About Lopdell Precinct
Lopdell Precinct is a multi-venue arts and culture hub at the heart of Titirangi Village in West Auckland (new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz). Anchored by the historic Lopdell House (a 1930 Spanish Mission–style building), the precinct now includes two art galleries, a theatre, a small cinema and community spaces. Lopdell House itself was originally built as the Hotel Titirangi in 1929–30 (a “castle on the fringe of heaven”) (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). It was later used as a deaf school and teacher training centre, after which it was renamed In 1960 the building was renamed “Frank Lopdell House” in honour of a Superintendent of Education (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). In 1983 the West Auckland council purchased and refurbished Lopdell House into an arts centre, adding studios, galleries and a 100-seat community theatre (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). After a major $19 million redevelopment (completed ~2014) that added a new purpose-built Te Uru Contemporary art gallery and restored Lopdell’s heritage features, the precinct reopened as a modern arts complex. Today Lopdell is a Category 1 historic place (Heritage NZ) and a flagship for West Auckland’s arts scene (lopdellprecinct.org.nz).
Events and Programming
Lopdell Precinct hosts a wide variety of arts performances and exhibitions year-round. The Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery (a new gallery attached to Lopdell House) runs changing exhibitions of visual art (free entry, open daily 10am–4:30pm) (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). Upstairs Art Gallery on Level 1 is a community space with roughly a dozen local art exhibitions per year. Across the precinct, Titirangi Theatre (downstairs in Lopdell House) presents community theatre productions – plays, musicals and cabaret – on a regular schedule. A separate schedule of film nights (“Flicks at Lopdell”) shows art-house and documentary films in the theatre auditorium; Flicks uses high-quality laser projection and sound, with comfortable seating, a bar and lounge available for pre-/post-show drinks. For example, an annual Lopdell Film Festival runs each June (multi-day, art-film programme; tickets $12 adults, $5 children (lopdellprecinct.org.nz)). Community concerts and festivals are also common: Titirangi’s Festival of Music often holds concerts here, and a Māori Matariki concert (Jan–Feb New Year) is held in June – for instance the 2025 Titirangi Matariki concert was a 3pm matinee with $40 tickets (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). In the holiday season, Lopdell typically hosts the “Twilight in the Village” Christmas market evening on the rooftop Plaza (early December, 5–9pm (lopdellprecinct.org.nz)). Events range from children’s music and dance shows to jazz and folk concerts, plus occasional community workshops (art classes or film screenings). Ticket prices vary: council-run exhibitions are free, theatre shows (by local companies) might run $15–$30, cinema screenings are about $16 ($12 concession) (lopdellprecinct.org.nz), and special events (festivals, concerts) run whatever the promoter sets (typically ~$12–40 as noted above).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Lopdell events are usually available in advance and often sell out. Theatre and film tickets can be bought online through official box-office channels or in person at the Lopdell box office if available. As an example, the Lopdell Film Festival sells tickets through its website and local outlets – in 2025 tickets were offered online and even at the Titirangi Pharmacy (lopdellprecinct.org.nz) (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). Fresher events (e.g. seasonal concerts) often list dates months in advance. For the Titirangi Theatre, membership in the theatre society can include free or discounted entry, while single show tickets are typically a modest income-based fee. Book early for popular shows and community events, since seating is limited. There is no single “Lopdell box office” office hours, but onsite ticketing is set up at entrances for most performances. Fees range from low (kids or concession prices) to mid-range for arts events; the Lopdell Film Festival, for instance, capped tickets at $12 per adult (kids $5) (lopdellprecinct.org.nz).
Seating and Layout
The main indoor venue is the Titirangi Theatre in the Lopdell House basement. It’s an intimate 83-seat auditorium (lopdellprecinct.org.nz) (general admission, unreserved seating on a single sloped level). The stage is modest (about 6.5 m by 9 m (lopdellprecinct.org.nz)), so even the back rows feel close to the action. There is no balcony. Patrons report that mid-center seats give the best view; front-row seats are very close to the stage (which some prefer for intimacy, though very front center can be slightly low). All seats face the stage, and there are no obstructed-view columns. The theatre has standard house lighting and a built-in sound system provided for events (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). For higher-capacity events, the outdoor rooftop terrace and adjacent function spaces can be used (capacity ~120 people (lopdellprecinct.org.nz)). The rooftop is open-air and flat, so visitors often stand or bring folding chairs. Unlike the theatre’s fixed seats, the rooftop offers scenic harbour views, but in evenings it can be chilly or damp – bring a jacket or umbrella if weather is iffy.
Getting There and Parking
Lopdell Precinct’s address is 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland. By car, follow Titirangi Road (west off the Northwestern Motorway or State Highway 16). Onsite parking is available in a multi-level car park built during the 2014 redevelopment (architecturenow.co.nz). There is also limited street parking along Titirangi Road and nearby side streets; on show nights certain roads close to the venue can get busy, so arrive early or carpool if possible. Rideshare and taxis can drop off right outside Lopdell House (buses pull off Titirangi Road by the front entrance). Public transport: Auckland Transport buses run along Titirangi Rd. Routes such as the 172 (Glen Eden–New Lynn) and 178 (from Onehunga via New Lynn) stop at Titirangi Village, just a short walk up the road from Lopdell. The nearest train station is in Swanson (Western Line), where one can transfer to a bus. (In practice, most locals simply drive.)
Inside the Venue
Upon entering Lopdell Precinct, expect a relaxed arts centre atmosphere. The foyer and galleries feel open and well-lit (Lopdell House’s original mission-style architecture has high ceilings and art-nouveau touches). Entry to performances typically requires showing a ticket (give or PDF on your phone); galleries and upstairs art spaces are open to walk through without tickets. Security is minimal but professional – expect a quick bag check at major events. There is a coat rack/closet available for theatre audiences near the entrance (carry small items only). Patrons often arrive a bit early to browse or socialise. Restrooms are on each level (an accessible toilet is available on the main floor). Lopdell has an on-site café/bar called “Deco Eatery” (inside Lopdell House) open 7am–10pm, serving coffee, meals and light snacks – a handy spot for pre-show dinner or post-event drinks. During film screenings, Filipos Flicks’ lounge bar sells beer/wine and small eats. Otherwise, outside food isn’t allowed in the theatre or galleries, but you can bring bottled water or simple snacks if needed. Free Wi-Fi is not generally advertised (mobile data works fine inside). Merchandise and programmes for shows are sold at event counters.
Nearby Amenities
Titirangi Village is a quaint shopping and dining strip right up Titirangi Road from Lopdell. For a meal before a show, options include casual cafes and restaurants: popular choices are the on-site Deco Eatery (for a sit-down brunch or pizza), Little & Friday cafe (& barista coffee), and Casalingo for Italian cuisine. Nearby bistros and pubs (such as Chalet Restaurant & Grill) offer dinner and drinks. If you arrive early, consider walking up Titirangi Road (a flat 2–3 minute stroll) to find eateries and fish-and-chip shops. The area has a few boutique lodgings and B&Bs for those making an overnight out of their visit (options are limited, so bookings in New Lynn or central Auckland are more common). After late shows, keep in mind local bus services slow down by midnight; it’s safest to book a taxi or rideshare in advance or have a non-drinking driver.
What Makes This Venue Special
Lopdell Precinct is beloved for its unique blend of heritage and creativity. Architecturally, the landmark Lopdell House is an eye-catching Spanish Mission–style building dating from 1930 (lopdellprecinct.org.nz). It sits on a ridge with panoramic views of the Waiatarua valley and sunsets over the harbour. Inside, the precinct’s design juxtaposes old and new: original brick and plaster details in Lopdell House meet sleek modern galleries in Te Uru. Te Uru itself is a highly regarded contemporary art space with five gallery halls over three floors (architecturenow.co.nz), winner of national architecture awards. The rooftop terrace provides one of the rare public waterfront lookouts in the suburbs – visitors often note the spectacular sunset vista. Culturally, Lopdell has historic significance in West Auckland’s identity. It has hosted generations of local artists and performers; community events like the annual film festival have become local traditions. The precinct’s development was driven by a community trust and local board plan to make Titirangi an “arts hub” for Auckland, boosting the village economy and community pride (architecturenow.co.nz). Artists and audiences love the intimate scale: poets, painters and actors find a supportive vibe where small-scale creativity thrives. Also, Lopdell is linked to Titirangi’s Māori heritage (e.g., local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki have connections to the land) and occasionally cross-cultural festivals or artworks celebrate that heritage. All these features – historic charm, scenic setting, and a lively arts programme – combine to give Lopdell a special character.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The precinct is publicly funded and has wheelchair access. There are lifts from the ground to the cinemas and gallery levels, and at least one accessible toilet. Wheelchair seating in the theatre is limited to a couple of spaces at the back of the stalls, so book ahead if needed.
Entry and Safety: Standard theatre-bore rules apply: large bags or suitcases are usually discouraged. Pack only essentials and keep valuables with you (there is no secured cloakroom beyond a coat rack). Photography is generally allowed in the galleries (no flash on artworks) but is prohibited during live performances or films, according to copyright. Latecomers will be seated only at breaks. Expect ushers to ask you to turn off mobile devices. Masking or COVID policies (if any) follow the latest Auckland-wide guidelines.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Dress casually but neatly (some patrons go a bit smarter for theatre nights). Bring a light jacket even in summer if you’re on the rooftop – Auckland evenings can cool off. If an event is outdoors or partly open-air, check the weather first (rain cover is limited on the terrace). Australia and NZ use 240V power plugs, so international visitors should bring adaptors if needed. The precinct is family-friendly: exhibitions and many events are suitable for children, though check each event for age recommendations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: The lowest row of seats in the theatre is almost onstage – if you want a bit of distance, aim a few rows back. Avoid arriving right at the performance time; take a few minutes to find parking or bag check, especially on busy arts nights. Don’t forget to check if an event has age limits (some film screenings or burlesque shows may be 16+). Also, Lopdell is pronounced “Low-dull” (with a short ‘o’, rhyming with “noddle”), not “Low-pell.”
Late-night Tip: If an event runs late, the last buses out of Titirangi village tend to be before or around 11pm. Otherwise, hail a taxi or arrange a ride-share. Street lighting around Titirangi Road is adequate but not bright – use the well-lit Kiss-and-Ride in front of the building or walk up Titirangi Road if you’re alone at night.
