About PwC Tower
PwC Tower is a striking 39-storey skyscraper at 15 Customs Street West in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, part of the new Commercial Bay precinct on the city’s waterfront. Completed in mid-2020, it rises about 180 metres (around 41 levels) above a multi-level retail podium . It’s New Zealand’s tallest office building, with roughly 39,000 m² of A-grade office space and unusually open, efficient floorplates thanks to a south-side core design . The exterior has a distinctive curved glass façade supported by a full steel frame – an engineering feat that accommodates two City Rail Link tunnels under the site . Designed by Warren and Mahoney in partnership with Woods Bagot and NH Architecture, PwC Tower has won top international architecture awards for its ambitious scale, iconic form, and integration of local materials and Māori design motifs that reflect Auckland’s cultural heritage .
Owned by Precinct Properties, PwC Tower anchors the mixed-use Commercial Bay development. It connects seamlessly to four adjacent office towers and the Britomart transport hub right across the street . The podium below houses a 5-star Global Green Star retail centre (known as Commercial Bay Plaza) with over 100 shops, cafes, and restaurants . Together with Transport for Auckland’s newly opened City Rail Link tunnels and Brisbane Auckland’s new InterContinental Hotel next door, the tower helps re-establish Auckland’s city centre as a lively harbour-front destination . It’s a showcase of cutting-edge office design – with the country’s fastest glass-sided lifts (8 m/s) providing panoramic city and harbour views – and a fully modern workplace built to rigorous sustainability standards .
Events and Programming
Although primarily an office tower, PwC Tower is equipped with several flexible event venues for corporate gatherings and private functions. The Commercial Bay Meeting & Event Suites on Level 6 and the Sky Lobby on Level 7 (the tower’s high-ceiling reception area with a large outdoor terrace) are popular for business events. These spaces host company conferences, seminars, networking mixers, product launches, board meetings, and even gala breakfasts or cocktail parties. For example, past events have included industry workshops on sustainability and trade, company AGMs, and themed networking evenings . There is no public concert schedule or regular entertainment circuit – most programming is by corporate or special-event hire.
The largest space is Toroa on Level 6, which can hold up to about 150 guests (cocktail style) or 120 seated theatre-style . Toroa has a retractable wall and mobile bar, so it can be subdivided or arranged for breakouts. Adjacent Makorā has three smaller rooms (Tahi, Rua, Toru) that can host 20–80 people each, suitable for workshops or board meetings . The Sky Lobby and terrace (on Level 7) is a spectacular venue for large cocktail events – it has dramatic high ceilings and room for up to around 300–350 standing guests . All event areas offer high-speed Wi-Fi, built-in AV presentation systems, soundproofing and flexible seating to support meetings, presentations, and video conferences . (Note that most of these spaces are booked privately, and any public-facing event would be listed by the organizer.)
Tickets and Booking
PwC Tower is not a public performance venue, so there is no box office or ticket counter for general visitors. Event bookings are handled by the building’s operator (Precinct Flex). In practice, this means companies or groups interested in hosting a conference, workshop or function must arrange venue hire directly through Precinct Flex (see the venue’s “Precinct Flex” event website for details on rooms like Toroa and Makorā). The spaces are typically reserved far in advance, especially for high-demand times like weekday evenings or the holiday season. Rental costs vary with time and configuration (Toroa, for example, has published corporate hire rates), so planners usually contact Precinct Flex to get a quote. There are no tickets sold to walk-in visitors; access to events is by invitation or registration only.
Seating and Layout
Unlike theatres or concert halls, PwC Tower’s interior has no fixed seating or rows. The office floors are open-plan with a central meeting core, while event rooms have fully configurable layouts. For example, Toroa can be laid out banquet-style (round tables), theatre-style (rows of seats), cabaret-style or cocktail (standing) format – and even split into two smaller rooms as needed . Makorā’s boardrooms (Tahi, Rua, Toru) offer classic “boardroom” or classroom seating for smaller groups of up to ~80 people in total. The floors have minimal columns (thanks to side-core design), so lines of sight are generally clear. If you’re attending an event, the best view of the harbour is from the Level 7 Sky Lobby or terrace, where floor-to-ceiling glazing provides 270° views. In event rooms, seats all face the presenter or projection screen at the front. Acoustics are treated for speech, so exterior city noise is rarely an issue. In short, the “best seats” depend on the room and event type – organizers usually guide guests to tables or chairs facing any stage or screen. For general use, the building’s public concourse and lobbies are free-flow areas without assigned seating.
Getting There and Parking
PwC Tower is located at 15 Customs Street West in Auckland City Centre (corner of Lower Albert Street), directly opposite the Britomart Transport Centre. It’s extremely well-connected. If you’re arriving by train, simply alight at Britomart Station and walk a block south (the station’s main plaza exits onto Lower Albert Street, which leads right to the tower’s entrance). Numerous city buses also stop nearby on Queen Street and Customs Street. Ferries to/from the Downtown ferry terminal (on Quay Street) drop off just a few minutes’ walk from the tower. The new Waitematā (City Rail Link) station – opened in 2023 – sits below Britomart, making rail access even easier from South Auckland, the North Shore and beyond .
For drivers, the closest parking is the Downtown Carpark at 31 Customs Street West (corner of Lower Hobson Street), a multi-level public garage with about 1,944 bays . Entry is from Customs Street or Lower Hobson. Rates are set by Auckland Council: roughly NZD $6 per hour on weekdays (6am–6pm) and up to ~$24-25 for a full day . After 6pm and on weekends, rates drop (around $2.50–$10 per hour) . Payment is by plate-recognition machines or the AT Park mobile app. Short-stay and mobility parks are available on lower levels . There are also Wilson Parking sites nearby (for example, a building at 7 Queen Street is branded “Commercial Bay Car Park”). If you use rideshare or taxi, a common drop-off is on Lower Albert Street at the tower’s front door, or on Queen Street via the commercial bay bus lanes. (For reference, Auckland Airport is about 20 km southwest; the SkyBus runs to Britomart and then it’s a few minutes’ walk to Customs Street.)
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, visitors typically pass through automated security turnstiles and a concierge desk (especially if attending an event or visiting an office). The lobby and corridors are modern in style: polished floors, high ceilings and feature lighting. There is a 24/7 secured access system, so guests usually need to be escorted by someone with an access card if offices are closed. On Level 7 (the Tower’s “Sky Lobby”) you’ll find the indoor/outdoor common space with panoramic views, the on-site concierge and a licensed café-bar called Spectra . Spectra serves coffee, light meals and alcoholic beverages; it’s open for events and evenings (business lunches often around 11am–2pm weekdays, and later on event nights). Additional retail shops and eateries are part of the larger Commercial Bay ground-floor complex, just outside the tower’s main entrance.
Restrooms are located on every floor near the lifts and are clearly signposted. The tower is fully accessible: wide lifts, ramps at entrances and accessible toilets throughout. (For example, the downtown car park itself has several mobility spaces .) If you’re here for an event, look for lobby signs directing you to your assigned meeting room (many events hold registration desks in the Sky Lobby or Level 6 foyer). There is no public coat check or cloakroom aside from ad-hoc arrangements; plans often advise wearing business or smart-casual attire with no heavy bags. The indoor environment is climate-controlled – comfortably air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter – and phone signal and mobile internet are strong throughout. Free Wi-Fi is generally not provided to casual visitors, but event attendees typically use the meeting space’s secure wireless network or teleconference systems for presentations. (Building management spaces have top-notch fiber connectivity for tenants.) Overall, the feeling inside is professional yet welcoming, with natural light from the wraparound windows and occasional artwork or wood accents referencing local culture.
Nearby Amenities
Commercial Bay precinct surrounds PwC Tower with a wealth of food, drink and shopping options. On the ground floor and adjacent plazas, you’ll find dozens of bars, eateries and cafes – from grab-and-go coffee shops and casual bite places to fine-dining restaurants. For example, the precinct includes cafes like the Atrium or Cantina in the lower levels, upscale options such as Euro Bar Bistro by chef Al Brown, and international food outlets. Popular bars like The Jefferson (upstairs at Commercial Bay Mall) and The Founder (a rooftop spot in a neighboring tower) are within easy walking distance, as are Quick Bites like Zibibbo Trattoria (pizza/Italian) and Mr. Wolf (burgers). Britomart’s laneway precinct (one block east on Commerce St/Lower Albert) also has trendy bars and restaurants (Federal, a tapas bar, Fig. & Olive, etc.).
For visitors, there are hotel options very close by. Auckland’s first downtown InterContinental Hotel opened within Commercial Bay in 2024, offering rooms with direct views of the harbour. Other CBD hotels like the SkyCity Grand or Holiday Inn (on Queen Street) are a 5–10 minute walk away. Late-night travellers can typically catch a taxi or rideshare from the Britomart/Queen St area, or rely on Auckland’s city buses (some routes run until midnight). The downtown ferry terminal can connect you to destinations like Devonport, but service hours vary. In terms of convenience, there are ATMs in the retail centre, and pharmacies and convenience stores on Queen Street nearby. If you’re dining before an event, many restaurants encourage booking 1–2 hours before doors open, and if you’re staying late, note that trains from Britomart run frequently (with late-night services on weekends) and Uber/taxis are readily available on Lower Hobson or Queen Street.
What Makes This Venue Special
PwC Tower stands out for its combination of cutting-edge design and cultural impact. As New Zealand’s tallest office tower, it has redefined Auckland’s skyline. The building is celebrated as a “city shopfront” – its podium literally restores the historic commercial waterfront feel right at Queen Street’s end . It reclaims the original “Commercial Bay” name (long ago a harbour inlet for shipping), signaling a return to waterfront commerce and community . Architecturally, the tower is regarded as visionary: with its sculpted form frame and balconies, it harmonizes with Polynesian themes (e.g. the name Makorā means “baby whale” in Māori, reflecting the waiting whales on the harbour) and local references. Industry judges have lauded it as setting a “world-class standard” for large-scale commercial projects in NZ .
Inside, PwC Tower spearheads modern workplace culture. It features advanced “smart building” systems and low-carbon technology that earned it a 5-Green-Star design and construction rating (the highest level) . Its end-of-trip facilities (showers, lockers and bike parks) far exceed normal requirements, designed to reward people who cycle or jog to work . The Sky Terrace on Level 7 (about 1,400 m²) is one of the largest urban rooftop gardens in NZ , giving employees rare open-air breakout space with harbour views. And the tower’s express lifts – the fastest in the country – are a well-known thrill (zipping you up 39 floors in about 24 seconds ). While businesses love the prestige address and panoramic outlook, Aucklanders appreciate that PwC Tower and Commercial Bay have reactivated an underused corner of the city with cafés, art pieces and a sense of arrival by the harbour. In short, it’s not just an office block but a new urban landmark that blends global engineering and green tech with local identity, making it uniquely beloved by tenants and architects alike.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The tower is fully wheelchair accessible. If you or someone in your party has limited mobility, use the Lower Albert Street entrance or the street entrance off Customs Street West – all feature ramps and lift access. Elevators are spacious and travel quickly; an intercom is available if assistance is needed. Note that the event floors and Sky Lobby have accessible restrooms. For parents or carers, family restrooms may be arranged by the host (it’s primarily a business building, so there’s no dedicated play area). Service animals generally are allowed, but pets of other types are not.
What to Bring: If you’re here for an event, bring a photo ID (especially if you’re a first-time guest or visiting certain office suites). Most attendees are asked to sign in at the lobby. Wear a smart-casual or business attire – it’s an office environment. There’s no formal dress code, but avoid extremely casual wear or sports gear unless the event specifies otherwise. Cameras or recording devices are allowed in public parts of the building (lobbies, retail areas) but we caution against filming inside private meeting rooms without permission. Bulky backpacks or large bags may be subject to security screening; typically small purses or laptop bags are fine. If the event is an evening social, be aware that the lobby bar (Spectra) can serve alcohol – anyone under 18 may be refused drinks after-hours, following NZ law. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the building and on the tower’s terraces; use the designated street-side smoking zones on Hobson/Queen Streets if needed.
Common Mistakes: Visitors sometimes arrive on the wrong side – note that “17 Customs Street West” often refers to the main retail entrance, while corporate guests should use the Lower Albert Street lobby. Also, allow extra time during Auckland peak hours (4–6pm) as Queen Street congestion or Britomart pedestrian crowds can slow you down. If attending a lunchtime event, check if the cafe on Level 7 (Spectra) is open – it usually opens around 11am, but larger corporate lunches might cater separately. Finally, don’t look for public paid parking slots right under the tower – most parking is in the multi-storey lot a block away , so budget for a short walk.
What is the capacity of the event spaces at PwC Tower?
The tower’s main event rooms vary. Toroa (Level 6) can hold up to about 180 people standing, or ~120 seated theatre-style . The adjacent Makorā rooms (Tahi/Rua/Toru) each seat a few dozen (e.g. Makorā Toru fits ~80 theatre-style). The Sky Lobby on Level 7 can accommodate roughly 300–350 guests standing for cocktail events . Exact numbers depend on layout (the venue offers banquet, cabaret, theatre or cocktail configurations).
Where is PwC Tower located and how do I reach it?
PwC Tower is at 15 Customs Street West in central Auckland (city postcode 1010), on the corner of Lower Albert Street . It’s right opposite Britomart Station – only a one-minute walk from the station exits. Many city buses stop on nearby Queen Street or Customs Street West. The downtown ferry terminal (across Quay Street) is also very close. If driving, use the Downtown multi-storey car park at 31 Customs Street (entry via Lower Hobson) – it’s a five-minute drive away .
Is PwC Tower open to the public for tours or events?
No – PwC Tower is a private commercial building. There are no scheduled public tours or performances. Access beyond the ground-floor retail mall is by appointment or invitation only (for example, if you’re attending a booked conference or have business with a tenant). Any events held in the building are typically closed to the public and require registration or tickets from the event organizer. There’s no box office on site.
Do I need to buy tickets or make a reservation to enter PwC Tower?
You do not buy general admission or walk-in tickets for PwC Tower. If you do have an event here, your company or event organizer will handle registration or invitiations. In other words, only invited guests or tenants enter the offices. If you want to host an event, you’d coordinate with the building’s events team (Precinct Flex) well in advance. For casual visitors, you can visit the retail stores and cafés at the base without tickets, but access to the tower’s office levels requires a staff escort or visitor pass.
What are the parking options and costs near PwC Tower?
The primary car park is the Downtown Car Park at 31 Customs Street West (corner of Lower Hobson Street). This large, ticketless garage charges roughly NZD $6 for the first hour (Weekday 6am–6pm) and about $24–$25 for a full day . Evenings and weekends are cheaper (around $2.50–$10 per hour) . Pay by plate entry machines or the AT Park app (Area ID 100315). There are also limited street parks and a Wilson Parking lot at 7 Queen Street. Note: bring your ticketless entry number or use the app before exiting. A disabled parking session (with permit) is free for the first two hours in this council-run car park .
Which public transport stops near PwC Tower?
Britomart (the central train and bus station) is immediately opposite PwC Tower on Quay Street . Trains on all Auckland suburban lines stop there. The Queen Street Bus Station (Britomart interchange) is a 2-minute walk away. CityLink and OuterLink buses run down Queen Street and Customs Street, so multiple bus routes stop within a block. The Downtown ferry terminal (for Waiheke, Devonport, etc.) is just across Quay Street. In short, nearly any CBD bus route or ferry lands you within a few minutes’ walk of the tower’s front doors.
Are the lifts in PwC Tower special in any way?
Yes, the tower’s high-speed lifts are among New Zealand’s fastest. They travel at about 8 metres per second , reaching the upper floors in under 30 seconds. Many of the lifts are fully glazed on the outside wall of the building, so passengers can watch the city and harbour sweep by as they ascend. This feature is often mentioned as a highlight – one industry report even called riding the glass lifts “pretty exciting” . Just note: the lifts stop on every floor, so they’re primarily intended for office use (if you’re just visiting the lobby, press the “LG” or “Sky Lobby” button).
What is the historic or cultural significance of PwC Tower’s location?
The tower sits on land historically called “Commercial Bay,” a major 19th-century harbourfront trading area . That name was revived by the developer to honor Auckland’s original waterfront heritage. The site was once near the mouth of Te Wai Horotiu (Queen Street’s stream), a vital resource for Māori settlements . Today, the building’s design and precinct incorporate Māori and Pacific motifs (even naming rooms Makorā and Toroa) to acknowledge this history. In short, PwC Tower helps restore Queen Street’s old shoreline atmosphere, making it a modern gateway to the harbour as in the past .
Does PwC Tower have an observation deck or public viewing area?
There is no public observation deck at PwC Tower. The building’s upper levels are private offices and event spaces. The Sky Lobby and its open-air terrace on Level 7 offer the best views, but these are reserved for tenants and event guests. If you attend a function there, you may enjoy the view from that level, but it isn’t open for general tourism. For public views of Auckland Harbour, nearby options include the Britomart clocktower, Viaduct Harbour, or paid attractions like the Sky Tower’s observation deck.
What are the building’s sustainability and green features?
PwC Tower is a high-performance “green” building. It was developed to achieve a 5-green-star rating (design and built) – the top level of environmental performance in NZ . It includes water-efficient plumbing, LED lighting, energy-smart HVAC systems, and use of sustainable materials. The building has excellent end-of-trip facilities to support cyclists (licensed showers and 200+ secure bike parks, exceeding Green Star requirements) . Its anchor tenants insisted on high sustainability standards (5-star Green Star and 4-star NABERSNZ) and Precinct has a Net Zero Carbon pledge, meaning the tower will run climate-neutrally by 2030 . These features are part of what makes the workspace feel modern and efficient.
What is Spectra in PwC Tower?
Spectra is the onsite cafe-bar located in the PwC Tower’s Sky Lobby (Level 7) . It’s a licensed venue, serving coffee, light meals and alcoholic drinks. Spectra is typically open for lunch hours on weeknights (often 11am–2pm) and evenings when events are held. Guests attending a meeting or after-work function in the tower often meet at Spectra for refreshments. It's managed by the event services team (Spectra has agreements for catering big corporate bookings). You can’t walk in for late-night drinks, though – it closes when the building does, and mainly serves building tenants and their guests.
Is there free Wi-Fi or mobile coverage inside PwC Tower?
The tower has excellent cell phone coverage (4G/5G) throughout. However, there is no open public Wi-Fi for casual visitors. If you’re at a public cafe or retail shop on the lower levels, you may be able to use their network. In meeting rooms, event organizers typically provide a secure wireless network for guests’ laptops or devices (often included with the AV package). Otherwise, plan to use your own mobile data or make hot-spot arrangements.
Are the ground-floor shops and restaurants part of PwC Tower?
The lower levels of the building are integrated with the Commercial Bay retail centre, which spans the base of PwC Tower and adjacent towers. In total there are over 100 retail, dining and bar outlets in the precinct . So while the offices above bear the “PwC Tower” name, the ground floor shops and eateries are technically part of the larger Commercial Bay mall. Visitors can freely enter these shops and restaurants from the street without going through office security. However, there’s no direct shop or stall called “PwC Tower” itself – it’s just part of the same complex.
Does PwC Tower have any accessibility or wheelchair-friendly features?
Yes. PwC Tower was built with full accessibility in mind. All entrances are step-free ramps or have automatic doors, and there are multiple large elevators to serve each floor. Inside, paths are wide and flat. Restrooms on every floor include accessible stalls. In the nearby Downtown Carpark, there are at least 19 dedicated mobility parking spaces (many on ground-floor levels) . The lifts and doors have braille and handicap signage. In summary, visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids will find the building easy to navigate.
Is PwC Tower a good place for large concerts or performances?
No – PwC Tower is not suitable for concerts, theatrical shows or very large public events. It does not have an auditorium or arena space. Event rooms are designed for business and social functions (training, conferences, kne/get-togethers), not music or sports performances. The tower’s focus is on office and hospitality use, so there are no stage riggings, big sound booths or spectator seating areas like an entertainment venue would have. Auckland concert-goers typically use dedicated venues like Spark Arena or the Town Hall instead.
What are common rules or guidelines at PwC Tower events?
General office/event etiquette applies at PwC Tower. Guests should arrive by the stated time (often a few minutes early) and check in at reception. Large bags or luggage may be asked to be stored or checked. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the building or on event terraces. Photography of the building’s interior is typically okay in public areas, but respect privacy if people are working. Alcohol may only be served by licensed staff (Spectra) and usually only after afternoon on weekdays. Dress code is usually business or smart-casual, and minors should be supervised (some events are adults-only depending on content). Typically, no strong fragrances or unruly behavior are permitted – it’s essentially a professional workspace. If you have specific concerns (like dietary needs or accessibility), it’s best to discuss with the event organizer in advance.
