedauckland.com). Locals love it simply because it’s so different from a sterile hotel ballroom or featureless hall. As one description put it, it’s “Auckland’s newest, oldest event venue” (nzvenues.co.nz). The flexibility and value also make it beloved by organisers. The BYO policy and lack of vendor fees is almost unheard-of in the CBD, so you can hire top caterers, rent gear, and even bring your own liquor without mark-ups (www.aucklandweddings.co.nz). This means more creative freedom – for example, companies have thrown themed parties with elaborate costumes and theming simply by buying their own supplies, something harder to do at a standard venue. Artists appreciate the friendly vibe too: bands and DJs who prefer a grittier backdrop often choose BRAD’S over a modern auditorium. Culturally, BRAD’S plays a quiet but real role in the city. It’s part of the Auckland Heritage Discovery walks (hauntedauckland.com), linking it to other historic landmarks in the CBD. Its survival through earthquakes and urban redevelopment is a point of pride for heritage buffs. From time to time you’ll even catch heritage tours peeking inside or guides pointing it out as a “hidden gem” in the city. Although not a mainstream music hall, it has hosted local music and dance acts that have gone on to bigger fame; the intimacy of BRAD’S often creates a “community” feel to a show. Beyond architecture, people often remark on the building’s quirks: for instance the grass-green tile that covers the old well (hauntedauckland.com), or the creaking floorboards. Conversations about a show might pause when someone notices, “Hey, that’s the old water well they found under the floor!”. Even small touches like the warm lighting in the upstairs lounge or the craft beers on tap at special events add to its character. In short, BRAD’S Warehouse is special because it feels like nowhere else in Auckland – a piece of living history turned party hub.

Visitor Tips and Information

• **Arrival time:** Plan to get there at least 15–20 minutes before event doors, especially on weekends. The lane is narrow, and lines often form early for popular shows. Late arrivals might find crowded conditions, as the venue fills up quickly. • **What to bring:** If it’s a ticketed event, bring your e-ticket or printed ticket and valid photo ID (especially for 18+ shows or if alcohol is served). Coat check is usually offered only if the event organiser arranges it. There’s space to safely hang a jacket, but keep valuables secure. Since BRAD’S is mainly standing-room, wear comfy shoes (heck, even bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music). • **BYO rule:** Yes, PB hold by event planners or promoters if allow water. But commonly, guests bring their own drinks and snacks. You can bring in drinks bought at a nearby bottle shop – just remember there’s no official bar, so you may have to pour your own. (Tip: If you see a fridge or bar set up, assume drinks are provided and save your supplies.) • **Age restrictions:** The venue itself imposes no age limits, but each event may. Many nightlife events at BRAD’S are 18+ (check the advertisement). Family-friendly functions do occur (weddings, conferences), in which case all ages are welcome. Always check the event’s listing for any age or content warnings. • **Accessibility:** The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible (www.iticket.co.nz) (ramped entry and accessible toilet). Unfortunately there is no lift to the upper floor – it’s only reachable by stairs. If you need an accessible seat, stay on the main level near the stage area. • **Restrictions:** Bags and cameras may be searched. Follow any posted rules on bags (many gigs allow small clutches but not oversized bags). Smoking is not allowed inside (it’s fully indoors); there is likely a smoking zone outside on the lane or street after dark. Cut-off times or dress codes (sometimes “smart casual” for formal parties) will be listed on tickets or invites. • **Costs:** In a pinch, there is a water fountain backstage; otherwise plan to stay hydrated. Many people find it handy to bring some cash for small purchases (some gigs sell merch or drinks with EFTPOS only). Credit card machines at the door may not work on cloudy nights. • **Navigating the venue:** The sound can be loud, and phone signal may drop inside due to thick stone walls – step out on the landing or by the door for better reception. (Note: Wi-Fi is available but don’t stress on it for urgent calls.) If you get separated from friends, the tall column by the main entrance is a good landmark. If exiting mid-show, use the side exit (usually on the ground floor) to avoid blocking views. • **Camera and notetaking:** Feel free to photograph friends or the (historic) venue interior, but respect performers’ rules. If recording video, ask permission – some acts at BRAD’S expressly forbid flash photography or filming. No tripods during crowded events. • **Local etiquette:** Remember Durham Lane’s businesses – it’s a narrow lane so keep noise respectful on the way in/out. On a Friday or Saturday, your ride-share may have to loop around (the lane itself can get jammed). Also, there are often street buskers on nearby Queen Street – maybe catch some live jazz outside after your show! • **Safety:** As an old building, low beams can be a hazard if you’re tall – especially upstairs. Watch your head during the concert? No, just at certain spots if stepping onto raised platforms. Also, the stone floor can become slippery if people spill drinks, so wear shoes with grip. • **Weather:** Luckily, it’s fully under cover, so rain won’t wash out an event. In summer it can still be warm inside, so a light jacket is enough. In winter the stone keeps it cool, so dress in layers. By keeping these tips in mind, first-time visitors can focus on enjoying the show – and maybe soaking up the history – at BRAD’S Warehouse.