About White Studios LTD
White Studios LTD is a professional photography and video production facility in Eden Terrace on Auckland’s CBD fringe. It operates three purpose-built studios where photographers and filmmakers can “paint on a blank canvas” . In fact, White Studios advertises itself as New Zealand’s largest photo/video equipment rental house . Established around 2006, it has built a reputation for an extremely wide range of cameras, lenses, lighting, sound and grip gear . Rather than being a normal theatre or music hall, White Studios functions as a versatile workspace – essentially a large white‐room creative lab – where clients bring in their own crews and talent. Each studio boasts very high ceilings and giant cyc walls; for example, Studio 1 has an 18 m × 10.5 m × 5 m cyclorama covering half its floor . The interior is all white/interior‐design neutral, with polished concrete floors, making it ideal as a “blank canvas” set . Everyone in town knows White Studios as a hub for media production crews – from overseas advertising agencies to local videographers – even if it doesn’t host public concerts or plays. Its history is tied to the growth of Auckland’s creative industries: local TV commercials, fashion shoots and music videos have been shot here, and the facility prides itself on high-end standards and 24/7 support for big projects .
Studio Spaces and Services
White Studios isn’t a concert venue, but rather a rental studio complex. It regularly hosts professional photo shoots, TV or film set shoots, advertising campaigns, corporate video productions, fashion lookbooks, municipal promotions, music video filming and similar projects. Because of the blank‐room setup, almost any genre of shoot can take place here. For example, sports brands or car companies bring vehicles for action shoots in the large Studio 1 (drive‐in access is provided), while smaller corporate interviews or product shoots may use Studio 3. The business also provides gear rental – cameras, cinema rigs, lights, microphones and accessories – so clients often rent both the space and the equipment in one place . Staff will match or beat competitor prices, ensuring crews can afford top-tier kit . On occasion White Studios even hosts special one-off events for creative communities (for example, a reggae sound-system party was held there in mid-2022 www.ticketfairy.com). However, the venue is not open for public concerts or theatre; almost all bookings are private rentals by industry clients, often by the day. White Studios clients include commercial photographers, video agencies, designers and advertising creative teams. In short, the programming is totally on-demand: teams book the studio for a particular date and purpose, rather than the space having its own calendar of shows.
Booking & Rates
There is no box office or online ticketing – all bookings are done directly. Clients get quotes and reserve studios by contacting White Studios’ sales staff (usually by email or phone) and specifying dates, studio needs and gear. They can often organise same-day Auckland delivery of equipment, even outside “normal” hours . The studios are hired in time blocks (typically half-day or full-day). Standard day rates (approx. 10 hours) are roughly NZ$600 for Studio 1, $450 for Studio 2, and $350 for Studio 3 (with half-day rates of ~$390, $290, and $220, respectively) . (All rates are plus GST.) For example, a 10-hour rental of Studio 1 costs about $600, Studio 2 about $450 and Studio 3 about $350 . Note that if you use a vinyl backdrop, there may be repaint fees (e.g. $150 if you use the cyclorama paint) . Equipment hire is similarly arranged: White Studios lists cameras, lenses, lights etc on its site with daily rates (for example, a Canon EOS R5 kit about $150/day or a Sony FX3 for ~$200/day). Payment is normally by invoice or credit card; large bookings may have payments due before shoot days. (Credit cards incur a surcharge if over $500 , and clients often take out the optional damage waiver.)
Because there is no public walk-in audience, there are no general admissions or “door sales.” You simply reserve in advance and check in on the appointment date. The studios’ office hours are traditionally weekdays 8am–6pm (the rental business side is open then) . Saturdays may be by prior arrangement; Sundays are generally closed. Late-night shoots can be arranged but usually need to be agreed upon ahead of time. If you need to reschedule or cancel, know that White Studios has a strict policy: booking cancellations under 24 hours incur a 100% charge, under 48 hours a 50% charge on the first day . In other words, last-minute changes are costly. Clients are advised to plan well ahead.
Studio Layout & Facilities
Each studio is essentially a large open space with some built-in support areas. There are no fixed audience seats – everything is open floor (generally polished concrete) allowing configurable sets. Studio 1 (the biggest) features an extensive wraparound white cyclorama about 18m long and 5m high , with half of its floor as a “cove” curve. The rest of Studio 1 is flat polished concrete. This studio has drive-in access so you can bring large props (even vehicles) right up to the shooting area. Studio 2 is about 11m × 8m × 5m (L×W×H) and includes ceiling winches for raising backdrops; it even has a plug-in vinyl cyclic background option . Studio 3 is roughly 11m × 6m × 3.2m – much lower-ceiling than the others – but it’s ground level with its own roller door access. (Studio 3 is often cited as great value for smaller projects .)
All studios come fully equipped with amenities: private makeup and changing rooms, a client lounge area, kitchen facilities (for catering) and office/work tables . There are on-site bathrooms (toilets) and a coat-up area. Each studio provides air conditioning, free wireless internet and even a stereo sound system for background music . Bright daylight illumination is possible through controlled skylights or windows, and each studio has blackout blinds so you can achieve total 100% darkness or controlled lighting conditions. In short, the studio layout is designed for maximum flexibility – it’s like a clean white "box" that shoots onto anything you set up. Reviewers note that studio acoustics aren’t highly insulated (indeed, “the rooms are not soundproof”), but White Studios provides movable sound-absorbing panels and curtains to manage echoes when needed .
Best Areas and Views: Since this is a working photo studio, "best seats" really means best camera positions. In Studio 1 the prime shooting angle is facing the curved white cyclorama (stand back in the center of the cove for wide shots). In Studio 2, many photographers prefer under the grid where the lighting rig hangs, or in front of the optional vinyl backdrop wall. Studio 3’s lower height makes it ideal for eye-level product or portrait shots. The lounge areas (with couches and client seating ) offer a comfortable place off-camera for crew to relax, so some clients use those zones for staging outfits or discussing the shoot. There really isn’t an “area to avoid” – just be mindful that equipment is often on the floor or overhead, and heavy moving vehicles use the drive ramp. Always follow staff instructions about no smoking, no alcohol on gear, and keeping food/spills out of the shooting area. But otherwise, personal gear like laptops or phones can be used freely and even plugged into the in-house Wi-Fi during a shoot.
Getting There & Parking
White Studios is located at 30 Burleigh Street in Eden Terrace/Grafton. This puts it on the City fringe, just north of the Auckland Domain. By car it’s very close to the Grafton Bridge roundabout (Great North/Khyber Pass) and only a couple of minutes from the motorway ramps at Karangahape Road. The building has a small dedicated car park for studio clients . Crew members with gear trucks may park right by the studios when unloading. Additional street parking in Grafton is limited, but there is a public multi-storey car park nearby (Khyber Pass Reservoir parking) about a 2‐minute walk from the studio. On-site parking is usually free for booked clients , but if that fills up you can use nearby paid city car parks.
For public transit, the studio is reasonably accessible. The Grafton train station (Western Line) is about a 5-minute walk, accessible across Grafton Bridge . Several bus routes serve the area: major stops on Symonds Street and Arthur Street (at Khyber Pass Road) are within 5–10 minutes’ walk. (Routes 30, 295, 78, etc. run through here connecting to downtown Britomart or Onehunga.) Note that Auckland’s public transport uses an AT HOP card system. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Ola, etc.) can drop passengers directly at the front. The busy area means it’s wise to allow extra time in afternoon rush hour or ensure you have booked a spot if driving. Late-night taxis still ply the area after trains and buses have stopped.
Inside the Venue
When you arrive, you’ll typically check in with the studio reception or crew office. Staff will likely ask for the booking name and ID. All hired equipment must be signed out. Expect standard film-set security, but since this is not a public hall you won’t go through metal detectors or anything – just courtesy checks (especially for expensive cameras). The atmosphere inside is very “industrial chic”: white walls, concrete floors, minimalist décor, and plenty of natural light when blinds are open. Clients often play their own music through the in-house sound system, so it stays lively and creative. Dress is totally casual (t-shirts and jeans are fine), but wear non-marking shoes to keep the cyclorama clean. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas (never on set). All studios have kitchenettes where you can reheat food; hot tea and coffee are usually provided for crews . There’s no coat check or cloakroom as such, but you can hang jackets on provided racks or chairs in the lounge area. Free Wi-Fi is always available, and clients often use it for tethered camera data transfer or checking shot details on laptops . If you need supplies (batteries, snacks, tape, gaffer, etc.), White Studios stocks many consumables on-site, or staff will direct you to nearby shops. Overall, expect a quiet, professional working environment. The staff are on hand to help – they often demonstrate any gear rentals and make sure everything is set up correctly – but once the shoot starts, they let the creative team take charge.
Nearby Amenities
There are plenty of options within a few minutes’ walk for meals and lodging. For a quick coffee or lunch, try the cafes along King Street (a block east) or Symonds Street just down the hill. In particular, Lemon & Lime (on Arthur/Khyber) and Studio One’s own lobby espresso machine are popular with crews. If you want a sit-down meal, the celebrated Galbraith’s Alehouse (brewpub) and the Bakery Cafe (“Choice Bakery”) on King/Khyber are just a short walk . For later work dinners, the casual Mangere-style restaurant on Khyber or Butchery restaurants nearby offer hearty fare. The Auckland Domain and Museum are also close by – if timing permits, many visitors grab takeaway from a Domain cafe and enjoy the gardens.
If you’re staying overnight, the closest accommodations are around the domain. The Domain Lodge (backpacker-style hotel in the park) is under 10 minutes’ walk . For more upscale options, the city centre hotels (Cordis, Pullman, SkyCity) are about 5–10 minutes by car or taxi. Off Pitt Street near K’Road there are also serviced apartments and boutique motels catering to film crews; many opt to stay in nearby Grand Millennium or Auckland Domain hotels for convenience. For late-night transport home, New Zealand taxis also take credit cards, and Uber is widely used. Ride-shares will drop you right at 30 Burleigh St, but note that the street can get narrow, so it may be easier to be dropped on Symonds or Great North Road (each a short walk) if traffic is busy.
What Makes White Studios Special
White Studios stands out for several reasons. First, it’s essentially purpose-built by and for pros: the venue was designed with production work in mind, so none of the compromises of a converted theatre space exist here. The huge infinity-wall cyclorama in Studio 1 is a signature feature – one of the largest in Auckland – and the integrated workshop areas (makeup room, kitchenette, sound system) make long shoots more comfortable. Second, White Studios has invested heavily in equipment diversity: it carries truly “the most comprehensive range” of cameras, lenses, lights and other gear available in NZ . Clients love that you can get archival or rental lenses (cine zooms, macro probes, vintage flares) and high-end digital cameras (like Arri Alexa or Canon cinema bodies) all under one roof. The staff are another unique factor – they’re experienced photographers and cinematographers themselves, so they understand what a shoot needs. Reviews mention how “super friendly and helpful” the crew is, offering creative solutions and walking clients through equipment use . This kind of service is rare in equipment hire shops.
Historically, White Studios has had an outsized impact on Auckland’s creative industry. Because it offers 24/7 delivery and on-call support , production companies frequently base entire shoots around its availability. It has become a training ground of sorts: many young NZ photographers and filmmakers learn lighting and studio techniques here. Culturally, while it may not host concerts or festivals for the general public, it has nonetheless contributed behind the scenes to countless local art, fashion and media milestones. You could say that in a city with few large photo studios, White Studios is a backbone of the niche community of stills and film makers. As one user reviewer put it, White Studios is “the most fantastic studio … in NZ” with “a good collection of all variety of lenses” – a testament to its stellar reputation. In sum, artists and clients love it for being reliable, well-equipped and “just built right” for creative work. Its 3 studios, each optimized differently, give clients multiple ways to realize their vision – and that versatility is what truly makes White Studios stand out in Auckland.
Visitor Tips and Information
– Arrival time: Booked clients should arrive exactly at their start time. That way you can use the full half/full-day period. White Studios operates on a tight schedule and expects crews to wrap up promptly at the end of their booking. If you finish early, let staff know so you can leave on time before the next team arrives.
– What to bring: Apart from your own crew and talent, treat the studio like any professional shoot location: bring extra SD cards, batteries and chargers for your gear. Also pack any props or set pieces you need, and leave valuables secured (White Studios is a secure facility, but you are responsible for personal items). If you ordered equipment rental, check it immediately on pickup and bring any special cables (HDMI, XLR cables) you prefer. Depending on your shoot, you might want to bring a hard drive for backing up footage in the studio’s office area. Also, remember to bring food/drink for your team if you didn’t arrange catering (there’s a kitchen to heat meals, but no open bar, and the studio is BYO only).
– What not to do: Do not attempt to bring your own large rental items that were not booked through White Studios (they explicitly forbid third-party gear for insurance reasons ). Do not leave equipment unattended in cars before or after your shoot (this voids insurance). Avoid bringing sharp or messy items that could damage walls or floors (they charge for repainting the cyclorama if you make a mark). Finally, common etiquette mistakes are things like arriving late, failing to wear enclosed shoes (high heels can mar the floor), or neglecting to sign the hire contract. Also note that this is a working studio – it is not soundproof, and there may be other crews or office staff on site. Keep noise and furniture moving to a minimum when those areas are shared.
– Accessibility: White Studios welcomes bookings of all kinds, but note the accessibility. Studio 3 has ground-level entrance (with ramp) and is wheelchair-accessible . Studio 1 also has a drive-in ramp, so in principle a vehicle or wheelchair can enter (it’s listed as first-floor with drive-in access ). There should also be an accessible bathroom on the premises. It’s best to ask ahead if you have special mobility needs, but generally a wheelchair user can navigate in Studio 1 or 3 without stairs. The studios have elevators for equipment between floors if needed. All staff are trained to assist disabled clients and can adjust furniture accordingly.
– Special policies: White Studios is professionally managed, so studio hires come with a contract. You’ll be asked to agree to their terms about damage liability and cancellation when you book. For example, equipment insurance carries a NZ$1200 excess per claim, unless you pay a 10% damage waiver upfront (which reduces the excess to $350) . Always ask about downside – if a camera breaks, White Studios’ policy is to replace it as quickly as possible so your shoot isn’t ruined . Also note that food and drink can only be used in kitchen/lounge areas, not on the cycling floor; and smoking is only allowed in marked outdoor zones. If minors are present (child actors, etc.), a parent or guardian must sign release forms – it’s not a playcentre, after all. In general, follow the normal film-set rules: no open flames, no liquids near electronics, and no pets or unauthorized visitors on set.
– Remember: This is a full-production environment, not a casual theatre. Keeping to schedules and showing respect for the gear will make your experience smooth. Double-check all your equipment before leaving the studio to avoid last-minute rushes. If you have questions, ask the White Studios team – they’re known for being very helpful and won’t mind giving a quick orientation to the space. Finally, allow time for walk-through: step outside between shots to get fresh air and make use of the lounge – a relaxed atmosphere often leads to better creative flow. With these tips, your visit to White Studios Ltd should be both productive and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of White Studios Ltd? How many people can fit?
White Studios isn’t set up with fixed “seating capacity” because it’s a flexible studio space. In practice, each studio can comfortably hold many crew members – makeup, photographers, lighting techs, etc. – plus the talent. Studio 1 (18m×10.5m) might hold 20+ people moving around, while Studios 2 and 3 are smaller. If you arrange chairs or bleachers against the wall, you could seat maybe 50 people in Studio 1, but it’s not intended for audiences. Essentially, capacity is informal: just be mindful of fire-safety exit aisles. Plan for at least 6–10 crew per technician (camera, lighting), plus talent and clients, per studio.
Can I buy tickets or go there without a reservation?
No, White Studios is not a public ticketed event venue. It’s strictly a private hire facility. You cannot walk in without a booking. Anyone using the space must have a confirmed reservation. There is no box office, no tickets on sale and no general admission. To use White Studios, you would schedule a studio rental and receive a booking reference; there’s no public entry or sales at the door.
How do I book a studio or equipment rental? What are the rates?
Bookings are done via contact with White Studios management – typically by email or phone. They will give you a quote based on your needs. Day rates (approx. 10 hours) are about NZ$600 for Studio 1, $450 for Studio 2, $350 for Studio 3, with roughly half of those for a 4–5hr half-day . Equipment rental prices (cameras, lights, etc.) are listed on their website, usually per day. After you agree, you’ll sign a hire agreement and likely pay a deposit. No special “presale” or membership is needed – just plan ahead, as popular days book out quickly. If you want gear like cameras or lenses, be sure to reserve those when you book the studio, or they might not be available later.
What is the parking situation near White Studios?
White Studios provides a small number of dedicated on-site parking spaces for crews and clients , usually free with your booking. These include van-accessible spots for loading gear. Outside of those, street parking in Eden Terrace/Grafton is limited and often metered. The nearest large paid carpark is the Khyber Pass Reservoir parking (on symonds St, 1–2 minute walk). You can also park at the nearby Karangahape Rd (K' Rd) side or use Auckland CBD’s public carparks on Symonds Street a block away. Because of tight street parking, many visitors prefer to use the on-site spots or come via public transport if possible.
How do I get to White Studios via public transit?
The studio is quite transit-accessible. The nearest train stop is Grafton Station (Western Line), roughly a 5–10 minute walk across the Grafton Bridge. Multiple bus routes stop on Symonds Street and Arthur Street (at Khyber Pass Road) nearby – routes like the 30, 295, 64 and others connect through here to the city center and suburbs. Most buses come about every 10–20 minutes on weekdays. Taxis and ride-shares can easily reach the address at 30 Burleigh St. If taking a taxi/Uber, have them drop you exactly at White Studios - the main entrance is on Burleigh Street just off Symonds.
What are the operating hours and is there a box office?
White Studios’ office is normally open weekdays from about 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; photography shoots are usually booked in block times during those hours. They are generally closed on Sundays (and not accepting drop-in visits). Because it’s not an entertainment venue, there is no box office or ticket desk. Instead, everything is by appointment – you must make a prior booking to come in. Keep in mind that if your project goes after dark, that needs to be arranged in advance, but the staff do support overnight or early-morning setups if you give notice.
Are there age or dress code restrictions at White Studios?
There’s no formal dress code – crews and clients usually wear casual clothes suitable for a work environment. However, guests should wear safe, non-marking shoes (no high heels on the cyclorama, for instance). Directors often wear black to be inconspicuous on set. As for age, minors are allowed if part of the project, but must be supervised by an adult (e.g. child performers with a guardian present). Since this is essentially a workplace/studio, it’s not geared for very young children. Otherwise, any standard studio etiquette applies. Remember, people on set usually keep quiet around recording areas and follow the set rules (e.g. no food on the set floor). There are no costumes or formal uniforms needed.
What food and drink options are available inside the studios?
White Studios has client kitchens in each studio area, complete with a sink and microwave. Free hot drinks (tea and coffee) and filtered water are usually available at the coffee station . Crews often bring their own snacks or order catering. There is no full cafeteria – you should plan to bring your own food or get takeout from nearby cafes. During longer shoots, producers commonly arrange sandwich platters or pizza deliveries, which the staff will help you reheat. The studio lounge has sofas and fridge space to store lunches. Alcohol is not served by White Studios; if you want beer or wine on set, you must BYO (with staff approval and only in designated areas). Otherwise, expect to eat outside or in the local eateries mentioned above between photo/video sessions.
Is White Studios wheelchair accessible?
Yes, accessibility is provided. Studio 3 is on the ground floor with ramp access, so it is wheelchair-friendly . Studio 1 also has drive-in access via a ramp into the first floor space , allowing wheelchair entry. There should be accessible restrooms on each level. If you have specific mobility requirements, it’s best to contact the studio in advance, but in general the building is compliant with NZ accessibility standards. Staff can also assist with moving furniture to accommodate a wheelchair path.
Are the studios soundproof?
No – the studios have basic construction with hard surfaces, so they are not fully soundproof from outside noise. If complete silence is needed (for example, in recording audio or ADR), White Studios provides portable sound-absorbing screens and blackout curtains to muffle sound . These can help a lot, but you should still expect some echo and possibly ambient traffic sound if windows are open. We recommend doing loud playback only when set up to minimize echo. In normal use, crews often wear headphones for monitoring or simply schedule quiet breaks if music from an adjacent studio is heard. In short: it’s a studio environment, not an anechoic chamber.
Can I bring my own photography equipment or props?
You can bring your personal gear (such as cameras or tripods) with you, but White Studios requires all major gear rentals – especially lighting and professional cameras – to be booked through them. Their policy forbids bringing in large third-party rentals not on their list . This is mainly for insurance reasons. So if you plan to use gear from another rental company or a “friend’s” big light, you really need to clear that with White Studios first. However, you may bring smaller accessories or props without issue. Just remember: don’t leave expensive gear unattended during breaks, and keep props within your booked studio area (where the crew can watch them).
What happens if rented equipment breaks during a shoot?
If a piece of hired equipment malfunctions during your shoot, White Studios has a prompt replacement policy. They test all gear before delivery and keep backups on hand. According to their service promises, White Studios will “replace the item as quickly as possible to keep your production shooting” . In practice, that means they aim to drop off a working replacement the same day, if logistics allow. You should immediately notify White Studios if something fails. (Note: you are responsible for normal wear-and-tear; if it’s accidental damage or negligence, excess fees may apply.)
Is there an insurance excess or damage waiver?
Yes. By default, White Studios’ equipment hire is insured with a NZ$1,200 excess per claim. In simple terms, if a rented item is lost or damaged, the first $1,200 of the loss is payable by you. However, you can opt into a “Damage Waiver” by paying 10% of the total hire fee. With this waiver, your excess drops to just $350 . (So on a $1,000 hire, you could pay an extra $100 up front to reduce your potential liability.) You’ll choose this option when you sign the rental agreement. If you decline the waiver, just be certain to handle gear very carefully.
Does White Studios have a refundable deposit?
White Studios typically does not ask for a separate cash deposit; instead they invoice the full hire cost (and any damage waiver) upfront. The money you pay covers both studio time and equipment. If you opt for the damage waiver, that effectively covers any small breakages up to the reduced excess. If no damage occurs and no overtime is charged, there is nothing to refund because the invoice only covers agreed charges. If you do incur additional costs (like overtime labor or repair fees), those would be invoiced after the shoot. But if all goes smoothly, you won’t have a deposit returned – you simply pay for what you used in advance.
What are common mistakes first-time visitors make?
The biggest mistake is under-planning. People sometimes book only the studio but forget to also reserve needed equipment or staff. Always double-check that your camera, lenses, lights and power accessories are all booked. Another common error is arriving late or expecting extra time. Remember the pay-by-the-hour schedule – overruns will cost you. Some visitors forget that it’s a white studio: wearing dark shoes or dirty clothing can leave marks on the cyclorama, which leads to extra cleanup charges. Finally, not communicating special needs (like wheelchair access, additional seating, or meal breaks) can lead to surprises. The solution is simple: read your contract carefully, ask about any uncertain rules beforehand, and show up prepared.
