About Newmarket
Newmarket in Auckland is a vibrant inner-city suburb (about 4 km southeast of the CBD (auckland.bayleys.co.nz )) known today as a major shopping and dining hub. Its history goes back to the mid-1800s when it was established as a “new market” cattle trading area (nzhistory.govt.nz ). Over time it grew around the railway junction on Great South Road, becoming industrial (with railway workshops) and commercial before reinventing itself. Modern Newmarket is anchored by the sprawling Westfield Newmarket centre, a roughly 88 000 sqm complex (archipro.co.nz ), and dozens of smaller shops on Broadway and nearby streets. This centre was completely rebuilt during 2019–21 (a NZ$790 M redevelopment) and now contains NZ’s only David Jones department store, a Countdown supermarket and 230+ specialty boutiques (auckland.bayleys.co.nz ) (archipro.co.nz ). The mix of luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Moncler and others (auckland.bayleys.co.nz )) alongside local retailers makes Newmarket unique. Architecturally it stands out: architects note its varied façade materials (glass, perforated metal and even living “green walls”) to break up the frontage (architecturenow.co.nz ). The improvements also added large rooftop dining terraces and year-round walkways. In short, Newmarket matters as a blend of old and new – a historic Auckland village transformed into a world-class retail and entertainment precinct (nzhistory.govt.nz ) (archipro.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
Newmarket’s events calendar is largely driven by retail and community activities rather than a single venue. The Westfield mall hosts seasonal promotions, fashion showcases and holiday pop-ups (e.g. Christmas markets or Easter events), but official “programming” tends to come from individual businesses. Local bars and eateries schedule weekly happenings – for example, the arcade bar Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq runs regular pub quizzing and karaoke nights (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), and John Barleycorn’s Taphouse often has live music on Friday nights (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Specialty markets have appeared on occasion (the French wine bar Maison Vauron held a “Le Rosé” market day for food and wine (www.eventfinda.co.nz )). Cultural festivals touch Newmarket too: during Lunar New Year, Westfield Newmarket hosts lion and dragon dance performances around the mall (newmarket.co.nz ). For film buffs, both Event Cinemas (inside Westfield) and a smaller Rialto screen show current releases nightly, so moviegoers in Newmarket have access to all major films (adult tickets are typically mid-teens in NZD). In general, visitors buy cinema tickets online or at each theatre’s box office. Newmarket doesn’t have a concert hall or large theatre; big shows occur in central Auckland or at the ASB Showgrounds nearby (which hosts expos and fairs). Any special classes or workshops (tastings, dance lessons) run by local shops usually require advance booking, either through the organizer’s website or in-store. The key point is that Newmarket’s “event programming” is largely the everyday activity of a busy shopping district – bustling markets, live pub entertainment, and seasonal celebrations – rather than scheduled big-name concerts or sports.
Tickets and Booking
There is no single box office for “Newmarket events”; tickets depend on the activity. For the multiplex cinema, tickets can be purchased online or at the counter. Popular films and seat types (especially evening shows or Gold Class sessions) often sell out, so booking ahead on the Event Cinemas or Rialto website is recommended. Ticket prices vary by session and age (adults are usually in the mid-$15–18 range), with discounts for children/elders. For bar or club events (like brewery trivia or live DJ nights), tickets or RSVP details are typically handled directly through the venue (e.g. a website or Facebook event). Those are often free or low cost. If a specific Newmarket venue were to host a paid live show, you’d buy through that organizer’s channel (no generic Newmarket ticket office exists). In practice, most outings here are casual: you walk in for shopping or dinner without a ticket. In short, use the official outlet for each entertainment (cinema website for movies; bar websites or ticket links for special events). Box offices are located inside the mall (cinema lobbies) or at individual bar entrances when needed. Again, major concerts don’t take place in Newmarket itself, so traditional ticket sellers (Ticketek/Ticketmaster) are only used for Auckland-wide venues, not the local mall.
Seating and Layout
Newmarket’s main venue is Westfield Newmarket, which spans two linked buildings (at 277 and 309 Broadway) connected by a pedestrian skybridge over Mortimer Pass (architecturenow.co.nz ). Each building has multiple shopping levels plus parking. Within the mall there are many seating areas: informal benches in corridors and chairs in food courts or around central atriums. The designers aimed to give the interior a “luxury” feel (architecturenow.co.nz ), using high-quality materials and open sightlines, so visibility is generally good. For cinema seating: Event Cinemas Newmarket offers three types of auditorium. The regular “Original” screens are standard tiered seating. The large 4DX/V-Max screen has extra-wide viewing with expanded rows. And the “Boutique” (Gold Class) theater provides leather comfort seats, ideal for a premium date night (www.eventcinemas.co.nz ). There is no general-admission area – all movie seats are reserved or open but distinct. As a rule, for the best view choose a middle row (front rows can be too close for wide-format movies). For live music in local bars (not a specific Newmarket theatre), the best spots are usually up front or on small stage risers – so arrive early to stand near the band. In general mall layout, the upper floors around the sides give good vantage of the central space below. Accessibility is excellent: escalators and lifts serve all levels. Acoustics are controlled, and background music or noise rarely disturbs shoppers. There isn’t really a “bad” area in Westfield – everything is viewable from the walking paths, with pillars and columns minimized in main halls. In short, Newmarket’s layout is straightforward and modern, with sightlines kept open and multiple levels oriented around visible signposting of anchor tenants.
Getting There and Parking
Newmarket is very well connected. By car, it’s directly off State Highway 1: use the Gillies Avenue/Remuera Road exit and follow signs to Broadway. The centre’s address is 277 Broadway, Newmarket. Parking is mostly paid in the area. Westfield Newmarket has huge multi-storey car parks (on the green and purple towers) with entrances from both Broadway and Gillies Avenue. Note that parking is **not free** – the mall operates pay parking for all visitors, though there is an official free-parking hack: Westfield’s app grants members 3 hours free Monday–Friday (2 hours on weekends) (www.westfield.co.nz ). Outside that program, you pay from entry (for example, even under 30 minutes costs a few dollars). The garage offers accessible spaces right by the elevator lobbies for easy access (www.westfield.co.nz ). Street parking nearby is metered and more expensive, and there are private lots (e.g. Wilson Parking on Broadway) but none of those are free either. If using rideshare or taxi, you can be dropped off at any main entrance on Broadway or Remuera Road; the official taxi rank is on William Laurie Lane by Noel Leeming.
Public transport is very easy. Newmarket’s train station (on Auckland’s Southern/Western rail lines) is about 350 m from Westfield (www.rome2rio.com ) (roughly a 4–5 minute walk), making City Rail Link travel fast. Almost any train bound for the southern suburbs stops at Newmarket, so catch one from Britomart or the city loop. Bus service is also excellent: numerous routes converge in Newmarket on Broadway or nearby laneways. For example, routes 30 and 309 run through Onehunga and Māngere while 70/75 go to the CBD and West Auckland (at.govt.nz ), and CityLink shuttles (downtown loops) stop just a few blocks away. All buses use NZ’s HOP card system. In summary, if possible take public transit – trains and buses bring you right to Newmarket (tap off at Newmarket Station and walk up Broadway), avoiding parking hassles. If you drive, remember there’s no free parking except via the limited Westfield app promotion (www.westfield.co.nz ), and factor in a few dollars for any stay. Rideshare and commercial buses (SkyBus stops at nearby stations) are also options for airport travelers. Basically, Newmarket is one of Auckland’s best-situated suburban centres: highways and multiple AT services all meet here, and getting dropped at Broadway puts you in the heart of it.
Inside the Venue
Westfield Newmarket and the nearby shops combine to create a welcoming, mall-style environment. Entry is open (no tickets needed), and you’ll be greeted with bright, tiled corridors and plenty of skylights. The redeveloped centre emphasizes comfort and experience: designers deliberately chose “luxury” materials for the interior (architecturenow.co.nz ) and installed greenery throughout. Artful elements include seven massive living plant walls and colorful accents in the ceilings. Vertical gardens are a signature – Natural Habitats (the landscapers) even won an award for “innovation at scale” with these green walls (archipro.co.nz ). The mall is fully climate-controlled, so temperature is pleasant year-round.
Inside, you’ll find all the usual mall amenities. There are guest services (information kiosks) on each level to answer questions. ATMs and a post office counter are available. Restrooms are placed near the main escalators on each floor; every restroom includes at least one wheelchair-access stall (www.westfield.co.nz ). Notably, the centre installed a dedicated “Changing Places” facility on the third level – a fully accessible restroom with hoist and adult changing bench for special needs (cerebralpalsy.org.nz ). Parents can use changing tables, and cafes usually provide high chairs or kid plates. Walking between stores is easy thanks to multiple elevators and escalators. Elevators take you from the ground-floor car parks to all retail levels, and each parking tower’s field antennas include lifts down to street level. The bridge over Mortimer Pass seamlessly connects both halves of the mall (architecturenow.co.nz ).
Food and drink options cover all tastes. On the rooftop of the 309 Broadway block there is a spacious dining precinct with outdoor terraces (architecturenow.co.nz ). You can sit outside with a view of the surrounding rooftops and some city skyline in the distance. Various restaurants and cafés occupy this level (Asian, pizza, modern Kiwi, etc.). Lower floors have a food court (fast-casual eateries) and multiple coffee shops. Don’t miss the specialty bars: for example, John Barleycorn’s pub and an upscale wine bar are inside the centre. Outside the mall, Broadway itself has bakeries, small restaurants and late-night pubs. Merchandise of course dominates – over 200 shops range from fashion brands to electronics and homewares, and you’ll see sale racks or kiosks throughout. It’s hard to go hungry or thirsty: aside from cafés, the centre has a department-store tea lounge and many grab-and-go stalls. If you have any questions about a store or service, the Guest Services desk (usually on level 1) can assist. In summary: expect a modern shopping mall atmosphere with all conveniences – bench seating, clean facilities, plenty of food choices, and even mall-wide Wi-Fi. It’s neither a performance venue nor a single auditorium, but it is the nearest thing Auckland has to a full “day-out” venue where you can shop, eat and relax under one roof.
Nearby Amenities
Outside the mall, the Newmarket streetscape is packed with dining and hospitality. On Broadway and its cross-streets you will find casual eateries, bars and plenty of takeaways. There are urban pubs, low-key wine bars and family-friendly cafes nearby. Notable names include Thai, Chinese and Japanese restaurants (the Newmarket “Chinatown” around Mary Street is well-known for authentic cuisine) as well as Italian trattorias and Indian curry houses. For example, Al Forno (pizza/pasta) and Blue Elephant (Thai) are often cited by locals, among many others. Bars with craft beer and cocktail menus draw the evening crowd. If you plan to dine before a show, you could try one of these fun spots or eateries in the mall itself (remember some only take reservations for larger groups). Late-night options include several 24-hour kebab or burger joints on Broadway for a quick bite after a late movie.
For overnight stays, the closest few hotels are within a 10–15 minute drive. The only lodging right in Newmarket is Off Broadway Motel, a budget motel less than 1 km from Newmarket Station (www.booking.com ). A little farther out is the Ibis/Novotel complex in nearby Ellerslie and several boutique hotels along Parnell Road. The wider Auckland CBD area (3–4 km away) offers major hotels if you want more choices. Back in Newmarket, essential services abound: there is a full-service Countdown grocery store (inside Westfield (auckland.bayleys.co.nz )), plus pharmacies, banks, and a medical clinic in and around the mall. ATMs are on every level of the shopping centre. For last-minute needs, you’ll even find a small post shop inside the car park arcade. Families should note the green Newmarket Park across Gillies Ave and the historic Newmarket Olympic Park tennis fields on Broadway – both are nice grassy areas for a walk or playing catch. Finally, if you arrive by public transit late at night, downtown trains and buses may have reduced frequency – taxis and rideshares pick up easily on Broadway, and CityLink night shuttles (NX buses) run through Newmarket on weekend evenings.
What Makes This Venue Special
Newmarket stands out in Auckland for its unique blend of history, design and local culture. It was literally founded as “New Market” – Auckland’s early cattle yards – hence the name (nzhistory.govt.nz ). Today the area retains a village-like feel with pockets of heritage buildings, even as it hosts one of the country’s highest-end retail precincts. The recent transformation set new standards: the mall’s architecture features rich textures and innovative green elements. For example, the exterior uses layered materials (glass, metal screens and a living green wall) to break up its scale (architecturenow.co.nz ). Inside, seven vertical gardens and open-air rooftop dining areas are eye-catching features (archipro.co.nz ) (architecturenow.co.nz ). These aren’t just pretty; they won awards – a landscape industry accolade was given specifically for the center’s green walls (archipro.co.nz ). This level of sustainable design is rare in New Zealand malls.
Culturally, Newmarket pulses with energy. It often hosts community activities (like Saint Patrick’s Day gatherings or pop-up artisan markets) and even traditional festivals: visitors might stumble upon a Chinese lion dance parade on the street during Lunar New Year (newmarket.co.nz ). Patrons note that the area doesn’t feel like a sterile shopping zone. Rather, it’s a self-contained hub where artsy boutiques and craft brewers sit next to national fish-and-chip takeaways and heritage sites. Many Aucklanders say Newmarket feels “international but local” – it’s home to global luxury shops (David Jones, Louis Vuitton, etc.) and also dozens of local businesses.
Famous performances have happened here in small ways – jazz brunches in cafe festivals, stage shows in department store windows – adding to its quirky charm. And because the mall and nearby streets are walkable, visitors can flow seamlessly from fashion boutiques to film screenings (the Event Cinemas) to artisanal coffee shops in one afternoon. In short, what makes Newmarket special is its synergy: it preserves a sense of Auckland’s past (note the old war memorial by Olympic Park) while providing world-class shopping and entertainment under one roof (nzhistory.govt.nz ) (archipro.co.nz ). Artists and shoppers alike praise it as a “one-stop” social centre – a place about experience as much as shopping. These qualities – award-winning design, cultural vibrancy and historical texture – ensure that both locals and visitors find Newmarket distinct from any other Auckland venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Westfield Newmarket is fully wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Elevators and ramps reach every floor, and all restrooms have accessible toilets (www.westfield.co.nz ). The centre even provides a “Changing Places” facility (with a hoist and adult changing table) on Level 3 (cerebralpalsy.org.nz ). Family restrooms/baby-change stations exist in most washrooms. Don’t shy away from asking staff if you need help; security and information desks are very helpful.
What to Bring: Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are ideal. Malls and cinemas have no formal dress code, but avoid beachwear or overtly revealing outfits. Small personal bags and cameras are fine, but leave tripods or professional gear behind unless you have permission. (Large backpacks may be scanned or asked to be stowed for museum visits.) If you’re going to the cinema, note that outside food/drink is not allowed inside (this is standard policy at New Zealand movie theatres). Otherwise, you can carry drinks or snacks into the mall and eating areas.
Timing & Mistakes to Avoid: Check opening hours – stores generally open by 9am on weekdays, 9am–10am on weekends (www.westfield.co.nz ) (www.westfield.co.nz ), and close by 6–7pm (some shops or the food court stay open till 9pm, especially on Thurs/Fri). Cinemas run later showtimes. Weekends, especially Saturday evenings, are very busy – parking can fill up and queues at popular eateries form. If possible, arrive midweek or early mornings for a quieter visit. Don’t forget to download the Westfield app: it offers deals and free parking validation (3 hours on weekdays, see above (www.westfield.co.nz )).
Safety and Etiquette: Newmarket is safe and well-patrolled by mall security. Still, keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas. Smoking is prohibited inside the mall (by law) – designated outdoor smoking areas are far from the entrances. Cell reception and Wi-Fi (public Westfield guest network) are strong throughout, so you can use ride-share apps or maps easily.
Photos and Social Media: Personal photos for Instagram or to share are totally fine anywhere in the public mall or streets. Retail shops may ask you to put away cameras, but casual snapshots are allowed. Always respect signage (if a store says ‘no photos’, honor that). Videography or any commercial filming would require permissions.
Weather Advice: The mall itself is covered, so the weather only affects outdoor parts of Newmarket (like Broadway street). In rainy weather it is easy to stay dry inside; simply use the covered link bridge (277 to 309) over Mortimer Pass (architecturenow.co.nz ). If it’s hot, the air-conditioning inside is pleasant year-round.
Nearby Supports: If you need late-night transport, taxis and Ubers are readily available on Broadway (the official taxi rank is on William Laurie Lane). Check bus/train schedules – on weekends the last train from Newmarket to Britomart can be around midnight. For weekend outings that go late, plan for a taxi ride post-11pm.
Local Language: Kiwis usually call it “North Island pre-owned stuff”, no, scratch that, just Sin.
In essence: No fancy tickets or dress code needed, plan parking (or use public transit), and enjoy the full range of shops and eateries. Newmarket is designed to be explored on foot once you arrive, and with these tips you’ll find it easy to navigate and fun to experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets for movies or events in Newmarket?
For film screenings at the multiplex, buy tickets through the cinema’s website, app or at the box office inside Westfield. All seats are reserved, so it’s best to book in advance for busy times. Other activities (like city tours, classes or private events) are typically ticketed by their organizers – check each venue’s site or local event listings. Shopping and dining require no tickets at all.
What are the different seating options at Event Cinemas Newmarket?
Event Cinemas in the mall offers standard and upgraded screens. It features regular “Original” auditoriums with traditional seating, a large-format V-Max screen (for a big immersive experience), and a luxury “Boutique” (Gold Class) theater with premium recliner chairs (
www.eventcinemas.co.nz ). If you enjoy comfort, consider the Boutique Gold Class. For the biggest picture and sound, pick the V-Max auditorium; any middle row seat in V-Max gives a great cinema feel.
Is parking free at Newmarket, and how does it work?
Parking in Newmarket’s shopping centre is generally paid. The Westfield mall has large multi-level car parks (Green and Purple). Use of these should be planned: Westfield offers 3 hours free Monday–Friday (2 hours on weekends) if you register on their app (
www.westfield.co.nz ). Without the app, parking fees start from your entry time (about $3–5 minimum per visit). On-street parking and nearby private lots are also metered. In short, plan for paid parking unless you use the official free period via the app.
What public transport serves Newmarket?
Newmarket is a major Auckland transit hub. The Newmarket train station (on the Southern/Western lines) is only about 350m from Westfield Newmarket (roughly a 5-minute walk) (
www.rome2rio.com ). Many west, south and east buses stop on Broadway. Key routes include 30 and 309 (linking Onehunga/Mangere), and 70/75 (linking central Auckland and Papakura) (
at.govt.nz ). There’s also a nearby bus exchange for downtown shuttles (CityLink). Using an AT HOP card is recommended; Newmarket is in Zone 2. Taxis and rideshares also operate freely in the area.
Where can I park if I visit Westfield Newmarket?
The main parking is the multi-storey garage at Westfield (access via Gillies Ave or Broadway). Enter through signs for “Westfield Carpark” and pay at the gates or with the app. Accessible parking spaces are offered near building entrances (
www.westfield.co.nz ). Note the cost (contrary to many suburbs, there’s no free long-term street parking). If garage space is full, there’s Wilson Parking nearby (e.g. 118 Broadway) but that also charges by the hour.
Are there taxi or Uber pickup points in Newmarket?
Yes. Taxis regularly stand by on William Laurie Lane (behind Noel Leeming) as a rank. Uber/Grab drivers often meet passengers on Broadway near the mall entrances or at designated pickup lanes off Broadway. It’s easiest to set your pickup address as “Westfield Newmarket” or a nearby café on Broadway. Just be mindful of peak times (evenings/weekends) when pickup can take a few extra minutes.
Which seats are best at the Newmarket cinemas?
For standard sized screens, aim for center rows for optimal sightlines. In the V-Max auditorium, any seat with a central view of the extra-wide screen works well – the middle of the theater often provides balance. In Gold Class (‘Boutique’), any recliner is comfortable, though front rows are slightly tilted up. Avoid the very first row (it can be too close for wide-screen formats). If possible, arrive early and pick your favorite row when booking.
Can I bring cameras or record-video inside the venue?
Casual photographs (for personal use) are generally fine in public areas of the shopping centre or during special events, unless a specific sign forbids it. However, no professional video recording is allowed without permission. In cinemas, everyday cameras are okay, but filming the movie screen or other patrons is not permitted. Bars and stores may each have their own policy, so when in doubt ask staff before taking photos.
Is Newmarket accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Newmarket and Westfield are very accessible. The shopping centre has elevators to all floors and wide corridors for strollers or wheelchairs. All public restrooms have wheelchair stalls (
www.westfield.co.nz ). There’s also a special “Changing Places” restroom (with hoist and bench) on level 3 (
cerebralpalsy.org.nz ) for those who need it. Sidewalk ramps connect most streets. As long as you use the provided ramps and elevators, you should have no barriers getting around.
Does Westfield Newmarket have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Westfield shopping centres generally offer free guest Wi-Fi. On arrival, enable Wi-Fi on your device and connect to the network named like “Westfield Guest Wi-Fi.” You may have to accept some terms but then Internet access is open. This lets you use online ticketing apps, maps or browse menus while in the mall at no data cost.
Are there baby or stroller facilities available?
Yes. Westfield Newmarket is stroller-friendly throughout. Wide aisles and elevator access make with little difficulty for parents. There are changing tables in family restrooms, and many shops have room for a stroller. (Note: There is no coat or luggage check; if you have large carriers, you may have to carry them with you. Most families find strollers are the standard way to move kids around in the mall.)
When are the shops open each day?
Generally, most shops in Newmarket open around 9 am from Monday to Saturday and around 10 am on Sundays (
www.westfield.co.nz ) (
www.westfield.co.nz ). Closing time is typically 7 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and around 6 pm on Sundays. Westfield Newmarket’s official hours follow this schedule. Note that dining venues and the cinema have extended hours (some restaurants stay open late into the evening and cinemas run after 9 pm). Always check specific store or event hours for exceptions (e.g. Christmas or special holidays may alter times).
Are there age restrictions or dress codes at Newmarket venues?
Newmarket’s shopping zones have no strict dress code – casual attire is perfectly fine. Cinemas and eateries have no age limits (children can attend G or PG events). However, bars and pubs enforce the legal drinking age (18+), especially after dark. Always carry ID if you plan to drink or join an R18 club night. Smoking inside Westfield is prohibited (and also banned near doorways). In general, dress comfortably and appropriately for a family-friendly mall environment. If going to a club, smart-casual might be required, but this only applies at the specific bar entrance, not anywhere else in Newmarket.
Where does the name “Newmarket” come from?
The suburb was named “Newmarket” because it was the new cattle market area for early Auckland settlers (
nzhistory.govt.nz ). In the 1840s local Māori leaders sold the land for Auckland’s founding, and by the 1860s Newmarket’s wide flat land became the city’s livestock market (“new market”). That origin is why Newmarket has a heritage of trade; today the name lives on as a centre of commerce (though it’s now mostly shops rather than cattle!).
When did Westfield Newmarket reopen after renovation?
The new Westfield Newmarket centre opened in stages between 2019 and 2021 (
auckland.bayleys.co.nz ) (
archipro.co.nz ). The first phase (277 Broadway side) opened in late 2019 after 18 months of construction. The second phase (309 Broadway side) followed over the next year. By mid-2021 the full complex was operational. So the current upscale venue you see today has only been fully open since 2020–21, following that major redevelopment.
Why are there green walls at the mall?
The green walls are a design feature of the rebuilt mall. Architects and planners included seven large living plant walls to add natural beauty and better air indoors (
archipro.co.nz ). These vertical gardens give customers a more relaxed atmosphere and even provide some environmental benefits. They’re a standout attraction – in fact, the project won awards for innovation in green landscaping. They make Newmarket distinctive and memorable, unlike any older shopping centre in New Zealand.
