About 24 Banks St (Smash Palace Bar)
24 Banks Street in Gisborne is better known as Smash Palace – a legendary live‐music pub and neighbourhood bar. It began life as a mechanic’s garage, which winemaker Phil Parker converted into a winery and cellar door in 1990 (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Under Parker, Smash Palace became a “bloody good place to party,” filled with quirky Kiwiana décor. He accumulated an eclectic collection of local memorabilia – from signed guitars and surfboards to an entire DC-3 airplane that appears to fly into the building’s side (www.smashpalacebar.com ). That full-sized aeroplane now literally forms the roof of the outdoor stage area (www.audioculture.co.nz ). Over the decades the venue evolved from a winery into a bar and finally a full-time music venue under successive owners (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Even today Smash Palace still wears its past on its sleeve: the bar area is part cantina, part “mancave” and entirely papered in concert posters, vinyl record sleeves and vintage signage. Its unique blend of scrap-yard charm – including old cars and mechanical oddities as landscaping – makes it stand out against the surrounding industrial Heartwood garages (www.scoop.co.nz ) (www.infonews.co.nz ). Patrons describe it as nothing like downtown pubs; it’s famous for its sand pit gardens strung with festoon lights, a blow-torched pizza oven and even an outsize paper-mâché dinosaur and a carved kiwi on the walls (neatplaces.co.nz ) (www.infonews.co.nz ). In 2017 Smash Palace was voted New Zealand’s Best Live Music Venue, underscoring its iconic status nationwide (www.smashpalacebar.com ). It’s become a home base for Gisborne’s creative community – a gathering place for local workers, artists and touring bands alike (www.scoop.co.nz ) (www.audioculture.co.nz ).
With a capacity of about 230 people inside and 250 outside, Smash Palace operates two stages. The main indoor area feels like a rustic pub-turned-concert hall: a long bar, exposed beams and booths surround a modest stage. Reinforced concrete floors, a single PA system and decorative string lights create a lights-up, no-frills dance room. When facing the stage, acoustics are loud and lively – you can hear bands clearly if you’re in the middle of the roar, though sound can echo a bit off the metal roof and walls. For an up-close experience, the bar stools and perches by the front of the stage are popular, while regulars often grab couches or high tables off to the side. Other spots – like behind tall potted palms or near restrooms – offer more privacy but can muffle the show. In good weather the free-air outdoor stage opens (typically from spring through summer). That stage sits directly under the propeller of the DC-3. It’s all general admission standing room; room for dancing extends to the perimeter, where railings and barrels serve as lean-to bars. Lights are strung overhead and powerful stage lamps light up the crowd. This covered courtyard stage is legendary in Aotearoa – one of only a few bar-stages built under an actual aircraft – and it’s where locals and visitors pack in for major summer shows (www.smashpalacebar.com ) (www.audioculture.co.nz ).
Some of the country’s top touring acts have played Smash Palace over the years. Longtime owners point out that well-known names have graced the stage – from Kiwi rock stars Gin Wigmore, Jordan Luck and Jon Toogood, to reggae legends like Black Slate (UK) and international DJs including Mt Eden Dubstep (www.smashpalacebar.com ). In practice, however, the programming is dominated by local musicians and touring flagbearers of rock, blues, reggae, surf and soul – reflective of East Coast tastes. You’ll find punk and metal tribute bands (“Wishbone Ash” show, Tool tribute show, etc.), cutting-edge DJs spinning drum ’n’ bass or garage, acoustic folk nights, and even stand-up comedy shows. For example, a Gisborne Herald feature mentioned an upcoming comedy concert with Gish (a national comedy icon) and a Canadian improvisational comedian, plus supporting local acts (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Recurring specials fill the calendar: student bashes (often 7–10pm on Fridays before late-night gigs), fundraisers and festival afterparties. Prices are usually modest: typical live shows charge around NZ$15–25 door (www.smashpalacebar.com ) (www.nzherald.co.nz ). A big touring band or festival (like a reggae “Boil Up” or electronic “Tairāwhiti Sounds”) might push tickets higher ($30–50), often including a $10 advance discount. But many in-house gigs are pay-at-the-door only, cash first – local listings often note “$20 cash-only door sales” for ticketed shows (www.nzherald.co.nz ). Weekly and monthly events are free or a cover of only a few dollars. In short, you get the classic pub-gig vibe where up-and-coming artists mix with established favorites, all under the same roof of scrap-metal décor and a Vietnam War–era plane.
Events and Programming
Live music is the lifeblood of Smash Palace. The venue runs something almost every night, so check the schedule before visiting. Common programming includes pub bands on Fridays or Saturdays, acoustic singer-songwriter sets midweek, tribute acts (classic rock or NZ favourites) and rotating DJ nights. One Gisborne weekly roundup noted a “soul-filled” acoustic night called *Sounds Like Home* featuring local stars like Jay Te Kira and Charlie Love at Smash Palace (www.nzherald.co.nz ). The bar also supports niche events: monthly *Open Vinyl Nights* have emerged (hosted by local DJs) where record enthusiasts bring themed sets (www.nzherald.co.nz ). Comedy tours, dance parties and even themed dance fitness nights pop up – it’s not unusual to see an electronic dance festival or a post-Vegas-style karaoke night on the marquee. In the last few years Smash hosted reggae nights (The Boil Up), metal tours (Skram Summer Tour), and 80s/90s dance events (Sunlight Splinters) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.gizzylocal.com ).
Regular community rituals are a key part of the programming. Every Tuesday at 6pm a crowd of up to 50 locals belts out songs together in Smash’s “Pub Choir” (started 2017) (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Wednesday evenings the legendary *Handle Club* meets: around 200 members (each with a personalized engraved glass handle) compete for the weekly cash jackpot and prizes (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Thursday nights are “Build-A-Band” night (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Anyone from the audience can hop on stage – the drums, amps and instruments are already set up – to form instant jam bands. This free open-mic jam session has become a fan favorite, creating a funny, supportive jam culture that helps jumpstart new local bands. On Fridays Smash transforms into an American-style diner, serving gourmet burgers and fries (often called *Yanky* night (www.smashpalacebar.com )). And Sundays typically feature “Mexican” theme nights, where friends enjoy taco specials and slow jam sets to close out the weekend. Across these weekly events, the vibe is communal – you often watch the same friendly faces as at festivals like Rhythm & Vines or Tenths in town. Those weekly draws keep the crowd coming back, and big one-off concerts aren’t Smash’s only anchor on the local scene.
Smash Palace also hosts special events and festivals. For instance, the *Tairāwhiti Sounds* series (by Surge Audio & Hitman Entertainment) returns every September with top NZ DJs spinning house, drum’n’bass and garage from 9pm into the night (www.gizzylocal.com ). The *Boil Up* day-festival parties reggae and roots music by afternoon. Locals run outdoor car shows, tug-of-war contests and even “rock n’ blowtorch” pizza cook-offs on the lawn. Corporate functions, birthday bashes and private gigs are often held on site too. Gala dinners or company parties can take over the entire place, complete with catering and a DJ under the DC-3. In short, programming ranges from folk jam nights to full-blown ragers. Every act and event here takes advantage of Smash’s DIY spirit – amateur or seasoned, artists are treated as if they’re part of the family, whether it’s a student’s first band or a touring headliner on national radio.
Tickets and Booking
Smash Palace does not have a traditional box office listing, so most tickets are sold via third-party promoters or at the door. For many shows there is no advance box office: word-of-mouth, social media and local newspapers are the main ticket announcements. It’s common to buy tickets via online ticketing (e.g. Ticket Fairy or event pages on Facebook for larger shows) (www.ticketfairy.com ). That said, most smaller gigs are cash-only events: the local paper frequently notes “door sales only – cash $20” on its listings (www.nzherald.co.nz ). For big events and festival nights, look for updates on the Smash Palace website or Gisborne Herald, and pay attention to advance sale deadlines. Unlike city theatres, Smash doesn’t usually sell tickets at supermarket counters or have charge facilities – many shows explicitly warn “cash only” at the door (www.nzherald.co.nz ). If planning to catch a popular show, try to arrive early on event day. Some locals simply line up outside around 8pm to get guaranteed entry; others phone ahead to reserve a member’s spot that is sometimes held by the handle club or pub choir group. In practice, there are no assigned seats or reserved VIP tables at Smash (aside from a handful of stools), so tickets are typically all general admission. Pricing varies: small local gigs often cost $10 or $15 at the door (www.nzherald.co.nz ), mainstream tribute concerts run $20–30, and set-ticket events or festivals might top $50. The takeaway: keep cash on hand, watch for local ads, and consider joining Smash’s mailing list or social media to snag early bird offers before shows sell out.
Seating and Layout
Inside, Smash Palace feels like a wide-open warehouse-turned-bar. The front room has a high corrugated-iron roof with exposed rafters. On one side is a long freeform bar counter; the opposite wall has a mosaic of old street signs and graffiti. A small raised stage sits at the far end, flanked by pillar-mounted speakers. Most nights are standing-room only, with room for about 230 people moving and dancing (www.smashpalacebar.com ). However, there are a handful of fixed benches and folding chairs for about 50 seated guests, usually located at the back or side tables near the stage (www.smashpalacebar.com ). These seats sell out quickly, so early arrivers claim the best stools. The ideal spot in this space is often along the stage-facing railing or at the end of a booth, which lets you lean on the bar with a view of the band. Off-axis corners near entrances or restrooms can get crowded or shut off from the main audio mix. Because events are mostly general admission, there’s no strict “bad” or “good” seat – any unblocked view of the stage is fine, though being too far back or behind pillars can muffle the sound.
The outdoor courtyard offers another layout when open. There is a raised square platform (open on two sides) under the suspended plane’s nose. Viewers stand on the flagstone patio around it. Low wooden fences with festoon lights enclose the edges. If you want a clear shot at the stage outdoors, the safest places are in the center of the crowd; leaning against a sidewall or under the wings can be too far off-angle. Outside, the sound is less controlled but still loud; the speakers are hung under the DC-3, but the open air means very little acoustical reflection – which actually helps keep the music clear and reduces fatigue. Just note that sound reflects off any hard surfaces (like the tarmac or buildings behind) so it trails less. There is no assigned seating or tables in the courtyard – everyone stands or dances – so this is a true barrier-free viewing area except for the occasional step up onto timber platforms. On summer nights the outdoor stage can be very popular; concerts are often general admission with no reserved VIPs. The vibe is big-festival makeshift: beer taps under the plane, people dancing under the night sky, and a roaring crowd a few meters from the performers.
Getting There and Parking
Smash Palace is located at 24 Banks Street in the Awapuni suburb, a few kilometres north of Gisborne’s central business district. In Kiwi terms, it’s on the outskirts – you’ll find it by heading up Gladstone Road, then taking Arati Street or Ormond Road north, and finally turning into Banks Street among a handful of light industrial warehouses. There’s a large sign and the visible DC-3 at the corner to guide you. The address is easy to punch into GPS or Google Maps, and drivers will appreciate that free parking is plentiful. The property itself has a sizeable gravel lot for 50–60 cars, plus unrestricted street parking along Banks and nearby Whitaker Road. It’s more than enough for a sold-out show. If that lot fills (on the biggest events it sometimes does), overflow can squish onto the wider street, but don’t block driveways. No pay-parking applies here – all Smash parking is complimentary.
If you don’t drive, public transit is limited. Gisborne’s GizzyBus service links outer suburbs to the city centre Monday–Friday, but they typically stop running by early evening (www.gdc.govt.nz ). There is no evening or weekend service on Banks Street itself, so plan accordingly. The nearest bus stop is in central Gisborne at Bright St & Gladstone Rd, or the city terminal on Grey St – a 10–15 minute walk away. In practice, most gig-goers either drive or use rideshare/taxi. Uber and Zoomy do operate in Gisborne, but coverage can be spotty late at night. If you rely on a taxi, it’s wise to book in advance to and from the venue; local companies can be found in the phone book. On big nights the band sometimes provides a courtesy van, but since that practice ended in the 2010s it’s not a regular service. The safest bet is to carpool or catch a ride before dark, because after midnight the only option back into town is a taxi – and those are fastest to hail near the main drag.
Inside the Venue
When you step inside Smash Palace, expect a relaxed, slightly gritty party atmosphere. Staff greet you at the door (usually 18+ enforced after dusk, ID required) and might lay a hand on a quick bag check or breath test for alcohol. Once indoors, the vibe is friendly and informal. The bar is decorated with dozens of beer taps and a few wine bottles (showing Parker’s original winery roots), but local craft beer is the standard order here. Cider and a small selection of wines are also available. Non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, water) can be purchased at the bar or gotten for free from the tap (though it’s tap water and tastes like the house). The menu is hearty pub-style: on any given night you’ll find loaded nachos, gourmet burgers (especially on *Yanky* Fridays), fish & chips, and a famous wood-fired pizza finished with a flame-blowtorch at the counter (neatplaces.co.nz ) (www.smashpalacebar.com ). There may also be visiting food trucks – for example, Mexican tacos on Sundays. Everything is fairly priced; a large meal runs NZ$15–25. Most food is made to order, so except on busy nights you can usually get a bite without leaving your seat. Note that Smash has an off-license too, so you can bring out your own wine bottle (for instance) to share, but there’s no separate bottle shop counter.
Merchandise and services are limited but present. You’ll often see a small table near the bar with the night’s T-shirts or CDs for sale (many locals save up in a communal pot to make sure the touring bands earn some merch profit). If there are drink cozies or Snapbacks with the Smash logo, those pop up occasionally. Restrooms are to the side and down one short hallway; they’re basic but usually clean. If you need to charge your phone, there are a few outlets by the bar (bringers-as-getters plugging under the bench nowadays). The pub offers free Wi-Fi, but it’s spotty once the crowd is big, so assume you may have no signal. Otherwise, the indoor atmosphere is low-light and energetic. By the time a show starts, both floors are alive with conversation and clinking glasses – but once the band plays, it settles into an all-for-one anthem vibe. Security staff mingle with the crowd rather than patrol; colleagues say they’re relaxed unless a fight brews (never common at Smash). Coat racks are not formal, but during winter there’s sometimes a communal crate in the corner where patrons can leave jackets. All beverages are served in sturdy plastic cups after dark, and (like any Kiwi pub) vaping or indoor smoking is disallowed – smokers step out back. In short, inside Smash you’ll feel the open embrace of the venue and its locals: this isn’t a pristine tourist haunt, it’s a lived-in music house where everyone’s welcome to grab a drink, have fun, and maybe share the stage.
Nearby Amenities
The area around Banks Street is mostly light industrial, so don’t expect fancy restaurants or hotels next door. If you arrive early, many visitors head into central Gisborne (10–15 minutes away by car) to eat or stay. Popular pre-show eateries include waterfront cafes and ethnic eateries on Gladstone or Childers Road – for example, Zest café (for sandwiches and coffee) or Kathmandu Indian restaurant are city staples. If you want a sit-down dinner, the closer “city” restaurants like 411 Bar (modern Kiwi fare) and Loco restaurant are good bets before heading to Smash. Hot tip: on weekend evenings, Zest and local pubs will remember you because the crowds mix post-show, so don’t be surprised if friends from central spots wander out along with you to Smash. The closest pub for a pint-by ChatGPT near Smash is the Commonwealth Hotel, a 10-minute walk, but most gig-goers skip bar-hopping before a big show.
As for lodging, the nearest accommodations are downtown. Gisborne has a handful of quality hotels: the Distinction Luxmore, Sol Beach House Motel (both city centre) or Clarks Beach Resort (ocean side) are generally recommended. A few budget motels (Discovery Camp Rangi) and backpacker lodges dot the city near the main street. None of these are within walking distance of Banks Street, so if you’re staying in town, plan a taxi ride after the show (or walk 20 minutes toward the railway and down Gladstone Road when sober daylight returns). There is one motel area in Awapuni – MidCity Motel on Grey Street – which is closest to Smash, but it’s mostly standard rooms without much nightlife around. Late-night transportation options are limited: GuzzyBus ends by evening (www.gdc.govt.nz ), and the only bus stops (on Gladstone Rd) are far from 24 Banks St after dark. Your best late-night choices are calling a local taxi or arranging a rideshare early. Some Kiwis even leave a small cash tip for a prebooked cab since drivers know geography well. In any case, plan to arrive at Smash by car when possible, or note the post-code (4010) when ordering a ride in advance. It’s wise to be off the road by midnight; New Zealand’s rural roads (especially around Gisborne) can be dark and narrow.
What Makes This Venue Special
Smash Palace has built a reputation on being uniquely homegrown. Architecturally, nothing else in New Zealand is quite like it: a live-music pub crowned by a real DC-3 aircraft – “Kotare” – grafted to the building (www.audioculture.co.nz ) (www.infonews.co.nz ). For around 30 years Smash has doubled as a Kiwiana museum. The collected props tell local stories – from a Morris Minor steamroller on the front terrace to an antique bicycle fitted with a numbered spun wheel used in the weekly Handle Draw (www.audioculture.co.nz ) (www.infonews.co.nz ). The owners proudly display art by a local Lord of the Rings set artist, a hand-carved Kiwi and even a stuffed Weka on the walls. This is more than décor: many items were donated or loaned by Gisborne families, so seeing your own old chainsaw welded to a post is a common experience here (www.infonews.co.nz ). In that way Smash Palace feels like a shrine to eastern Tairāwhiti ingenuity and quirk.
The venue’s cultural significance is equally strong. It was born from the visionary energy of Vin Parker – as one of the country’s early wine-and-wine-bar combos, it helped put Gisborne on the map beyond paella parades (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Over the years it has remained a gathering ground for creative locals. Hosting the handle club and pub choir for decades has cemented a tradition where people feel ownership – returns decades later, they shout “I still got my old handle!” or “We’ve been singing that same toast song for years” as wisecracks (www.smashpalacebar.com ) (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Many Gisborne musicians got their first break here: audio-culture notes it “fosters the local scene” with studio-quality livestreams and radio shows (Smash 107FM is its own community station) (www.audioculture.co.nz ) (www.audioculture.co.nz ). Locals talk about legendary jam sessions and first gigs launched on Smash’s stage.
Famous gigs also mark Smash’s pages. While it’s a cosy pub at heart, several major acts have rolled through. In the 2000s Gin Wigmore, Jordan Luck, and NZ ska band The Princes Favorites reportedly played Smash to hometown-sized crowds (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Internationally, the pub has hosted UK rockers The Schizophonics and Danish blues group My Baby (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Every summer the “Boil Up” reggae party or the underground warehouse rave promoters find Smash indispensable – even big outside events sometimes spill backstage or flow into the courtyard. The venue’s flexible layout means it has been used for all sorts of creative nights: film projection parties, flash-mob dance-offs and occasional political rallies (locally, it was even used as a meeting hall for community debates in the 2010s). All of these episodes have given Smash stories that patrons retell: “Remember when the plane leaked oil at midnight, soaked half the crowd?” or “When that one band tore up the left speaker stand barbecue? Yeah, they’re still legends here.” In short, Smash Palace is special because it wears its history proudly – every gash on the bar, every sticker on the post, every roar of applause is part of the character that artists and audiences love (www.scoop.co.nz ) (www.audioculture.co.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Smash Palace is mostly ground-level open space. Wheelchair users can enter through the main door and the courtyard is paved, but the bar floor is rough concrete which can be uneven. There may not be an official ramp to the stage or up onto small platforms, so if accessibility is critical it’s best to call ahead. Staff are friendly and will do what they can – in a pinch they’ve provided small stools or allowed personal folding chairs to navigate the site. Gender-neutral restrooms are available but small. Assistance dogs are welcome inside.
Age requirements: The bar is licensed, so after 8pm it is an 18+ venue. No one under 18 is allowed past the foyer after sundown (except on strictly matinee shows, which are rare). ID checks are routine if you look under 25. Entrance is free for under-18s at afternoon community events or markets, but for live evening music strictly 18+ only – this is a family-run pub that must follow liquor laws (www.scoop.co.nz ).
What to bring: Always bring a valid photo ID. Carry cash in small bills since many nights are “no cards”. Comfortable shoes are wise – you’ll likely stand and dance on rough pavement or concrete. A light jacket can be handy for the unheated front bar and the cool courtyard. Ear plugs are a good idea if you’re noise-sensitive; the sound system can be quite loud when full bands play. A reusable water bottle is fine (there’s free tap water), but outside coolers or other drinks are not allowed. Cameras and phones are okay; many people film sets on their phones for social media. Tripods or professional video rigs usually require permission from the promoter ahead of time. No clothing restrictions are enforced – flip-flops, work boots, costumes and all are welcome.
Rules and common mistakes: There is no formal dress code (come as you are), but note that abrasive shoes (like cleats) or open-flame lighters are never permitted. The main foyer has a lost-and-found drawer; anything not grabbed by closing time is donated to charity. Patrons often mention it: don’t leave your valuables on seats – it’s lively and forgetful at closing. If you want stairway scenes or reserved tables (for VIP tickets), those usually aren’t available at Smash – it’s first-come, first-served with only a few “best” points by the stage and bar. Also, nothing is worse than walking out late for a smoke and letting your spot vanish. Security is low-key but conscientious; they let friendly chatter and enthusiasm flow, so it’s a safe, welcoming place.
General advice: Give yourself extra travel time on event nights (road works and detours can be unpredictable). Check the weather if you plan to wait outside. Have a plan post-show for getting home – taxis can take 30 minutes to arrive at rural addresses. On busy nights, leave bags locked in the car if possible. Freeze your seat by buying a drink or food before the first song starts. Be patient at the bar – lines move steadily but some cocktail or plating slows service (especially on themed nights like “Yanky”). Finally, the spirit of Smash is participative: if you want to know something, just ask a bartender or local – they usually have a quip and a ready explanation of every smashed piece of memorabilia on the wall. Respect the decorations (no touching the plane, please) and you’ll quickly feel part of the Smash Palace family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets for events at 24 Banks St?
Most tickets for shows at Smash Palace are sold online by the event promoter (via social media or ticketing sites) or at the door. For smaller gigs there’s often no advance sale – simply come early on the night. Many entries are “cash-only at door,” so bring New Zealand dollars. If an event has presales, those will be announced in local listings or on Smash Palace’s website. To avoid disappointment, check local ads like the Gisborne Herald for announcements in the days before the show.
What are the parking options at 24 Banks St?
There is free on-site parking at Smash Palace. The venue has a large gravel lot (~50 spaces) directly outside. When that fills, Banks Street and surrounding side streets offer unrestricted street parking. All of it is free – just be careful not to block any driveways. On big nights the lot may fill early, so it’s wise to arrive in time. Note: No paid parking or ticket dispensers are used here – just pull in and park.
Is there public transport to Smash Palace in Gisborne?
Public transit to 24 Banks St is very limited. The city’s GizzyBus routes run only on weekdays until late afternoon (www.gdc.govt.nz ), with no service on weekends or evenings. There is no bus stop on Banks Street itself. If you need a ride, your best bet is a taxi or rideshare. Local taxi companies pick up from central Gisborne at night, and rideshares like Uber or Zoomy do operate in Gisborne (though availability can be patchy late). For heavy events, planning a carpool or booking a cab in advance is recommended.
Where are the best places to sit or stand for a concert?
Smash Palace is mostly general admission, so the “stage-front” spots go fast. If you can, grab a stool or bench near the stage early – the indoor stage has only about 50 seats and 230 standing capacity (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Standing room is plentiful, but the best view is near the center of the standing crowd facing the stage. Off to the sides or back of the room, sound can be slightly muffled by distance. Outdoors under the DC-3, any clear spot in front of the small stage is good – avoid the very edges of the patio if possible. Otherwise all areas are open, so feel free to move around on slow songs. The bar area in back offers a relaxed perch, but it’s farther from the speakers.
What is the capacity and layout of Smash Palace?
Smash Palace has two main performance spaces. The indoor hall fits about 230 people standing (plus roughly 50 seated) (www.smashpalacebar.com ). There is a small fixed stage indoors and room to dance or stand throughout the main bar area. The outdoor stage (the courtyard under the suspended DC-3) holds about 250 fans (www.smashpalacebar.com ). That area is essentially open to the sky (with a pole for the plane), with standing/dancing space all around the stage. So in total, the club can accommodate on the order of 300–400 people when both areas are used (daytime or summer gigs). On most show nights, only one stage is active, so check the event notes.
What are Smash Palace’s door policies and restrictions?
Smash Palace enforces a standard bar/club door policy. After dusk, no one under 18 is admitted, and ID (passport, NZ driver’s license, Proof of Age card) is required. There is a dress code of “clean casual” – flip-flops and boardshorts are fine (this is Gisborne, after all), but aggressive gang patches or offensive clothing are discouraged. Security checks bags and may do a quick breath-test or pat-down. No outside alcohol or illicit drugs are allowed. Flash photography or video without permission is frowned upon (though using your phone camera is usually okay). Smoking/Vaping is not allowed indoors; use the outdoor courtyard. Overall, Smash Palace is laid-back: the staff on site are friendly and mainly look for ID and ensure safety. If the show is sold out, doors may close once inside capacity is reached.
Are there food and drink options inside Smash Palace?
Yes – Smash Palace is a full bar and casual eatery as well. The drinks menu includes local beers on tap, ciders, wine, standard spirits and mixers. The house often features special taps (Rotating kegs from local breweries). Foodwise, basic pub fare is always available: burgers, chicken wings, fries, nachos, pizzas and the like. The Friday “Yanky” night menu has specialty burgers, and Sundays might offer tacos. On any given night you can expect cheesy bar snacks and the signature wood-fired pizza (charred with a blowtorch) among the options (neatplaces.co.nz ) (www.smashpalacebar.com ). Everything is reasonably priced. There is also a small fridge for soft drinks, and water is available on tap. Tip: food service can be slow during peak shows, so order drinks early. Outside catering trucks sometimes appear for festivals, but generally you’ll rely on Smash’s kitchen.
Are there accessibility features for people with disabilities?
Smash Palace is a partially wheelchair-accessible venue. The main entrance and bar area are on ground level, but there is no automatic door. The floor is flat concrete inside, so a wheelchair user can navigate the space and reach the bar or stage areas. However, the stage itself is raised with steps; Ramp access for the stage is not provided for audiences (it is mainly for performers). The restrooms are standard size, not specially widened (so large power chairs may be tight). Outdoor seating areas have some uneven ground. People with mobility needs can bring a friend to assist. In sum, it’s better than many older pubs but not fully up to modern commercial standards. The staff recommend contacting the venue in advance if you require any assistance or preferential seating, and they are usually very accommodating.
What local restaurants or hotels are near 24 Banks St?
Banks Street is in a mostly industrial area, so immediate dining is sparse. Many visitors eat before going by driving into central Gisborne. In the city centre (10–15 min drive), you’ll find a variety of restaurants: waterfront cafes (e.g. Zest Café), family grills, Thai and Indian eateries, and classic pubs (Kiln, 411 Bar) serving meals. As for lodging, most hotels and motels are also downtown (Distinction Luxtmore, Sol Beach House, Elmdale) or by the riverside (Harbour Light). The closest places in Awapuni are basic motels or holiday parks like MidCity Motel, but options are limited. We advise booking a room in downtown Gisborne if you plan to enjoy late-night Smash shows, and arranging transport back (either a friend, shuttle or taxi).
What is the history behind the DC-3 plane at Smash Palace?
The DC-3 (named “Kotare”) is a retired NAC/Fieldair airplane that proprietor Phil Parker acquired and installed at Smash Palace. It was decommissioned in the 1980s and brought to Gisborne in the early 1990s (www.nzrentacar.co.nz ). Parker built the outdoor stage beneath its nose. Originally patrons could even climb aboard the fuselage for acoustic lounge sessions. Today the plane serves as roof sculpture – its propeller and belly define the band area. It’s painted to look like it’s taxiing out of the wall, an instantly recognizable novelty. The plane was part of even bigger plans: Parker had a larger automotive museum concept (“Smash Palace” film theme) and included classic cars and engines in the yard (www.infonews.co.nz ). In short, the DC-3 is Smash’s iconic decoration and a nod to Tairāwhiti’s aviation history.
Can I bring a coat or backpack inside the venue?
Yes, but space is limited. There is no formal coat check, so most people either hang jackets over chairbacks or leave them draped on the floor next to their feet. The staff sometimes keep a crate or box by the entrance where really large bags or coats can go temporarily. Backpacks are allowed, but keep in mind the crowd – it’s safer to keep valuables on your person. If you have a lot of gear (say, musical equipment), speak to a stagehand or at the bar when you arrive. The general advice is to travel light. During busy shows, anywhere you legally hang a jacket or bag will be fine, but do keep an eye on it. Coat/wrap storage costs nothing and is done by trust.
Do they have Wi-Fi at Smash Palace?
Smash Palace does offer free Wi-Fi for patrons, but keep expectations low. It’s nominally available in the bar area, but once the crowd is over a few dozen people connected, it slows down. The industrial location also means cell service can be spotty inside. If you need to share photos or use your phone, it’s often more reliable outdoors near an open window or by stepping outside between songs. Plan to use the internet sparingly (e.g. messaging or small uploads) rather than streaming video. The main entertainment here is the live show – Wi-Fi is a backup.
Are children or pets allowed at Smash Palace?
Children under 18 are only permitted during daytime or very early evening daytime events, but normally Smash is 18+ after 8:00pm due to liquor licensing. No underaged persons are allowed inside during most concerts. As for pets, the only likely pet you’ll see is the house cat (“Dash”), who might nap by the stage. Service animals are of course welcome, but beyond that the venue is generally not a place for pets like dogs or cats due to the rowdy atmosphere. There are no separate kid’s play areas – it’s very much a live music bar environment.
What time should I arrive before a show at Smash Palace?
Doors at Smash typically open an hour or two before showtime, depending on the event. For an 8pm concert, it’s wise to arrive by 7:30pm–8:00pm to get a good spot. Local habit is to come early and grab a drink first – the opening act often starts late. If the tickets are at the door, arriving 15–30 minutes early in line ensures you get in before the first band. In the summer months, outdoor shows sometimes begin at dusk (7–9pm). For late-night dance or DJ events, people can trickle in well past midnight. As a rule, check the event listing: if it says “doors 8pm, music 9pm,” treat 8pm as a drop-in time. For smaller gigs or jam nights, casual arrival (7–8pm) is fine since crowds are smaller.
How do I get to Smash Palace by taxi or rideshare?
Most taxi drivers in Gisborne know where Smash Palace is. You can simply say “24 Banks Street, Gisborne.” The postcode 4010 covers Awapuni and should pull it up in apps if you use Uber or Zoomy. (Uber does operate in Gisborne, though there are sometimes few cars at night.) If using a local taxi company, tell them the DC-3 landmark – it’s hard to miss on Banks Street. There is no dedicated pickup zone; cabs usually drop off on the street. If you need a pickup after a show, it’s best to walk to Whitaker Road or call a taxi on your way out (especially after 11pm when some streets may be quieter). Local mobile reception is usually fine around the venue, but confirm with the driver if you can for phone pickups.
Does Smash Palace host private events or functions?
Yes. Smash Palace can be booked for private functions (birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, etc.) because of its flexible space. The indoor bar area comfortably serves hundreds, and the courtyard can be used as additional space or dance floor. Catering is available (they have a full kitchen), and the sound system and stage are offered for hire – many local bands started by playing 21st parties here! If you need to book the bar, talk to the owners in advance; custom beverage menus and entertainment can be arranged. Keep in mind that during summer they limit private hires to daytime or early evening if they have major concerts scheduled at night. Private event bookings should go through Smash’s management and often run on different pricing/age rules than public gigs.
