About The Kingslander
The Kingslander is a sprawling sports pub and live-music venue at 470 New North Road in Kingsland, Auckland. Housed in the original A.W. Pages grain-and-forage store building, it occupies a heritage structure dating to the 1800s (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). The owners have retained much of the old character – exposed brick walls, hardwood floorboards and steel beams over 150 years old (www.eventfinda.co.nz ) – even as they turned it into a bustling bar & grill. Today the Kingslander bills itself as “LIVE & LOUD,” a place to catch all the big games (rugby, league, boxing, UFC, cricket, etc.) on large screens (www.thekingslander.co.nz ), or enjoy live music performances. It’s been a Kingsland landmark since 2005, serving up hearty pub food and daily specials alongside the action (www.myguideauckland.com ).
The venue is massive. A Concrete Playground review calls it “timeless” and “massive,” noting a spacious ground floor area (with sections for different crowds) and an upstairs floor with an even larger outdoor terrace (concreteplayground.com ). In fact, a reviewer quipped there are “more TVs than beer taps” and praised the “fantastic flow” through the space (concreteplayground.com ). There’s an upstairs “Nectar Bar” function lounge (bar, raised seating and weather-protected rooftop courtyard) that can be booked for private events (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Overall capacity is easily in the hundreds when including all floors. All around, The Kingslander is notable as both a sports hub and live-music party spot – it even advertises itself as “your home of UFC, Boxing, Rugby, League and Cricket in Kingsland” (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). For fans of game-day energy – or just a big night out – it’s a Kingsland institution.
Events and Programming
The Kingslander runs a packed weekly schedule of theme nights and performances. Regular events include:
Tuesday: Trivial Pursuit / Pub Quiz night (hosted by Believe It Or Not Quiz Nights) around 7pm (www.thekingslander.co.nz ).Wednesday: Salsa Night – an 8pm beginners’ dance class ($10) followed by a 9pm social dance, often with a live Latin band (www.thekingslander.co.nz ).Thursday: Open Mic at 7pm (hosted by GigHQ). This weekly “legendary” open-mic is free to enter (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), and performers even get a free drink (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).Friday & Saturday: Live Band nights – local bands take the stage each weekend for rock, pop and cover sets (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). (The venue promotes “Live Bands every Friday/Saturday” with no cover.)Sunday: Fight and sports viewing – UFC pay-per-view and major combat sports are shown on the big screen (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). It’s advertised as “home of the UFC” in Kingsland (www.thekingslander.co.nz ), and the bar also screens major rugby/cricket matches on large TVs.
In addition to weekly themes, The Kingslander hosts occasional special shows. For example, local media have reviewed band gigs here – the NZ Herald even ran a concert review of Auckland hip-hop group Super Villains performing at The Kingslander (www.nzherald.co.nz ). (Most music events are free entry or low-cost; the venue is more like a bar than a traditional concert hall.)
Tickets and Booking
For most nights at The Kingslander, no advance tickets are needed – it functions as an open pub. Entry is generally free (you just pay for food and drinks). The open-mic and salsa nights, for example, are advertised with “Free Admission” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In other words, you mostly just walk in off the street. If you want to guarantee a spot on a very busy night (for example major fight nights or big game screenings), you can reserve a table. The venue’s website even has a booking section: “Book the best seats for you and the crew here” (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Simply calling ahead or using their online booking system is recommended when events are expected to draw a crowd. For private hires of the Nectar Bar upstairs, in most cases the hire fee covers the space – you might BYO entertainment or band if you like. Overall, planned events rarely require purchasing tickets elsewhere; it’s mostly walk-up entry.
Seating and Layout
Inside, The Kingslander is laid out across multiple levels and zones. The ground floor is an open-plan bar area with high-top tables and stools, as well as pool tables and casual seating. There’s a small covered courtyard out front. Climbing a staircase leads to “Nectar” – a raised lounge with couches and an outdoor rooftop area (sometimes used for private functions). One writer describes it as “a massive place” with a downstairs and an upstairs area, and notes that upstairs “there is another area with a larger outdoor area” (concreteplayground.com ). In practice this means there are more TVs than taps, and plenty of room to mingle even when it’s full (concreteplayground.com ).
Viewing-wise, most spots give a decent line-of-sight to the screens or stage. There is no fixed seating like a theatre; it’s mainly general-admission and bar-style. The best seats depend on the show – for sports, people tend to huddle in the sections facing the big TVs, whereas the upstairs lounge offers a slightly quieter vantage. For live bands, the stage is on the ground floor near the main bar, so the dance floor and nearby tables up front give the best view. The stairs and rails offer a perch upstairs. In a review, a visitor noted you can have “a barnstorming night” on the packed floor or “a quiet one amongst themselves” in a more secluded corner (concreteplayground.com ) – so feel free to roam for your preferred experience.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The Kingslander is tucked into the Kingsland village on New North Road. It’s literally a stone’s throw from Eden Park stadium and adjacent to Kingsland train station (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Exact address: 470 New North Road, Kingsland 1021. (Melway-type directions: it’s on the corner near Argyle Street, in a strip of pubs and cafes.)
Public Transit: The venue is extremely transit-friendly. Kingsland Station (Auckland Rail’s Western & Onehunga lines) is about a 1-minute walk away (www.thekingslander.co.nz ) – just exit the station and cross New North Road. That means quick trains from the city centre or suburbs. In addition, several AT bus routes run along nearby New North and Sandringham Roads. After 12am the trains stop, but there are night buses and plenty of taxi/ride-share options in Kingsland (it’s central, so drivers know the area).
Driving & Parking: Street parking on New North Road and side streets is limited (especially on big game days, whole blocks may be signed no parking). Pay parking is your best bet. The nearest car park is Wilson Parking at 4 Kingsland Terrace (just one block north of the pub). Rates there are around $3 per half-hour (e.g. ~$6 for 12 hours) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Note that on major Eden Park event days (All Blacks matches, big concerts), this lot enforces a flat “event rate” of about $25 (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). (Other nearby public lots include Carlaw Park and some smaller Wilson sites.) Rideshares can drop off on New North Road outside, and a number of hotels/cafes around have small parking spots too, but plan ahead for big events.
Inside the Venue
Expect a boisterous pub atmosphere. The Kingslander is stocked with dozens of taps and fridges, pouring mainstream and craft beers, ciders and wines. The focus is casual – crowds wear rugby jerseys or weekend attire. A visitor review noted the bar had “plenty of beer, hearty food plus pool tables and darts” (www.theurbanlist.com ), reflecting the mix of entertainment. Local beers, international lagers and basic spirits are all on offer, plus cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Food is bar-friendly: think burgers, chicken wings, nachos and similar pub grub. (An example menu points to burgers, pizzas and “grazing plates” like sliders, pulled pork and quesadillas (www.theurbanlist.com ).) They also run specials – for instance Thursday is famously ribs night, Wednesday tapas or salsa tapas, and steak nights on Friday – though prices can change.
On entry, staff will usually greet you, and there may be a ropes line if a big crowd has formed (especially pre-match). No VIP-seating or hard ticket zones – you find an open table or queue at the bar for drinks/food. During sold-out events (like a PPV fight), you may have a quick bag or ID check at the door, as NZ law requires ID when consuming alcohol. Otherwise security is relaxed pub style. One review commented on friendly service even when “the bar was at capacity before kickoff” (concreteplayground.com ). Overall the vibe is welcoming and loud: bet that the house tunes, sports-commentary, and live music will fill the air. There is no formal dress code – telephone for any specific questions, but casual Kiwi pubwear is completely fine.
Nearby Amenities
Food & Drink: Kingsland village offers a trove of dining spots for pre- or post-bar meals. Within a block or two you’ll find cafes, diners and ethnic restaurants. For example, the retro-style Kingsland Social (a diners-and-shakes place) is just around the corner, and Indian cuisine can be found at places like Heritage or Eastern Patio . Bars are plentiful too: cocktail spots like Miss Moonshine’s, brewery-style venues (e.g. Flying Moa brewery nearby), and several other pubs line the street. For quick bites, there are pizza places and chicken shops as well. Checkout local guides or TripAdvisor for current “best of Kingsland” lists. In short, there’s no shortage of options to fuel up before a show or grab a late snack.
Hotels & Lodging: While Kingsland itself is mainly a nightlife strip, the broader city area is well-served by hotels. The Auckland CBD (Monarch or Aotea Square hotels) is just ~3km east and easy to reach by train or taxi (20 minutes ride). Nearer in Kingsland you’ll find boutique motels and B&Bs (for example Sandringham Lodge on Sandringham Road). Many visitors to Eden Park choose to stay in Ponsonby, Mt Eden or the CBD and simply take an Uber or train for evening outings. (If you plan late outings, note that trains stop around midnight; taxis/rideshares operate all night from the pub.)
Getting There: As noted, The Kingslander is extremely easy to reach. Walk out Kingsland Station and you’re one minute away (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). If driving, plug 470 New North Road into your GPS. There is no dedicated valet, but drop-off is easy at the front door. For utmost convenience on big game days, many locals simply catch the train to Kingsland and stroll over from the platform. Also note: if you’re in town early, you can pocket shop for bar supplies – there’s a Super Liquor and other bottle shops in the area if you fancy a growler to enjoy with food (though alcohol must be consumed on premises only by law).
What Makes This Venue Special
The Kingslander stands out in Auckland’s live scene for several reasons. First is its size and multi-use nature: it’s not just a cosy pub or a one-room nightclub, but a large multi-level complex. This allows it to host everything from a packed sports crowd to a concert audience. As one reviewer put it, it has “splendid versatility: ideal for both viewing sporting events and watching live music upstairs” (concreteplayground.com ). On game days it essentially becomes an extension of Eden Park – an iconic fixture where “everyone’s packed to the gunnels” watching the big match (www.theurbanlist.com ). Its location next to the stadium gives it that match-day mojo few venues have. Second is the history and character: customers love that it’s a restored heritage building (over 150 years old) rather than a slick new bar, so you get a sense of place. Third is the sports-music combo – similar venues often focus on one or the other, but the Kingslander pushes both equally (weekends here can mean live bands right after playoff games). Finally, it’s become a beloved community hangout – both locals and visiting fans cite the friendly vibe, pub grub and affordable drinks as reasons to come back. In short, with its unique architecture, prime location, big crowd energy and well-rounded entertainment, The Kingslander has earned a reputation as one of Auckland’s must-visit pub-venues.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Kingslander is wheelchair-accessible. Its facilities list explicitly notes “Wheelchair Access” (localista.co.nz ), and reviews mark it as an accessible venue (concreteplayground.com ). There are ramps and accessible toilets, and the ground floor is open-plan so navigating with mobility aids is straightforward. (If in doubt, call ahead to double-check any specific requirements.)
What to bring: It’s sensible to carry photo ID (as proof of age for alcohol) and a credit card or cash for drinks. The venue does not have a coat-check, so keep valuables with you. Cameras and phones are fine (people commonly snap selfies with the stage or big screens), just be considerate of performers. Outside food/drink is not allowed. Dress is casual – rugby jerseys, jeans and T-shirts are common, especially on game nights. A raincoat can be useful if you plan to use the upstairs terrace (it’s covered, but cool!).
Age restrictions: The Kingslander is family-friendly before about 8pm. Tuesday quiz and Wednesday salsa nights are all-ages, and kids often attend early sports screenings. The open mic night is advertised “All Ages” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). However, after dark it’s primarily a bar crowd. Under-18s must be accompanied by adults, and obviously cannot buy alcohol. (For most shows there is no strict 18+ rule posted, but any 18+ signs will be clearly displayed on the door and staff will check IDs if necessary.)
Arrival advice: Peaks can be very busy. On big cricket or rugby match days, crowds start arriving 1–2 hours early (concreteplayground.com ). For a big sporting event, plan to get there early or reserve a table. Conversely, weekday evenings (Mon–Thu) outside of quiz or salsa nights tend to be quiet. The venue opens around noon every day (localista.co.nz ), so an afternoon arrival before an evening game can secure a great seat. Keep in mind closing times – typically midnight (1am Fri/Sat) (localista.co.nz ), after which the party moves elsewhere.
Common pitfalls: One mistake is underestimating the crowd – don’t show up at 7pm on game day and expect to find a table easily. Also, note that some special events (like PPV fights) might carry a small cover charge or require RSVP (the bartenders will inform you). Finally, devise your ride home before midnight or get a rideshare – the last trains stop at midnight, and buses thin out late. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the uniquely Kiwi pub atmosphere: cheers, go well!
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for a Kingslander event?
Generally no advance ticket is needed. Most nights at the Kingslander are walk-in events. For example, trivia, band shows and fight screenings all have free entry – you simply pay for food and drinks. Even open-mic Thursday nights are advertised as “Free Admission” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). The only time routes change is for private functions or special fundraisers (rare) where the venue or promoter will notify patrons ahead of time. In short, you can usually just show up; for very popular nights you might reserve a table via the site’s booking system (www.thekingslander.co.nz ).
Is there a cover charge or age limit?
On most evenings there is no cover charge – it’s just a bar open to the public. You only pay for any food or drink you order. As for age, the Kingslander is family-friendly in the early evenings; children can attend events like the quiz or open-mic (the site even notes “All Ages” for Thurs open mic (www.eventfinda.co.nz )). After dark it fills with adults, but there is no strict 18+ rule posted. That said, if you plan to drink alcohol be prepared to show ID (NZ law requires it). In practice, accompanied minors are welcome before 8pm, and ID checks happen only for alcohol sales.
When do tickets or reservations open for popular shows?
Because they cater mainly to walk-ins, there is typically no advance ticket sale. If an event requires reservations (e.g. a large corporate gig or a paid comedy night), the Kingslander would announce it on their website or social media. Otherwise, most “shows” (quiz, band nights, sports screenings) simply take all-comers first-come. For big fights or sellouts, it’s wise to arrive early or call to reserve a table via their online booking (they explicitly invite guests to “Book the best seats for you and the crew here” (www.thekingslander.co.nz )). In summary, for routine events: no tickets needed, just show up a bit in advance to snag a spot.
Can I buy drinks or food in a certain area inside?
The Kingslander operates two main bars: a large ground-floor bar and another in the upstairs Nectar lounge. There is generally free movement between areas, so you can order at either bar and carry it anywhere. Drinks and food are served at the bar counter only – there are no waiters. Glasses are usually plastic during big events, but otherwise standard glassware. If you’re upstairs, use the Nectar bar; if downstairs, walk up to the main bar area. Tables are communal. There’s no table service, so plan to queue at the bar when busy. Late at night, staff may announce closing time and last drinks.
What are the seating/views like for sports and live music?
Seating is mostly informal. On weekends with live bands, the stage is on the ground floor – you’ll stand or sit at high tables facing the stage. The upstairs lounge has a view down the stairs and TV screens, but less direct sightline to a ground-floor stage (though it’s good for chatting and still hearing the music). For sports games, the ground floor is usually packed around the main screens. If you want quieter sidelines, find a spot on the upstairs deck or near the rear. No spots are truly “bad” – the layout is open – but front-row bar stools or tables by the screens are ideal for viewing. (As one review notes, you can choose a “barnstorming” spot or a quiet corner as you like (concreteplayground.com ).)
Is there parking available at or near the Kingslander?
Street parking on New North Road is very limited, especially on game days. The easiest option is a paid lot: Wilson Parking operates a carpark at 4 Kingsland Terrace (a one-minute walk away). Casual rates there are about $3 per half-hour (roughly $6 for a full day) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Note that on match days this lot charges a flat “event” rate of about $25 (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Other paid spots include the Kingsland Station carpark or nearby Wilson/ParkMate lots. We recommend using public transport for big events. Alternatively, rideshare drop-offs are convenient right outside the pub.
How do I get there on public transport?
Trains are the easiest – Kingsland Station on the Western and Onehunga lines is literally one block away (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). Just take any train toward Swanson or Onehunga and get off at Kingsland. Several bus routes also serve the area (stops on New North Road and Sandringham Road). City Link buses and local routes connect from the city center, as do buses from Mt Eden and Ponsonby. After midnight, trains stop running, so you would need a night bus or taxi home. Until then, the station is less than a 2-minute stroll from the door, so it’s very transit-friendly.
Are there accessible entrances and facilities?
Yes. The Kingslander is listed as wheelchair-accessible (concreteplayground.com ). The main entrance has no steps (it’s flush with the sidewalk), and an accessible bathroom is provided. The upstairs Nectar area is also accessible by lift. Outdoor seating areas have ramps or ground-level sections. In short, mobility-impaired visitors should be able to navigate the venue.
Are there bathrooms and other amenities to note inside?
Yes. There are restrooms on each floor (downstairs and upstairs). Like most pubs you need to ask the bar-staff to open the door to the bathroom. The venue also has multiple high-definition TV screens, a mounted projector for big games, and (above the nearest coat hook) vents for heating/cooling. During events, coat-check may be provided by a volunteer (look for a table or trolley near the bar), but it’s not guaranteed – plan to keep your jacket with you. Wifi is not prominently advertised, so mobile data or an AT wifi hotspot is your best bet.
Can I bring my own food or drinks inside?
No. The Kingslander is a fully licensed venue, so BYO alcohol is not allowed. Outside food is generally discouraged (with the exception of birthday cakes or special diets, which staff will usually accommodate if you explain it). All drinks must be purchased at the bar. If you have strict dietary requirements, you may order takeaway food from a nearby cafe to eat at the pub, but check with the staff first. Otherwise, the extensive in-house menu (pub classics as mentioned above) should cover most needs.
Is there an official dress code or themed attire?
There is no formal dress code. Attire is casual – jeans, shirts and jerseys are perfect. That said, if you’re attending a themed quiz or a sports night, feel free to wear rugby or team jerseys (many patrons do on game days). For live music nights there’s no requirement beyond common sense. Do note that on rainy evenings, the upper deck can get windy, so a light jacket or jumper is handy. Lastly, no bare feet or swimwear (outside of a prizewinners’ novelty). Basically, come as you are – just no need for ties or heels unless you really want to.
What are the hours of operation and best times to visit?
The Kingslander is open 7 days a week. According to listings, it opens around 12pm (noon) each day and stays open till midnight at least – extending to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays (localista.co.nz ). It’s open even on Sundays (often until late evening). The crowd peaks during prime sporting hours (weekend afternoons/evenings). For example, if there’s an All Blacks game at Eden Park kicking off at 5pm, expect a full house by 3pm. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, weekday afternoons or early evenings (Monday to Thursday) tend to be quieter. Arriving early on big event days (1–2 hours before start) is wise to beat the rush (www.theurbanlist.com ).
Is there food available, and what are the typical prices?
Yes, The Kingslander serves a full bar-food menu. You can order typical pub fare – burgers, chicken wings, nachos, pizza and the like. Some nights have specials (e.g. $10 tapas night, $30 ribs buffet, $25 steak dinner (www.thekingslander.co.nz )), though prices might have changed slightly. In general expect apps around $8–$12 and main dishes $15–$25. Alcohol is mid-range priced: a domestic beer or wine by the glass is in the teens (NZD) and spirits around the same. Happy hour deals or combos sometimes pop up before big games. A user review praises the menu as hearty – \"plenty of beer, hearty food plus pool tables\" (www.theurbanlist.com ) – so you should get a filling meal here.
Does The Kingslander have a rooftop or outdoor area?
Yes. The upstairs Nectar bar includes a weather-protected rooftop courtyard (outdoor deck) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). This allows smoking, outdoor seating and drinks with a view of the neighborhood. Downstairs there’s also a small covered patio area at street level. These outdoor sections fill up quickly on sunny days. (If it rains, the rooftop has a canopy, but most patrons move indoors for comfort.)
What’s the capacity and can I book out the whole venue?
The venue can hold a few hundred people across all areas. The Nectar Bar upstairs is a separate function space with its own bar and 3 areas, and can be reserved for private gigs or parties (capacity up to ~150 people) (www.thekingslander.co.nz ). If you wanted to rent the entire Kingslander for a large event, you would need to negotiate with management (they typically divide it by floors). Many shows are “pay at door” style, so if a promoter wanted to book it, they’d essentially treat it like any other venue. For normal patrons, just assume it’s first-come, first-serve – it’s not like a theatre with assigned seating.
Is there an ATM or cash machine on-site?
No in-house ATM is provided inside the bar. The nearest ATMs are a short walk away (for example, at the Kingsland Station carpark or nearby convenience stores on St. Lukes Road). Most patrons pay by card or Google Pay at the Kingslander bar counters anyway. If you prefer cash, stop by an ATM in Kingsland first or use a card – the bar accepts all major credit/debit cards.
