About Private Warehouse
Private Warehouse is a large-scale music and events venue hidden in the industrial suburb of Penrose, about 9 kilometres southeast of Auckland’s CBD (www.ticketfairy.com ). It occupies a converted warehouse building with soaring ceilings, exposed steel beams and concrete floors, giving the venue a gritty **industrial-chic** atmosphere (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outfitted with a professional sound system and modern club lighting, it stands out among Auckland venues as a raw, immersive space for dance music and live concerts (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In a district where factories and logistics dominate, Private Warehouse brings nightlife and culture under the same roof – a unique role in the local scene (www.ticketfairy.com ). Part of a wider trend of repurposing old industrial buildings into creative spaces, it has become known for its cutting-edge audiovisual setup inside a genuine warehouse shell. With its rugged metal-and-concrete architecture, high sound levels and late hours, Private Warehouse offers a very different experience from more polished theatres or arenas in Auckland. For many fans and artists, the independent “warehouse vibe” and state-of-the-art audio than run deep into New Zealand’s electronic music and underground scenes (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Events and Programming
Private Warehouse hosts a wide variety of events, mostly on weekend nights. The programming ranges from DJ dance parties and club nights to live band shows, after-parties and themed events (www.ticketfairy.com ). Promoters often book local and international DJs spinning electronic music, as well as the occasional rock, reggae or hip-hop band. In fact, the venue’s lineup has been described as “diverse,” including world-class club DJs alongside touring rock and reggae acts (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many nights start very late (some parties begin around 2:00 AM on Fridays (www.ticketfairy.com )) and go on until the small hours. Typical ticket prices mirror the scale of the event – modest local shows might charge around NZ$20–30, while bigger international acts or elaborate themed nights can run NZ$50 or more (www.ticketfairy.com ). Advance purchase is common, and popular events often sell out in advance. Private Warehouse has also hosted clearly labelled after-parties and one-off events; for example, a “Private Warehouse Social After-party” was held in April 2019 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Recurring parties or resident DJ nights may pop up (sometimes monthly), but the calendar changes with promoters and trends. In summary, this venue is best known for its high-energy late-night clubbing scene, dance music and electric live shows that attract Auckland’s late-night crowds (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Rather than a traditional box office, Private Warehouse relies on online ticket sales. Tickets are usually sold in advance via authorised promoters, event websites or the venue’s official social media, rather than at a physical counter (www.ticketfairy.com ). Fans should watch for announcements on the venue’s or promoters’ channels for on-sale dates. Popular shows may offer presale codes or newsletters through artist fan clubs. Early-bird or VIP ticket tiers are sometimes available, with different price levels. It’s always best to buy official tickets well ahead, since many nights sell out; only if a show has unsold capacity will limited door tickets be offered on the night (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). When purchasing, use only the venue’s or event promoter’s official sites (tickets often say “Authorized Seller”) to avoid scams (www.ticketfairy.com ). Keep in mind that agents or ticketing platforms may add service fees. If you plan to wait for door sales, check the event listing for any notes (some parties do open a box-office table an hour or two before showtime). In short, plan to buy tickets online or well in advance for big nights, and arrive early if you need to pick up tickets at the door (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The interior of Private Warehouse is essentially one huge open hall with very high ceilings – in other words, a nightclub built inside a warehouse shell (www.ticketfairy.com ). Aside from a raised DJ booth or small stage platform at one end, there are no fixed seats. Most events are general-admission (standing-room) on the dance floor (www.ticketfairy.com ). This means that your “spot” is simply wherever you stand. The most immersive positions are usually front-and-center on the floor, right in front of the stage or DJ for the fullest experience of lights and sound (www.ticketfairy.com ). However, these areas can be very crowded. The sides and rear of the hall are typically less packed – good for moving around, resting or chatting with friends while still hearing the music. If an event offers VIP or roped-off sections (occasionally a raised area or stanchioned enclave near the stage is provided), those give the best sightlines and space but come at a premium price. Acoustically, the hard concrete walls and floor can cause echoes, so sound engineers usually distribute speaker stacks and bass cabinets thoughtfully along the walls for even coverage. The most balanced listening is often near the speaker arrays down the sides, though the bass is strongest right next to them. There really are no “bad” spots – the sound is very loud throughout. The key is to choose what you want: front-row for maximum energy, or back for a bit more personal space and a view of the crowd. In any case, the layout is completely open; there are no numbered seats or tiers, just a big dance floor under one roof (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Private Warehouse is located on Great South Road in Penrose (Auckland 1061), a busy light-industrial fringe suburb (www.ticketfairy.com ). By public transport, the easiest route is via Penrose Train Station, which serves both Auckland’s Southern and Onehunga lines (www.ticketfairy.com ). Trains run from downtown Britomart or Newmarket straight to Penrose; from the station it is then a short walk or a quick taxi/ride-share to the venue. Several Auckland Transport buses (for example routes 66, 298 and 321) also stop near Penrose station (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can plan a combined bus-train trip using the AT Metro app or AT website by searching for the Penrose stop. If driving, Penrose is accessed off the city motorways (take the Mt Wellington or Carbine Road exit from SH1/SH20 onto Great South Road) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Parking directly on Great South Road is very limited; on event nights, many guests instead park in the large Penrose train station carpark or in side streets (but always obey any parking restrictions) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If possible, carpool or use public transit to avoid the hassle. Rideshare drivers (Uber, etc.) and taxis can also drop off right outside the venue on Great South Road. Note that the industrial area can get busy late at night, so it’s wise to allow extra time or have a backup plan. Overall, plan on public transport as a convenient and safe option – Penrose station’s lot, for example, is commonly used when events fill up (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside Private Warehouse feels like entering a high-energy club in an industrial shell. You’ll see a large open dance floor filling the hall, with the stage or DJ booth up front. Along the walls there are usually one or two pop-up bars. These serve standard nightclub drinks – local draft beers (for example Steinlager or Speight’s), bottled beer, wine, vodka, whisky and mixed cocktails (www.ticketfairy.com ). Don’t expect full meals or a restaurant menu; at most there are a few light snacks or nachos. (If it’s a headlining band show, there is often a merchandise table selling T-shirts, CDs or EPs near the front.) Toilets are located toward the back or sides of the hall. Because the venue was built or upgraded in recent decades, the restrooms should meet current standards, including accessible stalls (www.ticketfairy.com ). Upon entry you will pass security – staff will check bags and photo ID at the door, especially for later (R18) shows (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). One or two coat-checks may be offered for colder months, but these are event-specific; in general there are no lockers, so it’s best to bring only essentials (www.ticketfairy.com ). As the lights dim and music starts, expect vibrant laser or LED light shows and fog machines to kick in. It gets very loud inside – thousands of watts from the PA – so plan accordingly (earplugs may help). Cell phone service can be spotty under the thick concrete roof and amidst the crowd, so it’s normal if data or texts lag. People tend to dress casually and comfortably (think neat jeans or sneakers, since you’ll be dancing) – avoid large bags or elaborate costumes unless it’s a themed night (www.ticketfairy.com ). Smoking or vaping is strictly forbidden indoors by NZ law, so any smoker will have to step outside to designated smoking areas (www.ticketfairy.com ). The overall vibe inside is energetic and informal – a sweaty, packed party floor one moment and a group of friends hanging near the bar the next. If there’s a chill-out need, the back areas by the bar or seating (if any) offer slightly more space. In summary, expect the usual club amenities (bars, restrooms, perhaps merch tables or coat check) inside a rough concrete shell, with loud music, lights and a dancefloor full of people enjoying the night (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Because Private Warehouse sits in an industrial zone, on-site dining is scarce. There are a few cafes and takeout spots catering to warehouse workers. For example, a small local restaurant called the Orient Café & Restaurant (with casual meals) and a Turkish kebab takeaway are just a few minutes away (www.ticketfairy.com ). Nearby cafes like Café Risqué or Fletcher Café also exist, but most of these close by early evening. In practice, it’s wise to eat before coming or plan to dine elsewhere after the show. Within a short drive (5–10 minutes), the neighbouring suburbs of Mount Wellington and Ellerslie offer a wider food scene: shopping centres with food courts, Asian curry houses, pizza, burger joints and pubs (such as the popular Garrison Public House) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Auckland’s city centre is only about a 15-minute drive north, where every cuisine is available, but traffic and distance make it a stretch on a late night. For travelers staying overnight, accommodations are mostly outside Penrose – nearby hotels can be found in Mount Wellington/Glen Innes (novotel, Distinction Hotel, Lodge Inn, etc.) or around Greenlane and Ellerslie (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you’re staying farther out, be sure to check late-night transport (a few after-midnight buses or reliably hail a taxi/Uber). Parking-wise, remember that side streets fill up quickly on event nights, and many drivers simply use the Penrose train station lot (arriving before service closes and paying the small fee) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, plan to arrive fed and use the station parking or nearby facilities – shopping malls or hotels can be used as meeting places and have restrooms too. When leaving after a late show, pre-arrange a rideshare or taxi (AT PubTrans no longer runs all night) – signage could be limited, so have your pick-up spot decided in advance (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What Makes This Venue Special
Private Warehouse’s charm comes from its blend of Auckland’s industrial heritage with modern live music culture (www.ticketfairy.com ). Unlike a purpose-built theatre or stadium, its raw metal-and-concrete architecture creates an underground, DIY vibe that both artists and audiences rave about. The absence of carpet, low utilitarian stage and visible beams give performances a gritty, intimate feeling – almost anti-arena in character (www.ticketfairy.com ). In Auckland, where huge events often fill big venues like Eden Park or Spark Arena, Private Warehouse offers an intense alternative on a much smaller scale. It’s even located near Go Media Stadium at Mt Smart (47,000 capacity), but instead of tens of thousands of attendees, Private Warehouse delivers that big concert energy to just a few hundred people (www.ticketfairy.com ). The company behind it essentially took an old industrial precinct and turned part of it into a cultural hub – echoing global trends of factories reborn as art spaces (www.ticketfairy.com ). Fans love its gritty charm – it’s a place where seasoned club-goers and up-and-coming Kiwi musicians equally feel at home (www.ticketfairy.com ). Legendary nights here often include surprise after-parties and marathon dance sessions that become the stuff of local lore. In short, its combination of top-tier sound and lighting gear inside a fearless warehouse setting gives Private Warehouse a unique character: you get state-of-the-art production values fused with a raw, warehouse aesthetic, all under one roof in an industrial heartland (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Being a modernly-upgraded venue, Private Warehouse should offer basic accessibility. There are wheelchair ramps into the building and accessible toilet stalls inside, per New Zealand regulations (www.ticketfairy.com ). The nearby Penrose train station is fully accessible with lifts and ramps (www.ticketfairy.com ). If in doubt, it’s wise to contact the promoter ahead of time to confirm any specific needs.
What to Bring: Always bring a valid photo ID (such as a NZ driver’s licence or passport) for entry – after dark events are usually strictly 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dress casually and comfortably for dancing; neat jeans or sneakers are appropriate (www.ticketfairy.com ). Security will search bags at the door, so avoid bringing large backpacks or bulky items (www.ticketfairy.com ). A small crossbody bag or nothing at all is easiest. Feel free to bring a camera or smartphone for photos – small point-and-shoot and phone cameras are generally OK for personal use (www.ticketfairy.com ) – but professional DSLRs or video rigs are usually not allowed without advance permission. Note there are no public lockers, just occasional coat check tables (if offered), so leave valuables at home or keep them on you.
Venue Policies: Private Warehouse follows New Zealand liquor and licensing laws as a nightclub. That means no patrons under 18 during nighttime hours (www.ticketfairy.com ). You will need photo ID at the door after evening – staff will refuse entry to anyone who can’t verify age (www.ticketfairy.com ). Smoking and vaping are strictly banned inside (per NZ law), so smoking is permitted only in outdoor designated areas (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outside food or alcohol is not allowed – there are bar facilities inside if you wish to buy drinks (www.ticketfairy.com ). Also obey general club common-sense: no weapons or illegal substances, and behave respectfully. If you plan to meet friends, set a fixed point in case phone service drops out – phones often struggle indoors (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Arrival Timing: Doors typically open an hour or two before the main act. If you care about front-row space, arrive early (often 30–60 minutes before the listed start time) to line up. On busy nights, Penrose can get congested, so give yourself plenty of travel time (www.ticketfairy.com ). Lastly, have your post-show transport sorted – night buses are infrequent and area parking can max out, so taxis or Ubers are a reliable last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets for a show at Private Warehouse?
Tickets are sold through the event promoters or the venue’s official channels, typically online. There’s usually no regular box office – check the venue’s or promoter’s website or social media for the event listing and buy from the authorised seller. Popular events can sell out, so it’s safest to purchase in advance, sometimes during a presale. Occasionally a limited number of tickets may be available at the door if the show isn’t sold out (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What are typical ticket prices for events at Private Warehouse?
Prices vary by show. Local or mid-scale acts often range from about NZ$20 to $30, while bigger international DJs or themed parties can go for NZ$50 or more. Prices depend on demand and production. Always check the event’s listing for pricing tiers (early bird, VIP, etc.) and buy from official sellers to avoid extra fees (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where exactly is Private Warehouse located?
Private Warehouse’s address is on Great South Road in Penrose (Auckland 1061). It’s roughly 9 km southeast of Auckland’s city centre (www.ticketfairy.com ). The area is industrial, so look for parking lots and warehouses. For GPS, search “Great South Road, Penrose” and then navigate to the venue entrance.
How can I get to the venue using public transport?
The nearest train station is Penrose on the Southern and Onehunga lines. Trains run from downtown (Britomart) or from Onehunga/Newmarket to Penrose (www.ticketfairy.com ). From Penrose Station it's only a short walk (or a quick transfer) to the venue. Several Auckland Transport buses (e.g. numbers 66, 298 and 321) also serve the Penrose area near the station (www.ticketfairy.com ). Plan journeys on the AT Metro app or Google Maps for the station “Penrose”.
Is there parking available at or near Private Warehouse?
On-site parking is very limited. The best option is the Penrose Train Station parking lot (a paid lot) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many attendees park there and walk over, as it’s only a few minutes from the venue. Street parking along Great South Road can fill up quickly, so if you drive, arrive early or carpool. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are also common, and there are nearby side streets to park in if legal (always check for any restrictions).
Does Private Warehouse have seated areas, or is it standing only?
This venue is primarily a standing-room warehouse space. There are no fixed or reserved seats (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most events use general admission on the dance floor. If you want to catch an act, you stand or dance wherever you like. Occasionally there may be a raised DJ booth or small stage at one end, or rope-off VIP sections for select ticket holders, but the vast majority of punters stand.
Are there age or ID restrictions for entry?
Yes. By law, Private Warehouse events held in the evening are generally restricted to 18 years and older (www.ticketfairy.com ). You must bring a valid photo ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) to prove your age. Staff will check IDs at the door. If any early-evening or special family-friendly events are held (rarely), those will be clearly advertised as all-ages. Always check the event details.
What is the dress code and entry policy for Private Warehouse?
The dress code is casual clubwear – comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dancing. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers are common (www.ticketfairy.com ). Avoid overly elaborate outfits or bulky costume pieces. At entry, security will search bags. Large backpacks or sports equipment may be refused. Follow any instructions from staff — for example, event organizers may stamp wrists or hand out lanyards. There is usually a coat check for jackets (especially in winter), but bring minimal valuables as lockers are not provided (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is Private Warehouse wheelchair accessible?
Yes – the building meets modern standards, so wheelchair access is provided (ramp or lift to the entrance) and there are accessible restrooms inside (www.ticketfairy.com ). Penrose Train Station (the closest rail access) is also fully accessible with lifts (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you have specific needs, you can contact the promoters in advance to ensure the layout for that night accommodates you.
What food and drink options are available inside the venue?
Inside, you will find at least one or two bars serving a standard club menu: local draft beers, bottled beer, wine, cider and spirits (www.ticketfairy.com ). Mixed drinks are also available. There is no full kitchen, so don’t expect a restaurant meal – at best there might be a small snack menu or packed snack bar. If you need food, it’s best to eat before you come or snack after the show. Outside food or alcohol is not allowed inside the building.
Are there coat check facilities or lockers at the venue?
There are generally no permanent lockers. Some events may offer a temporary coat-check or cloakroom service, but this is event-specific. Often the staff will set up a table where you can leave a coat or bag for a small fee or donation. As a rule, travel light and keep valuables on you; there is no secure self-service storage. (www.ticketfairy.com )
What is the capacity of Private Warehouse?
The exact capacity isn’t officially published, but it’s on the order of a few hundred people (hundreds, not thousands) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For context, it’s far smaller than a stadium – many club nights here will sell out at under 500–600 people. In practical terms, assume a packed crowd on concert nights rather than a large arena.
Is smoking allowed inside Private Warehouse?
No. New Zealand law prohibits smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes inside bars and music venues (www.ticketfairy.com ). There will be a designated outdoor smoking area if needed (staff will direct you). Plan to step outside if you want a cigarette or vape – smoking indoors will get you in trouble (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I bring children or pets to Private Warehouse?
Typically no. Since evening events are 18+, children (minors) and pets are generally not allowed for those late-night shows. This is essentially an adult nightclub environment. Any special all-ages or daytime event would be explicitly advertised by the promoter. Otherwise plan childcare or pet care arrangements outside.
What time should I arrive, and when do events usually finish?
Doors usually open 1–2 hours before the headliner or main act begins. For popular shows, aim to arrive 30–60 minutes after doors open to get a good spot or buy tickets at will-call. Events often go late (sometimes until 3–4 AM to comply with curfew laws). Check the event listing for exact start times and plan your transport accordingly – late buses are limited, so arrange a taxi/Uber if needed after the show.
What kind of atmosphere or crowd does this venue have?
Private Warehouse has something of an underground, cult-club reputation. Regulars describe it as an authentic spot for serious music fans – a little rough around the edges but real. The crowd is usually friendly and passionate about the music or party. It may feel less polished than a city nightclub, but many find that raw authenticity part of its appeal. In short, expect a high-energy, no-frills party crowd.
