Events at Parked Up, Auckland

About Parked Up

Parked Up is a unique **urban beer-garden venue** at Victoria Park in Auckland’s CBD. Housed in a heritage Edwardian-stage cottage (the original *caretaker’s lodge*, built 1905–1906 (timespanner.blogspot.com)), it combines old-world charm with modern urban style. This 650-square-metre space blends lush garden surroundings and festoon lighting with a full bar and seasonal menus (heartofthecity.co.nz) (parkedup.co.nz). The venue can accommodate roughly 20–300 guests for functions (www.sharedspace.co.nz), making it ideal for gatherings, parties or corporate events. In recent years it became part of the local nightlife scene, often described as Auckland’s “secret beer garden” or “licensed urban oasis,” known for live music, DJs and social events (heartofthecity.co.nz) (thecommunity.co.nz). Being on the edge of Victoria Park, it offers a rare park-like setting right in the heart of the city, giving gig-goers a relaxed, green oasis for socialising. Parked Up matters locally because it gives a fresh, outdoor-oriented venue in central Auckland. Fans praise its chill garden vibe – “**Prosecco in the garden after work, sip craft beer with a prime burger for lunch, or challenge your workmates to petanque or frisbee golf** – all right in the heart of the CBD” (www.tripadvisor.com). The venue evolved over time: it once hosted the Greenkeeper Café, then relaunched as “Parked Up on the Green” in 2017, and today operates as Parked Up, a licensed event space and bar. (nomnompanda.blogspot.com) (thecommunity.co.nz). Its name and identity embody that park–city blend.

Events and Programming

Parked Up primarily hosts **ticketed events, private parties and regular social gatherings**, rather than nightly club programming. In practice you’ll find a mix of DJs, live bands and community meet-ups – think laid-back house or downtempo music afternoons, local jazz or indie gigs, as well as company celebrations or wedding receptions. For example, one recent Sunday afternoon session was a “HausRoom: Downtempo/Organic House” DJ event in May 2021 (www.ticketfairy.com). The schedule isn’t fixed week by week, but visitors can expect occasional themed music parties, art or film parties, and other pop-up events. On summer evenings Parked Up even hosts casual community events – it’s famous for being “the social home of the Monday night touch rugby tournament” players, who often gather there after games (parkedup.co.nz). This illustrates how the venue supports local traditions as well as one-off gigs. Notable past events at Parked Up have ranged from indie band concerts to DJ dance nights. While there’s no regular headline concert series, the venue is open to hosting a wide variety of performances. Typical promoters might book Parked Up for 2–3 hour DJ sets or acoustic sessions. When such events happen, ticket prices are usually in the modest range (often around NZD $10–$30 depending on the act). Because it’s still a growing venue, crowds tend to be under 300 people. Event frequency varies – often a few times per month if booked. (Most of Parked Up’s calendar is private hires, so open public events are less frequent than at a club.) Attendees have noted a friendly, communal atmosphere at shows, combining mingling in the garden with listening to the performance.

Tickets and Booking

Parked Up does not maintain a public box office; it’s primarily a **function/event space**, so most events are ticketed through their organizers. If attending a public gig there, tickets are generally sold via standard promoters’ platforms (Eventfinda, TicketFairy, etc.) – often as limited online sales. There’s no physical box office at the venue, so plan ahead. For popular shows it’s best to buy as soon as they go on sale; events can sell out given the venue’s few-hundred capacity. Occasionally a small number of door sales may be offered, but don’t count on it during busier events. For private functions (weddings, corporate parties, birthdays), you actually book the entire venue by contacting Parked Up directly (the website has a booking form and contact details). The team works with event planners on packages (floor plans, catering, AV, etc.). Public event ticket prices vary by performer, but local-lifestyle events in 2023-2024 have mostly ranged from roughly $10-$25. Seasonal ticket strategies apply: summer outdoor parties might have casual entry or escrow, whereas winter shows are often pre-selling anyway. In all cases, follow the event listing for that specific show – the venue itself doesn’t set prices.

Seating and Layout

Parked Up’s layout is informal and flexible, reflecting its beer-garden style. There are **no fixed theatre seats** or rows – instead it has a mix of areas. The historic villa building provides an indoor lounge/bar area with cozy seating and a reserved kitchen/bar zone; the main attraction is a large outdoor courtyard and lawn garden. Outside you’ll find picnic tables, high-top stools and open space under festoon lights and tree cover. The lawn is often left mostly open (with a stage or DJ booth at one end when events occur), so patrons can stand or sit on provided seating. Festoon and fairy lights create atmosphere in the courtyard when it’s dark (heartofthecity.co.nz). For best viewing during a performance, aim to stand near the centre of the garden, facing the stage or DJ area. (Speakers are usually set up toward one side of the courtyard, so leaving that direction clear is good.) Many people cluster on the grass area or lounge on benches near the building’s archway. The villa’s verandah and bar counter also offer covered spots to watch and listen. Because the space is intimate, even standing a short distance back still gives a good view. The back corners of the courtyard are farther from the action and can feel quieter; if you prefer to be fully in the mix, staying more central or lounge seating near the bar is preferable. There is a small raised platform/stage that can be arranged for bands on request (the venue supports a stage setup if needed), but sightlines are generally open across the lawn area. Acoustically, the open garden lets sound carry freely across the crowd. Outdoors you won’t have echoes from walls, and sound systems (provided by the venue) are tuned with that in mind (heartofthecity.co.nz). Indoors, events are rare in the villa rooms themselves (those are mostly bar/lounge space), but any music played inside benefits from the wooden floors and windows – generally even indoors the sound is pleasant and not overly tinny. Either way, for loud live acts or DJs the outdoor garden is preferred. There are no bad “secret” zones to watch, but do note that heavy rain could affect an outdoor event, so check weather and see below for rain policy.

Getting There and Parking

Parked Up’s exact address is **Corner of Fanshawe Street and Halsey Street, Victoria Park, Auckland CBD** (parkedup.co.nz) (parkedup.co.nz). This places it in downtown Auckland, a few blocks north of Queen Street. If driving, there is convenient secure parking nearby. Importantly, the Fanshawe Street multi-storey car park (adjacent to Victoria Park) is nearly next door. It offers roughly $5.50/hour on weekdays and a daytime cap around $24.50 (5+ hours) (at.govt.nz). On **weekends** this same Fanshawe car park charges a **flat rate of $7.50 all day** (at.govt.nz). Use that for affordable parking if attending on Sat/Sun or on weekdays. Payment is by machine or app, and heights allow vans as well. Street parking right outside Parked Up is very limited, so the Fanshawe lot is recommended. Public transport is easy. The main **Auckland CBD bus interchange** (Central City Busway) is about a 5–10 minute walk; buses on Queen Street, Federal Street or at Britomart often stop at or near Fanshawe or Customs Street. Logical bus routes include the 101/701 via Federal Street, or inner-city shuttles – check AT app for stops at Fanshawe/Halsey or Customs Street West. The nearest train station is **Britomart Transport Centre**, about 1 km south; from there either catch a short bus (e.g. the InnerLink) or stroll up Queen/Victoria St to Fanshawe. It’s a 10–15 minute walk from Britomart through downtown. Ferry travellers from the Auckland waterfront can simply walk or bus up Queen Street and along Karangahape Road toward Fanshawe. For rideshare (Uber/Taxi), drop-offs are best at the corner of **Halsey & Fanshawe St** (right by Victoria Park) or on Victoria Street. There’s space to pull over briefly on Halsey. At night the local taxi ranks and ride-drop zones near Britomart are quick wheels back after a show. During daytime or weekends, spectators often walk or cycle as well – there are safe cycle lanes on Fanshawe Street and bike racks in the park, so the venue is friendly for bikes. The venue itself is just inside the park entrance, so once off the street the walk is very short. If walking from Wynyard or the *Sky Tower*, go along Victoria Street or through the park itself toward Fanshawe – it’s a minute’s walk from the Tekapo Road park gate.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival at Parked Up, expect a casual open-air atmosphere. The main entry ushers you onto the lawned beer-garden area. A small security check (bag search and age ID) is common for evening events – Parked Up is fully licensed, so do have photo ID to show (NZ or passport) as they check names/ages for drinks. The vibe is relaxed and social: people are free to mingle on the lawn, order drinks and snacks from the bar, or grab seating. There is a central **cash bar** inside the cottage extension where you can buy beer (local drafts and classics), wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks. The drink menu often includes craft beers on tap and signature cocktails. Parked Up also offers **gallery menus and catering packages** for booked events (parkedup.co.nz), but even at public events they usually have a food truck or food station. In season you might find pizzas (the venue works with a wood-fired pizza vendor at times), gourmet barbecue or catered snacks on offer. Expect high-top tables and stools near the bar for casual dining or grazing plate service. Seating is first-come, first-served. Come-and-go is allowed if your event has a band playing – just get a wristband or stamp if needed. There is no formal cloakroom or coat-check, so guests typically hold coats or helmets. Food trucks or catering stands are set up on one side of the garden, with plenty of standing tables around them. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful – reviews note that bar and kitchen staff (e.g. pizza makers) go out of their way to ensure a good time. If you bring a camera, note that Parked Up itself does not prohibit photography of the general venue and performances (it’s common for people to take pictures of shows, courtesy-style). Just be mindful not to obstruct others, and refrain from professional filming unless the act permits it. On the facilities side, Parked Up is well-equipped. The venue has **free accessible Wi-Fi** for guests. Indoor lighting is warm (accent wood and antique touches inside) and outdoor lighting is atmospheric (festoons and fairy lights when it gets dark (heartofthecity.co.nz)). There are restrooms on site (including at least two toilets and one unisex/family accessible WC, as noted by visitors). An on-site green staff ensures the grounds are tidy and clear. If an event has merchandise or promotional stalls, they’re usually along the edges of the garden. The team coordinates sound and lighting: a PA system is installed for music (described as a “thumping sound system” when dancing (heartofthecity.co.nz)), and there is basic stage lighting or atmospheric uplighting inside and out. Power and AV connections are all handled by the venue’s house system for ease.

Nearby Amenities

Parked Up is surrounded by numerous dining and entertainment options, making it easy to plan a full night out. **Restaurants:** A short walk north on Fanshawe or west on Victoria Street yields cafes and eateries. Directly adjacent (at Victoria Park Market) there are casual bars and food stalls like Carpark Brewery or Le Bon Choix. A few blocks away in the Queen Street precinct, you’ll find casual restaurants (Burger Burger, Mexicali Fresh) and bars. Nearby Federal Street (a few minutes’ walk) has upscale dining like Depot, Amano and Soul Bar. For a quick drink before or after, the adjacent Spark Arena block has various pubs (The Established, The Landing). The hip staircase café “Oliver’s” and large restaurants like Elliot Stables are also not far. If you prefer sit-down dining, consider arriving early for venues like Snack Drive or Prego Pizzeria on Victoria Street West (2–3 minute walk), or Federal Street’s strip of breweries. On the way, you’ll pass coffee shops (Rocket Espresso, Goodness Gracious) perfect for pre-event meetups. Although Parked Up itself doesn’t serve a full dinner menu at all hours, many visitors stop at these local spots beforehand. **Bars & Nightlife:** Being in the CBD, there are no late-night bars immediately next door (Parked Up closes events around midnight). However, many walking routes lead to the main bar hubs: Britomart and Wynyard Quarter are a 5–10 minute walk, where venues like Osteria and Everybody’s bar stay open late. The Sky Tower precinct (Orbit Bar, Tapestry’s Lucky Casino Lounge) is also within a 10-minute taxi/uber ride. For a more low-key afterglow, the northwestern corner of the park has Bean Playshop (jazz bar) and a few speakeasies around Karangahape Road (just an extra couple blocks). **Hotels:** For out-of-town visitors, Parked Up is very close to many CBD hotels. SkyCity Grand and its lower-cost sibling, the Grand by SkyCity, are just a 5-minute walk south. Nearby are global chains like the Grand Mercure, Cordis and the Auckland City Hotel–SkySociety in Viaduct. The Britomart area (Re:Mix, Hotel 152 BnB) is a short taxi or 7-min walk north-east. Ponsonby family-run lodges (Alice W Instone) are 5 minutes away by car. This central location means lodging is plentiful – many artists and guests will simply order an Uber west along Victoria Street to reach clubs in Ponsonby or stay in the CBD. **When to Arrive:** It’s best to get there at least 30 minutes before showtime, since foot traffic in the city can be heavy bid hour. Arriving an hour early allows casual pre-drinks in Vic Park or a quick stop at a coffee shop. Late-night transport options include regular city buses (last buses around midnight) or calling for a taxi/Uber; note trains stop at Britomart by 11pm most nights. Late-night dining options are limited, so plan to eat before or pick up snacks nearby.

What Makes This Venue Special

Architecturally and culturally, Parked Up stands out for several reasons. It occupies one of the *most iconic structures in central Auckland* (parkedup.co.nz) – the 1905/1906 Victoria Park caretaker’s lodge – giving it instant historic charm. The old villa is beautifully restored inside and out, yet repurposed into a lively garden bar and event space. That fusion of **heritage architecture with an al fresco beer garden** is seldom seen downtown; it gives a “secret garden” feeling right amidst skyscrapers (thecommunity.co.nz). Many visitors mention the venue’s rustic wooden beams and vintage pump organ accent, lynched with up-to-date lighting and audio, making any performance feel intimate and distinctive. Another unique feature is the playful amenities. The lawn area isn’t just empty – it’s often set up with **lawn games** (like pétanque and giant Jenga) (heartofthecity.co.nz) or art installations during events. On special occasions you might even see novelty props: the venue’s owners offer a vintage fire engine on wheels as a mobile bar or photo-point for hire, truly making an event “extra memorable” (parkedup.co.nz). These creative touches (and changing seasonal décor) ensure every visit feels different. Culturally, Parked Up quickly became beloved for its community vibe. Unlike a typical nightclub, it’s as much about the social scene as the show. For instance, it’s a tradition that local touch-rugby teams wind down here on summer nights (parkedup.co.nz), and it hosts family-friendly daytime events too. It also hosts local craft beers and artisanal food – reviewers have praised the venue as “a great place in Victoria Park” with excellent local cuisine and beers on tap. The staff accommodate group photos, birthday cakes, and often go above-and-beyond, so artists and audiences alike feel at home. Inclusivity is baked into its character. Listings note that Parked Up provides a *LGBTQ+ friendly, gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible environment* (thecommunity.co.nz) – pretty rare in a beer garden. Gender-neutral toilets and ramps ensure all guests can participate equally. The friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere has earned Parked Up high ratings, and many regulars cite it as their new favourite gathering spot. Overall, Parked Up’s combination of **vintage building + outdoor beer-garden + flexible event setup** creates a party experience you can’t get anywhere else in Auckland. Every event feels a bit "secret and special": you are literally in a park, under the sky, but steps from the CBD. That captivating blend makes artists and audiences love it – it has been called Auckland’s own *urban oasis* (parkedup.co.nz).

Visitor Tips and Information

Parked Up is generally casual and easygoing, but here are some tips to smooth your visit: - **Accessibility:** Parked Up is wheelchair-friendly. There’s a **ramp on the north side of the building** for smooth entry (thecommunity.co.nz). Accessible seating and restrooms are available. Staff are trained to assist any access needs. - **ID & Age Restrictions:** As a licensed bar, Parked Up enforces NZ liquor laws: visitors must be 18+ to drink alcohol. If you look under 25, have ID ready. Minors (under 18) may *only* attend with a parent/guardian, and late in the evening it may become 18+. Always check the specific event’s rules – some public burndown parties are 18+ only. - **Bags and Security:** For any evening event there will likely be a quick security check at the entrance. Large backpacks or suitcases usually aren’t allowed; keep bags reasonably sized. Inside, smoking is only permitted in outdoor areas; smoking indoors or cannabis use is not allowed (in line with NZ laws). - **What to Bring:** There’s no cloakroom or coat check, so plan clothing accordingly. For daytime or summer events bring sun protection. Evenings can get cool near the park, so a light jacket is wise. The ground is grass, so bring flat shoes. If it rains lightly, parts of the garden are covered, but heavy rain could dampen an outdoor-friendly show. (Check in case of big storms; small events might move under the cottage veranda or be rescheduled.) - **Photography:** Casual photos and phone videos are fine. The staff and performers usually welcome people capturing memories. Professional video gear (cameras on tripods, etc.) may need prior approval from the venue/promoter. - **Connectivity:** Parked Up offers free Wi-Fi to guests, so you can share on social media or call for rides. Cell reception is generally good even under tree cover. - **Food & Drink:** Outside food and drink are typically not allowed (it’s a bar venue), but vegans and food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen if arranged in advance. There is no on-site bottle shop; however, if you want a bottle of wine or beers to share, you can ask at the bar about corkage options (small fees apply). - **Coat Check:** Not available. Valuables should stay with you. The venue is safe but it’s your responsibility. - **Arrival Time:** Arrive early to avoid queues at big events (most show doors open 30–60 minutes before start). The garden fills up fast. If you have a large group, reserving or staggering arrival is helpful. - **Weather Policy:** Parked Up is primarily outdoors but some events may have contingency rain covers or the villa veranda. In winter or heavy rain, events might be moved fully indoors and acoustic, or rescheduled. The venue will notify ticket-holders if weather causes a change. - **Late-Night Transit:** The city-night bus (N-Line) or trains from Britomart run until around midnight on weekends. If you’re staying out late, call a taxi or ride-share. Uber Drop-Offs are allowed at the main intersection (Fanshawe/Halsey), and there’s often parking-time-limited spaces for quick pick-up. - **Local Customs:** This is a laid-back spot – **no formal dress code**. Beachwear is fine for day events (it’s a garden party vibe), but sports jerseys are more for the Monday-touch crowd. Many locals greet each other in the lawn games area; feel free to join a pickup pétanque game if someone invites you! It’s a friendly, community feel. In general, treat Parked Up like a communal beer garden: relax, mix with people, and enjoy the garden setting. Each show has its own quirks (sometimes catered canapés or themed nights), so if you’re unsure, check any event FAQs or ask the staff. And if you do forget something (an ID, a jacket), there are 24-hour convenience stores and bottle shops a short walk away on Victoria Street.

Frequently Asked Questions