About SECRET WIDER AUCKLAND LOCATION
Type of Venue: The “Secret” Auckland location is an unconventional live event space – essentially a pop-up or warehouse venue whose exact address is kept hidden until ticket buyers are notified. It’s not a traditional theatre or stadium but more like a converted industrial building or large hall with an “industrial-chic” feel. For example, Auckland’s Private Warehouse (in Penrose) is described as a converted warehouse with “soaring ceilings, exposed steel beams and concrete floors,” creating a gritty, atmospheric space (www.ticketfairy.com). The Secret location is likely similar: a raw, minimalist interior that feels underground or DIY. The venue is notable for its mystery and exclusivity – its name literally suggests the fun of keeping attendees guessing until showtime. It has become part of Auckland’s underground live-music scene, featuring intimate “house concert” style gigs and secretive festivals. Unlike mainstream arenas, its secretive identity and intimate scale give it a unique place in the local music community (thespinoff.co.nz).
Capacity & Features: Exact specs (capacity, dimensions) aren’t published, but attendee counts and ticket prices suggest it’s a small- to mid-sized room, likely under a few hundred people. Events are often billed as “House Concerts” – implying a cosy setting. The interior is probably open-plan (no fixed seating) with a stage at one end. (A comparable venue like Private Warehouse has a large dance floor setup – keying in on the atmosphere of a raw industrial space for concerts (www.ticketfairy.com).) Prepare for minimal decor: the charm comes from the raw walls and ambient lighting rather than lavish design. The venue likely has high ceilings and good vertical space (critical for sound and lighting rigs). Sound-wise, similar Auckland warehouse-venues boast professional PA systems and club-quality lighting (www.ticketfairy.com). While exact gear isn’t listed, one can expect a capable sound system and lighting that supports both live bands and DJs. Acoustics in such spaces can be “live” and echoey, but the house rig (as in Private Warehouse’s case) is usually upgraded to handle that. In short, the secret location is technically well-equipped for concerts despite its clandestine vibe.
Significance: This venue stands out for its underground vibe and flexibility. It’s not tied to a big corporate brand – instead, it’s run by indie promoters. That gives it a unique character: fans often feel like they’re part of an exclusive club. For artists, playing here means up-close interaction with the audience. The secrecy itself becomes part of the experience. (Even media refer to secret events as places where “you show up to a music festival, and the musicians are a mystery” (thespinoff.co.nz).) Its historic significance is minimal (it’s a new concept rather than a heritage site), but culturally it taps into Auckland’s love of pop-up gigs and creative spaces. The “mystique” factor – being called Auckland’s “most secretive concert” in local media – adds to its allure (thespinoff.co.nz).
Events and Programming
This Secret venue hosts a wide variety of live shows, typically focused on local or cutting-edge acts. The programming is eclectic – everything from jazz ensembles to indie bands, singer-songwriters to electronica. Events are often billed as “House Concerts,” highlighting the intimate, living-room-like setting. For example, Tess Liautaud’s band and Jay Clarkson & The Containers each headlined a “House Concert” series in early 2024 (soundsgood.guide) (soundsgood.guide). Local jazz nights are also common: one January 2024 concert featured pianist Heather Webb with a jazz quartet (soundsgood.guide). Other offerings have included harp performances (Adriano Sangineto’s Creative Harp, February 2024 (soundsgood.guide)) and experimental acts (Hester Ida’s “The All Clear” in August 2024 (soundsgood.guide)).
You’ll see a mix of well-known NZ artists and up-and-comers. Past line-ups include folk and roots acts (e.g. Lorina Harding in Feb 2025) and international touring names who often play secret or festival gigs (e.g. UK punk band Culture Shock in April 2024 (www.setlist.fm)). In fact, setlist.fm confirms Culture Shock did perform at the Secret location on April 19, 2024 (www.setlist.fm). Emerging indie and alternative bands get a stage here too – for example, a mini-festival called “MINIFEST” in Dec 2024 showcased three diverse Kiwi acts (Kendall Elise, Tali, and Adam Hattaway & The Haunters) back-to-back (soundsgood.guide) (soundsgood.guide). Electronic and DJ nights may happen as well, though dates are less frequent. Even pop artists make surprise appearances: the pop singer Bec Sandridge is listed as a soon-to-play act in 2025, according to a Shazam venue listing for “Secret Location” (www.shazam.com).
Shows occur throughout the year, often on weekends. In 2024-25, new events were added almost every month: from January through December 2024, and into 2025. (As at January 2024, the earliest events are visible in the Soundsgood event log (soundsgood.guide), suggesting the venue began operating around that time.) There are no strict seasons – sometimes there’s a week or two without shows, other times multiple events happen back-to-back. The venue is used for recurring series (like monthly jazz sessions) as well as one-off gigs. Ticket prices generally range from about NZ$25 to NZ$36 for these intimate concerts (soundsgood.guide) (soundsgood.guide). By comparison, a larger related event – the 2024 “Mystery Festival” on Princes St – charged $99–$109 (www.aucklandnz.com). In short, you can expect at least one or two shows a month, spanning genres but always on the smaller side and often with a DIY/underground feel.
Notable Past Acts: Some longtime local favorites and occasional international guests. Aside from Culture Shock, names like Al Park (Lyttelton singer) performed a house concert here (March 2025) (soundsgood.guide). Up-and-coming NZ singer-songwriters like Sam Bambery and Paulo Santo have booked the space (soundsgood.guide) (soundsgood.guide). Even avant-garde projects (e.g. Blair Jollands’ lo-fi pop El Hula) took center stage (soundsgood.guide). If you like an authentic, grassroots concert scene – expect artists who normally fill small halls or play festivals to drop in without the pretense of big venues.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Secret Location shows are sold online only, as there’s no traditional box office (the venue itself is secret!). Typically, tickets go on sale weeks or months before each show via the promoter’s chosen platform (Undertheradar, iTicket, Eventfinda, etc.). There’s no single “venue website” for a secret location – you usually hear of upcoming gigs through gig guides and social media, then book through those listings. For example, iTicket (a NZ ticketing site) has a page for “Secret Location” that simply lists the location as “Central Auckland” with a note that the event organiser will contact buyers directly (www.iticket.co.nz). In practice, this means once you buy a ticket online, the organiser emails you the exact venue details (often 24–48 hours before the show).
- Where to Buy: Look at local gig guides (Undertheradar’s Auckland listings, Soundsgood, Eventfinda) and follow promoters’ networks. Tickets are usually sold in advance through those sites or sometimes via social media promotion. The iTicket “Secret Location” page is a good example – it’s essentially a placeholder that says only “Central Auckland (organiser will be in touch)” (www.iticket.co.nz), illustrating that actual venue details are given privately. There is generally no door sales at the venue itself, since address isn’t public. If a gig is close to capacity, it sells out online (as seen in an Undertheradar entry that shows “Online Sales Closed” for a past Secret Venue event (www.undertheradar.co.nz)).
- Prices: Expect modest prices typical of small gigs. Most shows in 2024–25 have been priced NZ$25–NZ$36. For example, a January 2024 jazz show was NZ$27 (soundsgood.guide), and an August 2024 house concert was NZ$36 (soundsgood.guide). End-of-year festivals at the space have also been around $30–$35 (soundsgood.guide). These are far below arena or festival scale ticketing; it’s more like a ticket to a community performance. (By comparison, large organized events like the Mystery Festival charged ~NZ$100 per ticket (www.aucklandnz.com).)
- Sales Tips: Popular gigs can sell out quickly. Plan to buy early, sign up for gig guide newsletters, or follow local venues on FB/Instagram. Often tickets are limited to ensure the venue stays “intimate.” Undertheradar’s listing for a May 2024 Secret Venue show shows that online tickets were already closed before the show (www.undertheradar.co.nz) – a sign they can vanish fast. If an event is high-profile or age-restricted, grab tickets as soon as they drop.
Seating and Layout
The Secret Location is configured more like a club or warehouse than a theatre. There’s typically no fixed seating; music fans stand or bring folding chairs. The crowd generally surrounds the stage area on an open floor. Because of the small scale, there are no obstructed-view seats – wherever you stand is pretty good. For the best experience, standing near the stage (front center) gives an immersive, energetic view, while the sides or back offer a bit of breathing room. VIP sections are not formal here – sometimes organizers might reserve a small area for featured guests or press, but it’s not a structured ticket tier.
Unique Spots: Being a flat, open space, there aren’t really “bad seats,” but acoustics may vary around the room. Underneath speakers or in narrow corners the sound might be louder or muddier. If you prefer clarity, a mid-room spot (a few meters back) often balances volume and mix. Note that since it’s a warehouse-style room, sound can be echoey – front-of-house engineers might set up PA stacks on or near the stage, so front-rowers get all the bass and direct sound. If you’re sensitive to volume or bass, consider earplugs or find a spot a little off to the side where the bass is softer.
General Admission: Most shows are unreserved. That means first-come gets the best front spots. Doors usually open about 15–30 minutes before showtime (one past event listed “Doors open 5:00pm” for a 5:15pm start (www.undertheradar.co.nz)). Plan to arrive early if you want prime position. The venue rarely rearranges for different stage layouts; it stays an open floor with maybe a small raised stage or platform at one end.
- If there is any seating (for acoustic or jazz nights) it’s usually just a few chairs collected in the back or along the sides – do not expect reserved rows of seats.
- There are often no railings or aisles; people just make natural standing-room space. Respect others’ personal space, especially since it can get packed depending on the show.
- Visuals/Lighting: Some shows use minimal lighting effects or projections on plain walls, but don’t expect elaborate visuals as in big venues. The charm here is raw performance without distractions.
Getting There and Parking
Since the venue’s address is kept secret until ticketing closes, plan a flexible travel strategy. The moue is typically somewhere in greater Auckland – it might be in the city centre or an industrial suburb. For example, the Mystery Festival 2024 (which took place at this “secret” level) ended up at Princes Street in central Auckland (www.aucklandnz.com). If your ticket has just said “Central Auckland,” then assume somewhere near downtown Britomart/Queen St – in that case you can rely on public transport. Auckland’s main hub (Britomart Transport Centre) is easy to reach by train and bus from anywhere in the region. Buses along Queen Street, Dominion Road and Ponsonby are also nearby. The viaduct area is walking distance from any CBD spot. If it’s in an outer industrial area (like Penrose or Mt. Wellington), you might need to drive or catch an eastbound bus.
- Public Transport: The safest bet is train or bus. Britomart Station (City Rail Link, Northern and Southern lines) is central. Frequent bus routes converge on the city centre too. If the event is near downtown (Princes St area), you could also take the InnerLink/OuterLink bus on main roads. For a Penrose/Pūkaki location, the closest train is Parnell or Ellerslie (Southern Line), or Auckland Domain bus stops. Fares can be paid with AT HOP cards on trains/buses. Check AT’s maps on the day-of for any route changes or night services.
- Car & Parking: If you drive, scope out nearby parking. Central locations often have paid public car parks (for instance around the Viaduct and near Britomart). In the city core, street-parking is metered and can be expensive, so many prefer parking buildings or rideshare drop-offs. If you suspect a suburban warehouse, there may be limited on-site parking (factoring in any car park as per usual industrial area stalls). Planning a rideshare drop-off at a known landmark (e.g. a cafe on Karangahape Rd) can work well if you don’t have the exact address.
- Rideshare/Drop-off: Uber, Ola, and local providers are widely used in Auckland’s city center. Most drivers drop off/pick up at a meetup point (often outside the posted address). Expect a bit of a walk once the secret location is revealed. In an industrial area, drivers usually have no trouble reaching it by main roads (Penrose off SH1, Onehunga if near by). There’s usually a flat entrance. If it’s CBD-based, there may be loading zones or spaces for microtransit near Britomart or Queen St.
- Walking/Biking: If you live close, consider cycling – big events often hint that bicycles are welcome (and can be locked up out of the way). But again, expect to be few minutes from the final spot; you’ll likely get turn-by-turn directions (or even coordinates) after you RSVP. Auckland’s CBD has bikeways along Queen St and waterfront, which leads to Princes St as revealed for Mystery Festival.
- Navigation: Once you have the full address, plug it into Google Maps or Apple Maps. The iTicket page’s GoogleMaps link hints at “Central Auckland” without specifics. With coordinates, you’ll typically be told to head to a side street near a main road (e.g. off Queen or Wyndham, or a side-warehouse street). If in doubt, text/contact the organiser. People often exchange messages if multiple friends are going.
Inside the Venue
Expect an underground concert vibe as soon as you walk in. Security will likely be minimal but tight enough to check tickets. Many Secret events have an all-ages entry policy (www.undertheradar.co.nz), meaning audiences of any age (from teens up) are welcome and the space is alcohol-safe. Typical entry procedure: show your e-ticket or emailed confirmation at the door, maybe have your ID checked if included. Do bring photo ID if age might matter or if you plan to buy drinks, since some events do sell beer/wine on site (though it’s not guaranteed – see below). Nightclub-style bag searches are unlikely, but an organiser may do a quick pat-down or wand scan, especially after dark, so avoid bringing prohibited items (like weapons or illegal substances).
Atmosphere: Inside, the vibe is casual and communal. Chairs or cushions might be provided along walls for acoustic sessions, but generally it’s standing-room. Wear layers – small halls can heat up with the crowd and gear. The lighting will be functional: at low-profile concerts there could be fairy lights or candles, at bigger shows a subtle light rig (as Private Warehouse often uses) with club-style colors and strobes (www.ticketfairy.com). Don’t expect giant video screens or confetti cannons – but do expect close acoustics and perhaps fog machines or projections for effect. It’s an intimate setting, so you’ll see the performers up-close.
- Food and Drink: Some events might have a small bar selling soft drinks and basic beer or wine; others may encourage BYO water or snacks. (There’s no guarantee of a kitchen – think of this more like a large living room or warehouse warehouse, not a full club.) If there is a bar, prices are modest since overhead is low, but never count on it. Often organisers suggest you eat beforehand or bring your own refreshments. One trick: if it’s central, there are cafes nearby; if suburban, you might grab takeout on the way. Many attendees simply carry a bottle of water in.
- Other Amenities: There are usually porta-potties or a basic restroom area inside. If you need wheelchair access, double-check with the promoter – heritage or industrial buildings might have steps or a single accessible toilet. The venue is not formally ADA-certified, so access could be uneven. However, most secret gigs try to be inclusive; a city centre space like Princes St (Mystery fest) had flat entries.
- Merchandise & Extras: Often there will be a merch table for the performing artists or label. It’s typically cash or PayWave. Not every event has it, but if you want a CD or T-shirt, look for a corner table near the stage. Also watch for coat-check signs – many smaller events may leave your coat at the side or an impromptu rack, but keep valuables on you (there’s usually no formal coat-checking staff). Cell service can be spotty in older buildings, so don’t rely on internet connectivity or e-tickets in text form – screenshots or printed tickets are best if you can.
- Connectivity: Some venues won’t have public Wi-Fi, so you’ll depend on your mobile data. Often, as the space is open and crowds are not enormous, phones will still operate (4G works fine in most Auckland areas). Charging stations are rare, so ensure your phone is charged. Photographers and phone cameras are usually allowed for personal use (no bridges, drones or flash for safety), since this is not a high-security stadium. Respect performers’ photo policies (some DJs or bands ask no flash).
Nearby Amenities
Since the exact address isn’t public until close to showtime, give yourself extra time to scout the area once you know where it is. Generally, secret gigs have been either downtown or in light-industrial zones. If it’s in the CBD (like Princes St/Viaduct area), you have lots of options: pubs, food trucks, and late-night eats around the Viaduct or along nearby K-Road. You might want to grab a pre-show bite on Queen or Fort St (try cheap eats or a food court). Good coffee shops in Britomart or Federal St are handy for a caffeine fix before early-evening gigs.
- Bars/Restaurants: In the city centre, venues like City Cellars (wine bar), BurgerFuel (local burger chain), and late-night kebabs in the CBD can fuel you. If the venue is up on K’Road (Karangahape Rd) or Ponsonby, there are dozens of bars and cafes (Galatos, Cassette, etc). Otherwise, suburban industrial venues might not have on-site food – in those cases, try nearby cafes or bring snacks. If you won’t have time, eat beforehand or squeeze in a meal with friends after (some gigs end early enough to find a nightcap over on Fort or Vulcan Lane).
- Hotels: Out-of-town guests often book close to the City Centre if the secret event is downtown. Hotels near Britomart or the waterfront (like the Grand Millennium or Cordis) are convenient, as you’ll just walk to the venue. If the event is outside central Auckland, places like Ellerslie or Onehunga have motels a short drive away. There’s rarely an official venue hotel or discount for secret shows, so just pick a spot that fits your plans.
- Arrival Time: Generally arrive at least 15–30 minutes before doors open. In one case, Secret Venue posted “Doors open 5:00pm” for a 5:15pm start (www.undertheradar.co.nz), and people queued even earlier. For a festival (Mystery Festival doors were 2pm), just getting in might have taken hours, so plan accordingly. If travel is tricky, aim to be one of the first to the gate. Late arrival (especially if sold-out) could mean a tiny spot or even missing some of the first act.
- Late-night: Post-show, Auckland has frequent late buses (the CityLink runs on main roads until midnight). Uber or taxis will take you back to the CBD or outlying suburbs 24/7, but surge pricing can apply after bars close. If anywhere near downtown, consider walking a block to a main road where rideshares are easier to flag. Train services (to the south/west/southeast) typically stop around midnight, but check schedules in advance.
What Makes This Venue Special
The secret location’s main draw is its mystery. You won’t find its address on Google or its name on the door. That sense of the unknown creates an adventurous atmosphere – it’s like a treasure hunt for music fans. Attendees often describe these shows as communal discoveries. For example, one review of a “Mystery Festival” event in Auckland coined it “Auckland’s most secretive concert” (thespinoff.co.nz), and attendees had to be “in the know” just to get inside (thespinoff.co.nz). This cachet builds local lore – people talk about seeing names on posters or countdowns and being excited not knowing until the last moment.
Architecture & Vibe: Its raw, warehouse-like architecture (exposed brick, high ceilings, metal beams) stands out from typical concert halls. The stark space turns obstacles into opportunity: performers and lights become the focal art. One can imagine how a venue like Private Warehouse felt underground and gritty on opening night, and this Secret location likely shares that vibe (www.ticketfairy.com). The vibe inside is almost “like playing in your living room” for both band and audience, which many artists find creatively freeing.
Historic Moments: Being a new concept, the venue doesn’t yet have decades of history. But local fans remember big shows: the first gigs in 2024 drew strong word-of-mouth buzz. Mystery Festival in 2024 (Nov 9) was a notable test – it successfully held thousands on Princes St under this secretive banner (with no lineup announced in advance). That novelty was its own historic moment for the rising trend of “secret” events.
Cultural Impact: These secret gigs reinforce Auckland’s DIY music culture. They allow smaller, alternative acts to thrive outside the commercial mainstream. The spontaneity appeals to a younger crowd and those who want something different from, say, Arena-style shows. In a sense, the Secret Venue acts like a community space: neighbors and friends congregate more than fans buying a famous headliner ticket. The local press even highlighted how unique this concept was – one article praises the Mystery Festival for its adventurous approach, making fans feel part of an insider’s club (thespinoff.co.nz).
- Many artists love it because they can experiment – set lists might change last minute, crowd reactions feed back instantly, and performers receive direct applause (no big stage barrier). This can lead to memorable, ad-hoc collaborations or impromptu jam sessions you wouldn’t see in a big stadium.
- Audience traditions can form: people often share gear (someone might hand out glowsticks or tambourines), and it’s common to mingle with the band after the show. While not “historic” in a traditional sense, the friendly, participatory nature is a special cultural highlight.
- Finally, the element of surprise is the biggest hook. As one tagline put it, you literally “show up to a music festival and the musicians are a mystery” (thespinoff.co.nz). That playful secrecy – and the requirement to be “in the know” (thespinoff.co.nz) – turns a night out into an adventure. People love having a story (“Where was that secret gig?”) and it keeps the vibe electric and local.
Visitor Tips and Information
Here are some quick tips to make your visit smooth and fun:
- What to Bring (or Not): Bring your ticket (printed or on your phone), photo ID, and some cash (for merch or drinks). A small bag is fine, but avoid large backpacks. There’s often no formal coat-check, so a coat/bag can stay by the wall. Earplugs can be handy for loud shows. Dress casually – layers can help as the temperature may change with the crowd. Comfortable shoes are wise if you’ll be standing. If it’s a daytime festival, sunscreen might come into play.
- Arrival Time: Try not to be late. Doors often open only minutes before the show (one listing had a 5:00pm open for a 5:15pm start (www.undertheradar.co.nz)). Early arrival means better pick of standing spots. Even if the event seems secret, organizers usually have an entry time in advance communications. Lines can form, especially for bigger events. At Mystery Festival 2024, a reviewer mentioned that guests waited hours in line to get in (thespinoff.co.nz) – definitely aim to be early.
- Age Restrictions: Most shows are family-friendly. An example event was explicitly “All Ages” (www.undertheradar.co.nz), so kids, teens, and adults alike are welcome. However, check the specific show’s listing; some after-dark events might be 18+ (organizers will clarify in the ticket info). If unsure, ask ahead of time. If it’s all-ages, you can safely bring younger friends or relatives.
- Buying Food/Drink: If the show has no catering, grab something before or plan a post-show late snack. Some central gigs allow you to purchase beer/wine on site (all-ages implies non-alcohol shows are possible too), so you can budget for that (typically cheap, NZ$5–$8 a drink). If you plan to drink, bring ID. Otherwise, a refillable water bottle is wise – shows can get sweaty.
- Photography and Phones: Personal photos are usually allowed, but be courteous. Don’t use flash on performers. Avoid blocking others or the aisle while shooting. Remember, important info like the venue’s address or last-minute changes might come by text, so ensure you can check your phone occasionally (but try to keep it minimized during performances to enjoy the music).
- Accessibility: Accessibility varies by space. Many secret venues are in older buildings, so confirm if it’s wheelchair-friendly before you go. If you think you’ll need assistance (step-free entrance, seating, etc.), contact the event organizer once you have the ticket. Rogers: It’s better to ask in advance. If the announced location ends up downtown, most city venues have at least one lift or ramp. If it’s a field or warehouse, it may be ground-level or use temporary ramps. Organizers are usually helpful if given notice.
- Rules and Policies: Bag searches are rare, but prohibited items are the same as any concert: no weapons, no illegal substances, no large banners or laser pointers. If promotions are unclear, err on the side of minimalism. Some secret shows ask that you not share the exact location on social media until after the event – respect this, as it’s part of the concept.
- Misconceptions: Some first-timers wonder if they can just show up. In almost all cases, you must have a ticket. There is no public walk-up box office or gate fee. If it’s labeled “Secret,” it’s secret until tickets are bought. Buying at the door is very unlikely. Plan ahead through the official channels.
- Are the tickets refundable? Generally not. Since these shows operate on tight margins, tickets are usually non-refundable (standard for gigs). Only exchange with a friend you trust if something comes up. If the event is canceled or rescheduled, the promoter should notify you with options. Keep your ticket info until after the show in case of changes.
- Insider Tip: To find out about upcoming shows at this venue, tap into local gig guides and mailing lists. Undertheradar.co.nz, Eventfinda, and Soundsgood are some sites that list Secret Venue events. Artists often announce private shows on their socials or bandcamp. Once you purchase a ticket, the final address often comes by email or even a text message (sometimes just a link or a map pin sent a few hours before). For example, iTicket’s Secret Location page literally says the organizer will be in touch (www.iticket.co.nz) – so watch your inbox!
