About Dome Cinema
Dome Cinema (also called the Dome Bar & Cinema) is an independent art-house movie theatre and live music venue in central Gisborne, New Zealand. It’s housed in the historic Poverty Bay Club building (established 1898) at 38 Childers Road . In 2006 Gleeson–founded Winston PBC Ltd. entrusted industry veteran Sally Shanks to convert the old billiard hall into the Dome Cinema. The name “Dome” comes from the three large back-lit stained-glass domes in the ceiling, original to the 1913 billiards room . With roughly 60 seats on a wide flat floor , it offers a cozy, club-like atmosphere – think plush single and double beanbags up front and big leather couches toward the back . This quirky combo of vintage architecture and modern entertainment (a fully licensed bar and pizza kitchen) gives Gisborne a unique cultural hub . It regularly draws local cinephiles and music fans alike. The Dome’s charm doesn’t go unnoticed: for example, in 2016 it was ranked #2 in Jetsetter’s global list of “Coolest Dine-In Theaters,” and in 2021 media outlets called it “the country’s coolest cinema” .
Events and Programming
The Dome runs a mix of independent films and live events. On most weeks it has film screenings each night from Wednesday through Sunday – typically recent art-house features, classics and festival screenings. Ticket price is flat ($15) for almost everything . In addition, the Dome hosts several popular recurring nights:
“Far Out!” Classic Film Night: a monthly cult movie evening (usually the last Tuesday) where timeless hits are screened (often M-rated). Tickets are $15 cash at the door . Open Vinyl Night: on the last Friday of each month DJs and collectors bring LPs to play in the bar area. It’s free entry (18+ only) and starts early evening .Poverty Bay Blues Night: on the first Tuesday each month, a local blues showcase. New regional bands perform starting at 7pm, usually after the bar opens at 6pm. The cover charge is modest (around NZ$5–10) and PBC Club members attend free.
Besides these staples, you’ll find one-off concerts and special events year-round. The Dome is known for intimate acoustic or jazz gigs, spoken-word nights, and touring Kiwi acts. For example, in April 2025 indie artist Reb Fountain brought her full band here on a national tour (her show was promoted as “Reb Fountain at the Dome Cinema,” with $60 tickets sold in advance ). Despite its small size, the venue has hosted a surprisingly broad range of performers in jazz, rock, reggae, folk and other genres. Check the Dome’s calendar or local event listings for current shows. Film festival programs (such as the NZ British & Irish Film Festival or Aotearoa French Film Fest) also screen titles here, often on special dates.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are usually sold at the venue and prices are straightforward. Independent films and special screenings cost NZ$15 per person (no concession prices) . For the recurring monthly events, covers range $5–15 as noted above. Bigger concerts or touring shows can cost more – for instance, tickets for Reb Fountain’s 2025 show were NZ$60 each . It’s best to plan ahead: many Dome events encourage advance booking, either by contacting the box office or via local ticket outlets. Small film nights often allow walk-up sales (cash at the door), but checking online or calling ahead is wise for popular shows. (In practice, the Dome website advises people to “arrive no later than 15 minutes before screening” to settle in .) Some larger concerts are handled through external ticketing platforms – a 2025 event noted Moshtix for sales . In summary: for films and casual gigs, you can usually just buy at the door; for headline acts, look for advance tickets via the Dome’s announced channels.
Seating and Layout
The Dome’s main hall is an intimate single-floor auditorium. There are no steep stadium tiers or assigned seating – it’s essentially general admission. As Cinemas of NZ describes, the room features “specially designed beanbags and enormous leather couches” . In practice this means guests choose their spot as they enter. Many people enjoy front or mid-floor beanbag spots for a full-screen view with legs propped up; others prefer the plush couches in back for a relaxed social setting. Either way, every seat has good sightlines thanks to the flat, small space. A 1913 triple-domed ceiling arches overhead, making the room feel grand (yet cozy) . Because it’s so compact, even the “last row” feels fairly close to the screen or stage. For concerts, arriving early will get you front-row access in the standing area, but even the seated sections experience strong sound – the house audio system is rated “excellent” with great acoustics . Avoid the very front row if possible during films (it can be too close); mid-center is often ideal. Overall, any spot in the Dome provides a personal, home-like viewing environment (the founder herself likened it to an “I feel at home” atmosphere ).
Getting There and Parking
The Dome Cinema is located at 38 Childers Road (corner of Childers & Customhouse Streets) in Gisborne’s core . By car, you’ll find small parking areas around the Poverty Bay Club building and on-street parking nearby. On quiet evenings the street parking lining Childers Road or adjacent side streets is generally free, but be sure to scan for any time limits. If those fill, visitors often park along nearby Gladstone Road (the main downtown street) and walk a few blocks. Public transport is limited: the local GizzyBus runs on weekdays only (Monday–Friday, ~7am–5pm ) and its route 1 includes stops on Childers Road . So only use the bus if you have an afternoon show on a weekday. After dark or on weekends you’ll need a car or taxi. Taxi services and rideshares like Uber operate in Gisborne – you can request a drop-off right at the corner of Customhouse and Childers for convenience.
Inside the Venue
Expect a very casual, friendly atmosphere inside. The entrance leads into a pub-style bar area (the Dome Bar) furnished with tables and couches. The screened auditorium has a small stage or screen at the front with curtains. The Dome is fully licensed, so bar drinks of all sorts are served (beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks). In fact, the bar opens around 5pm on show nights . Many people enjoy a pre-show drink or pizza in the adjoining dining area or patio (see below). The food menu – highlighted by gourmet pizzas from Troff – is available to eat in the bar, garden or even to be delivered to your seat. Indeed, the Dome’s site notes that you should arrive early so staff have time “to make your beverages, take your intermission order and tuck you into the cinema experience” . During longer films, there is an intermission; at this time staff bring drinks and pre-ordered snacks/burgers to patrons in the theater. So yes, you can order pizza and fries in advance, and it will arrive at your seat in the break . There is a small snack/soft drink fridge too. Restrooms are available in the building (through the bar area), and they are clean and adjacent to the cinema. Because it’s a modern renovated club, the space is well lit before shows and dimmed nicely for screenings. The vibe is relaxed – people chat quietly until showtime. There is no coat check (just pile coats on a chair) and no on-site Wi-Fi advertised.
Nearby Amenities
The Dome sits just outside Gisborne’s main restaurant strip. If you arrive well before a movie or concert, Head up Childers Road or turn onto Gladstone Road (the CBD) for dining options. In a short walk (5–10 minutes) you’ll find casual eateries, cafes and pubs. Popular pre-show spots include pizza joints, Thai and Indian restaurants, and the cozy Elizabeth Café on Childers. On Gladstone Road look for places like Flagstaff Eatery or The Rivers Bar for a meal and drink. If you want formal dining, many of Gisborne’s best restaurants are on Gladstone (like the Harbourfront or Darling Kitchens). For late-night options, some diners stay open after shows. As for accommodations, Gisborne has several hotels and motels within a few minutes’ drive. The centrally located Emerald Hotel (on Gladstone St, ~500m away) and Surfers Country Motel (on Childers next to the club) are convenient. There are also beachfront lodgings on Wainui Road about 2km out, and the Waikanae Holiday Park nearby if you prefer self-catering cabins. In short, you won’t have to travel far for pre-show dining or post-show lodging – most city-center amenities are an easy stroll or short drive from the Dome.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Dome has a unique charm that keeps both artists and audiences coming back. Architecturally, it preserves the grand old-world features of the Poverty Bay Club: the lofty tri-dome ceiling (with ornate leadlight borders) gives the space a jewel-box aura . During shows the backlighting behind these stained-glass domes creates a cinematic, almost cathedral-like glow overhead. Outside, there’s even a tiny garden bar with a waterfall feature for summer and a roaring firepit in winter – an unusual touch for a cinema . This blend of hospitality and heritage is singular. The Dome’s small scale also makes events personal: onlookers often say it feels like watching a film or concert in someone’s front room. In fact, SALT Magazine noted the place is “old world and romantic,” a “must-visit” for its ambience . Community members equally praise how the Dome nurtures local culture. A crowdfunding plea described it as a “shining jewel” of Gisborne, hosting “many of New Zealand’s best musicians” and giving locals a “quirky, warm” gathering spot . It’s common to see audiences clapping along or even dancing beside the garden waterfall during summer gigs. All these little quirks – the beanbags, the pizza service, the bar vibe under historic domes – give Dome Cinema character you won’t find elsewhere. It’s both a tribute to Gisborne’s past and a lively stage for its creative scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrival and Seating: Plan to arrive early. There’s no late entry once a screening starts, and ushers may hold seating for on-time guests. The Dome recommends coming ~15 minutes before showtime to get settled and order intermission snacks . By default, all seating is open – take your pick of beanbags or sofas. People who prefer a full-screen view often choose seats a few rows back from the very front; taller guests sometimes skip the very front row for comfort. For sound and sight, anywhere in the middle of the room works well. Age and Entry Rules: This is a licensed venue, so patrons must be 18+ to drink alcohol. Many evening events (like Blues night and Vinyl night) are 18+ only , so it’s a mostly adult crowd. Children are welcome at family-friendly films (PG or lower ratings), but double-check movie classification if bringing kids. Always carry photo ID if you plan to buy alcoholic drinks. Camera policies follow typical cinema etiquette – photo or video recording is prohibited during movies and discouraged at gigs. Payments: For most film nights, you’ll pay at the door. Many early-morning shows still prefer cash (in fact, the Dome’s site mentions some events are cash-only). However, major events (like blues nights) do accept cards – the club’s monthly Blues Night explicitly notes eftpos is available at the door . In any case, bringing some cash (especially smaller bills) is safe. Accessibility: The theater floor is a couple of steps up from street level , with no ramp. It has a few stairs inside as well, so wheelchair access is limited. (If you do need assistance, it’s best to contact the Dome ahead of time to plan.) Once inside, the aisles are fairly wide and you can arrange a near-entrance spot. Food and Drink: You may bring small snacks or bottled water, but alcoholic drinks must come from the Dome Bar. Outside food is generally not needed since the venue has a full menu: pizzas, fries and sweets are sold there. If you want to eat, booking a table in the Garden Bar or dining room is wise, especially on busy nights . You can also order food to be served in the auditorium at intermission – staff will deliver bar orders right to your seat. Other Tips: The Dome does not have free Wi-Fi, so plan accordingly (mobile signal in town is okay). Wear something comfortable and maybe bring a light jumper (the hall is air-conditioned). After an event ends “late,” remember transport options: public transport stops by 5pm, so arrange a ride ahead if you’re staying downtown. Finally, check local listings: lining up parking on the street or catching the bus (weekday daily route runs along Childers Road ) will make your visit smoother. Enjoy your time in this intimate, historic Gisborne venue!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Dome Cinema Gisborne?
Dome Cinema is located at 38 Childers Road, Gisborne , in the Poverty Bay Club building at the corner of Customhouse Street . It’s just a few blocks north of the city centre.
How much do tickets cost?
For cinema nights and classic film events, tickets are a flat NZ$15 per person . For monthly events mentioned (like the Blues night and vinyl parties) the door cover is much lower (around NZ$5–10 ). Concert tickets vary by act – small local gigs may be similarly-priced, whereas touring artist shows can run $30+ or more (a 2025 Reb Fountain show was $60 ). Always check the event details for the exact price.
Is advance booking available for Dome Cinema events?
Yes and no – for most regular film screenings and local gigs, tickets are sold at the door on the night (you can also contact the venue ahead to reserve a spot). For special concerts and touring shows, tickets may go on sale in advance through online outlets (for example, one 2025 act used Moshtix ). In general, if an event is likely to sell out, look for pre-sale info on the Dome’s calendar or social media; otherwise, arriving early often works. There is no formal box office window – booking is typically handled by text or website link as advertised by the venue.
What are the seating arrangements?
There is no assigned seating. The Dome is a 60-seat space where you take any available seat upon entry . Most nights are general admission. Seating includes large beanbags on the floor and leather sofas at the back . To get a good view, many regulars choose a spot 2–4 rows from the screen. The venue recommends coming 15 minutes early, since seats fill quickly and food/drink orders are taken before the show .
Are children allowed at Dome Cinema?
Yes, families can attend appropriate screenings. General film nights welcome all ages, especially suitable films (G or PG). Keep in mind the auditorium is essentially a licensed lounge, though non-alcoholic snacks and drinks are available. Evening events that serve liquor often have age restrictions (for example, the vinyl and blues nights are 18+) . Always check the event rating – anything rated M or higher will be strictly 18+, and kids should be accompanied to lower-rated shows. Carry ID for age confirmation if buying drinks for younger guests.
Is the Dome Cinema wheelchair accessible?
Partial accessibility. There is a short flight of steps up into the Dome’s entry, set in a heritage building , so it is not fully wheelchair-accessible by NZ standards. The cinema floor itself is flat with wide aisles once inside, and staff can help drop you at the door. If you require level access, it’s best to call the Dome ahead – they may assist with parking close by or other accommodations.
Are there parking and transport options?
Yes, but options are limited. On-site parking at the club is small; most visitors use on-street parking along Childers and nearby streets (usually unrestricted/probably free). If that fills, parking is available on Gladstone Road or side streets within a few blocks. Public transport runs only on weekdays until about 5pm (GizzyBus route 1 serves Childers Road ), so this won’t help for most evening shows. Taxis and Uber operate in Gisborne, so plan a ride if you can’t drive. The entrance is at Childers/Customhouse, which is easy to drop off or navigate to by GPS.
What can I bring and what is not allowed?
Feel free to bring small personal items and bottled water. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted (you must buy drinks from the licensed bar). Light snacks or a sandwich are usually okay, but you’ll probably use the Dome’s own food service anyway. No large bags or luggage (there is no cloakroom); if you have backpacks, keep them by your seat. Cameras and recording devices are forbidden during screenings or performances. Mobile phones should be silenced during the show. Dress is casual – jeans or smart-casual attire is fine. Service animals are typically allowed, but check with the Dome in advance if you have special accessibility needs.
What food and drink are available?
The Dome Bar serves a full menu. Cocktails, local beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks are available from about 5pm on show nights . For food, the highlight is fresh gourmet pizza (made by Troff) plus fries and snacks. You can order at the bar or make a table booking in the Garden Bar/dining area. The really neat feature: you can have pizza or fries brought to your seat during the movie’s intermission . In short, you don’t need to bring food in – just order from the bar or cafe area as part of your visit.
When does the Dome open and close each day?
The Dome Bar and Cinema generally open around 5pm and stay open until late on Wednesdays through Sundays . Some Tuesdays host special events (like film premieres or music nights), but the core schedule is Wed–Sat evenings (plus Sunday nights). There are no daytime film screenings, so plan to arrive in the evening on those days. Check the website or social media for any one-off show times or holiday hour changes.
How early should I arrive?
You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime . Doing so lets you grab a drink or snack (they serve intermission orders to your seat) and pick the best seats. If you’re attending a big event (sold in advance) you may want to come 20–30 minutes early to queue and check in. The staff highly recommend early arrival so they can “take your intermission order and tuck you in” comfortably before the movie starts .
Are food and drinks allowed inside?
Absolutely. Unlike some cinemas, the Dome is also a lounge and restaurant area. You can buy pizza, fries and other snacks on-site and consume them during the movie. Drinks (alcoholic and soft) are suitably priced at the bar. Staff will even serve your drink service inside at intermission. In fact, outside food/drink is generally unnecessary because you can order anything from their menu and enjoy it in the theater . Just remember, any alcoholic drinks must be from the Dome Bar (no BYO alcohol).
Which clothing or items are recommended for a Dome visit?
Dress is casual and comfortable. The auditorium is air-conditioned, so you might want a light sweater in case it’s chilly for you in-theater. Since seating includes floor beanbags, most people wear ordinary casual clothes (jeans, shirts, etc.). Bring cash or card for tickets and snacks – smaller bills can help speed up purchase. If you plan to use your phone after the show, note that some parts of Gisborne’s city center have spotty reception. Otherwise just bring your phone and wallet; it’s a low-key venue so no formal wear needed. Have fun in geek-chic mode!
Are there age or ID requirements to enter?
Most film screenings are open to all ages unless explicitly rated. However, since the Dome is licensed, any alcoholic alcoholic purchases require you to be 18+ with photo ID. Some regular events (like the vinyl night and blues night) are strictly 18+ ; these will be advertised as such. In practice, if you look under 25 at the bar you may be asked for ID for drinks, so bring it. Otherwise, children and teens can attend suitable film showings with adults.
Can I charge my phone or use the internet there?
The Dome does not advertise free Wi-Fi or public charging stations. It’s best to assume you have no internet access from inside. Mobile reception in central Gisborne is generally good, so most visitors rely on their own cellular data or pre-download any needed information (maps, tickets). If you absolutely need connectivity, do it from your phone before entering or use the bar area where signals may reach. Otherwise, enjoy the show!
