About Meccaspresso
Meccaspresso is a large, motorcycle-themed café and event space in downtown Invercargill (25 Tay Street) that opened in 2017. It’s housed in a restored heritage building that forms part of the Classic Motorcycle Mecca museum, making it a truly unique city venue (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ) (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ). The space used to be a popular nightclub in years past, and you can still see the long polished timber floors and high ceilings of that era (neatplaces.co.nz ). Today it’s filled with rows of café tables and gleaming vintage bikes on display all around, giving it a quirky retro look (neatplaces.co.nz ) (wanderlog.com ). The friendly local team serves bottomless coffee and hearty brunch or lunch dishes, and visitors love how the massive open hall feels like a living museum. Families in particular note that it offers a “unique dining experience with scrumptious food and friendly service” in a “retro atmosphere” full of motorcycles on display (wanderlog.com ) (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ). In sum, Meccaspresso is notable for being Invercargill’s go-to motorbike café and a lively community hangout that celebrates Southland’s bike culture.
Events and Programming
Though best known as a daytime cafe, Meccaspresso also hosts occasional live events and people often discover it through its programming. The schedule is sporadic and geared toward themed shows or music nights rather than nightly entertainment. In past years the venue has held small concerts, variety shows and novelty acts – for example, a New Zealand Guitar Quartet concert in 2017 and a motorbike-themed burlesque night (“Bikes & Burlesque”) in 2021. More recently, in 2023 Meccaspresso staged the New Orleans-style cabaret “Dirtease South” (Vol. 1 and 2), a southern burlesque revue that played the space twice. These events tend to be one-off or intermittent (often tied to local festivals like the annual Burt Munro bike weekend each January), so visitors should keep an eye on local event listings or the venue’s social pages. Noticeably, shows at Meccaspresso often draw an adult crowd – for example, the burlesque events are tagged R18 – and they typically involve a mix of music and performance. Tickets for these shows generally go on sale weeks in advance. Prices have run roughly in the \$30–\$50 range (plus small fees) for most acts, and popular evenings can sell out, so it pays to book early. Typical ticket tiers have a single general admission option (no fixed seating), and special events may offer a dinner package or drink-in-event option if advertised.
Tickets and Booking
Meccaspresso does not have a permanent box office office; most event tickets are sold online or through the show’s promoter. To buy tickets, check the venue’s official info channels (often Facebook or community event sites) as soon as a show is announced. Tickets usually go on sale a few weeks beforehand, with any pricing details provided in the event announcement. For big events, advance booking is recommended because seats fill up fast. In practice, you often complete your purchase on the promoter’s or ticketing site, then present a printed or mobile ticket at the door. There are no door sales guarantee; if an event lists “sold out,” the only chance is sometimes a standby line if a ticket-holder doesn’t show. The cafe itself usually does not handle ticket sales, but you can call Meccaspresso directly or email to ask about dinner reservations or to confirm details of an event. In summary, plan ahead: keep an eye on local listings or the Meccaspresso page for new shows, book online or by phone quickly, and pay attention to any VIP or early-bird notifications to secure your spot.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Meccaspresso is a big open hall without fixed seating rows – it’s basically one large open-floor layout. By day it’s set up with numerous wooden tables and chairs in café style. For events, the tables can be rearranged or pushed to the sides to create standing room or fill the floor as needed. A portable stage (or performance area) is usually set up at one end of the room. The best spots depend on the event: for a seated dinner or concert, tables close to the front stage offer the clearest view of performers. If you want a more social vibe or to dance, the middle or back of the floor is more open. The ceilings are high and the 2017 renovation kept the hall’s vault-like shape, so sound tends to carry – front-area seats hold less echo when a band plays. In practice, many visitors prefer to claim a front table soon as doors open. There is no formal VIP area – all seating (or standing spots) is general admission. Acoustics are decent but can be lively; if you need a quieter spot, sitting at the rear or near the glass wall can help. (One tip: avoid standing directly behind large speakers, as events can get loud.) Overall, Meccaspresso is a casual, flexible setup. For any show, it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want a table close to the front; for meals or daytime visits, any open table is fair game, and the more central ones give a full view of the whole bike collection on display.
Getting There and Parking
Meccaspresso is easy to find in Invercargill’s city centre at 25 Tay Street, part of the Transport World complex. It’s just a couple of blocks north of the main central plaza and city bus hub on Don Street. By car, headed from the south, you’d turn off Tay Street and look for Transport World’s compound. There is some street parking on Tay and nearby side streets; note that parking in central Invercargill is metered during weekday business hours (with free parking in the evenings, weekends, and holidays). The Transport World site typically has a small on-site lot for visitors, which can fill up on busy days. If street parking is scarce, a short 5–10 minute walk will find larger options on Ness Street or around the southern city blocks (check signage). Public transit users: Invercargill’s city buses serve Tay Street and Don Street nearby. The main bus interchange is on Don Street (just a 5-minute walk south), where nearly all routes stop. You can then walk north up Tay Street to reach the museum complex. As for ride-hailing, Invercargill has taxis and some rideshare services; drivers usually drop off and pick up right outside Meccaspresso on Tay Street. Just tell them “Transport World” or “Meccaspresso” and they’ll recognize the location. If you’re coming from the airport (or from southern suburbs), allow about 20 minutes by car. In short, whether you drive, bus, or taxi, the location is very accessible in the city core, and the large museum signs on Tay Street make it easy to spot.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Meccaspresso, expect a lively café atmosphere with vintage decor. During the day it feels like a modern Melbourne-style breakfast spot, with the rumble of people ordering coffee and lunch. The staff is known to be warm and professional – reviews frequently note the “friendly service” and relaxed vibe inside (wanderlog.com ). The floor is mostly open plan, so there are no long entry queues; you’ll either find a table or join the line at the counter. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible (no steps inside) and has clean accessible restrooms near the back. In normal business hours the kitchen serves a full menu (Allpress/Havana coffee, all-day breakfasts, snacks and cabinet food) until closing time (usually mid-afternoon). If you come for a performance in the evening, the café usually lights dim with warm spotlights on the stage area. During events, the event producers handle lighting and sound (the house PA is decent), and there may be a staffed bar for drinks. Pro tip: If a show is scheduled at night, the café will often close the food menu a bit early, so you may want to order dinner at least an hour before the act starts. For entertainment nights, there is usually a coat check or hook area at the back. It’s also worth noting that the venue includes a small gift-souvenir section (as part of the museum), where you can browse motorcycle-themed memorabilia. Wi-Fi is generally available (most visitors report it’s free and fast for casual use), and the café accepts cards or cash at the counter. Photography is allowed casually (most guests snap photos of the old bikes), but large cameras or recording should be checked with staff first. In all, Meccaspresso prides itself on being a welcoming space – even families with kids visit during the day (there’s a small play corner in one corner (wanderlog.com )), although any 18+ event strictly requires ID. Just come wearing casual clothes and an appetite, and expect a nostalgic, fun interior full of good coffee and striking motorcycles.
Nearby Amenities
The city-centre location means you’re surrounded by plenty of pre- and post-event options. Coffee or lunch before a show? In addition to Meccaspresso itself, nearby Tay Street has several cafes and fast casual spots (Vietnamese and Mediterranean wraps, local bakeries, etc.), so arriving 30–45 minutes early gives you time to grab a light bite. For pre-show dinner, Invercargill offers a mix of cuisine within 5 minutes’ walk – casual pubs and steak joints on Tay Street, Asian dining on nearby streets, and the popular Venue and World Café inside the same museum campus. In the heart of the block, a family pub or the Southern Cross Hotel can be good for dinner. After shows end, late-night transportation is easy: tannoying cabs are available outside the city’s main square (4–5 minute walk), and Uber/Lyft work reliably in town. If you plan to stay overnight, there are comfortable hotels just around the corner. The Distinction Invercargill is a 4.5-star boutique hotel located in a beautifully restored 1900s building, only a block away (www.distinctionhotels.co.nz ) and featuring an on-site bar and valet parking. For a truly quirky stay, the Lodges at Transport World (the apartment-style hotel literally next door) offers vintage car-themed studios steps from the cafe. A bit further (15 minutes by car) is the big Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill’s largest. For quick happy-hour drinks, bars within the central square (Don and Tay Streets) are 5 minutes south. In short, the whole block is part of the city’s entertainment hub: you won’t have to go far for pubs, restaurants or even an ice cream shop. Just check opening hours (some smaller eateries close by 8pm), and consider local taxi booking in advance if you’re staying late – Invercargill is small and safe, but services thinly spread at midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Meccaspresso’s standout feature is its blend of coffee-house charm with a classic motorcycle museum. Very few cafés can claim to have polished vintage bikes parked inches away from your table—guests often remark on how the bikes make a cool “automotive lounge” feel. In fact, the Classic Motorcycle Mecca (where Meccaspresso lives) is billed as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest motorcycle collection (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ), so dining here feels like a mini museum visit. The restored heritage architecture adds quirk: ornate pillars and high arched windows give it character, a nod to the building’s past lives. Locally, it’s part of Invercargill’s cultural identity – it unofficially commemorates hometown hero Burt Munro (of “World’s Fastest Indian” fame) and Southland’s motorsport history. Artists and entertainers like playing here precisely because it’s so unlike a bland hall: the decor and historical vibe excite crowds. In 2017, the cafe’s opening itself was a notable moment in the city, repurposing an iconic nightlife space into a family-friendly icon. People also love that Meccaspresso doesn’t feel corporate; it’s owned by local enthusiasts (with catering by experienced chef Mat Jackson) and has a grassroots atmosphere. To sum up, the reason musicians and patrons choose Meccaspresso is simple: it’s not just another auditorium – it’s a vibrant heritage cafe wrapped around a world-class motorcycle exhibit. Every corner tells a story, every show feels intimate, and you really do get a taste of Southland culture along with your latte.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible (wide entrances and low counters) and has accessible restrooms on the main floor. Staff are happy to assist guests with mobility needs. It’s comfortable for prams too (there’s space between tables) and well-lit throughout.
What to Bring: On event nights, bring a valid ID if it’s marked 18+. Tickets or reservation info (print or mobile) are needed at the door. You may want earplugs if sensitive to loud music. Outside food and drinks are not allowed – everything must be purchased inside. Bags are usually allowed but may be lightly checked at busy events. Cameras and casual photography are fine; just be respectful of performers and other guests.
Door and Dress Code: There is no formal dress code – smart casual is typical. Doors to evening shows often open 30–60 minutes before start time; daytime entry is as a regular cafe (no lines). Security is low-key; do arrive before the showtime, as latecomers may have to wait outside until a break. For reserved dining before a show (some nights offer a dinner package), book in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t assume it’s nightclub loud every night; the volume varies by event. Check the event’s rating – if it’s R18 ensure no kids tag along. Weekday evenings can see an early kitchen close, so plan your dinner reservation or arrive hungry by late afternoon. Parking can fill up on busy weekends, so allow extra time to find a space. Also, Invercargill can get chilly – bring a jacket for outdoor waiting lines in winter. Lastly, remember this place is the heart of a museum – tables may wobble on the uneven floor, and there’s occasional mechanical noise from exhibits. Embrace the character!
What are Meccaspresso’s opening hours?
Meccaspresso generally opens weekdays around 8:30am and closes by late afternoon (around 3:30pm). On weekends it may open slightly later (e.g. 9:00am) but still closes mid-afternoon to prepare for any evening events. These hours can change seasonally, so it’s best to check ahead — many locals note it’s a great breakfast and lunch spot before any shows (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ).
Where exactly is Meccaspresso located?
The cafe is at 25 Tay Street in central Invercargill. That’s inside the Transport World complex, in the Classic Motorcycle Mecca building. It’s just a couple of blocks north of the Don Street bus and city centre area. The big motorcycle and car museum signage is hard to miss.
Are reservations needed or how do I book a table?
For casual daytime dining you usually don’t need a reservation — just walk in. However, if you have a large group or are planning to dine right before a scheduled event, it’s wise to call ahead (03-214 3022) to ensure they can accommodate you. Even for shows, sometimes a “dinner package” table requires booking, so check the event listing. Otherwise, treat it like any busy cafe (especially on weekend brunch time).
What is the capacity and layout of the venue?
The main seating area is a big open hall (previously a nightclub dance floor). Exact capacity isn’t posted, but it can hold several dozen people at tables plus space to stand. Because it’s open-plan, seating is flexible. During restaurant hours there are around 40–50 chairs at tables. For events, tables are rearranged, but expect a few dozen seats and standing room. As one visitor notes, it’s “a large, spacious interior” perfect for groups (neatplaces.co.nz ).
What types of games or entertainment happen here?
Aside from live shows, Meccaspresso sometimes hosts casual events like trivia nights, open mic or small acoustic sessions. The venue often partners with local groups, so you might find charity fundraisers or corporate gatherings here. It’s also used for private events (weddings, etc.) if booked. If you’re interested in something specific, contact the venue – the caterers handle most event bookings and can help set up meetings or group evenings if available.
Is there wheelchair access and accessible facilities?
Yes – Meccaspresso is wheelchair-friendly. The entire cafe floor is on one level (no steps at the entrance) and there are accessible restrooms on site. Wheelchair maneuverability is good between tables (though the space has many chairs, so staff can help open a path). Accessibility is listed under its venue amenities, reflecting this.
Are children allowed, and is there a kids’ menu or play area?
Children are welcome during normal daytime hours – the cafe is very family-friendly. In fact, it has a small play corner that keeps younger kids entertained (wanderlog.com ). There’s no formal kids’ menu, but children’s meal options are usually available (like smaller portions of breakfast items). Do note that after dark, any 18+ show means no under-18s are permitted.
Is there outdoor seating or smoking areas?
There is no formal outdoor seating or patio – the cafe is entirely indoors. Smoking is not allowed inside (as with all NZ indoor venues). If you smoke, you’ll need to step out front of the building on Tay Street during breaks. In good weather you might find a bench nearby, but no dedicated smoking area is provided.
Can I buy merchandise or souvenirs there?
Yes. The cafe shares space with the motorcycle museum, which has a gift shop corner on-site. You’ll find branded merchandise, books, models and other souvenirs related to the bike collection. Meccaspresso itself also sells some branded mugs and apparel. Just inquire at the counter if you’re looking for something special.
What is the advantage of humming to the bike collection inside?
Those classic motorcycles and memorabilia around the café are not just for looks — they create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Visitors often say it feels like dining in a museum, which is exactly the point. Appreciating the bike collection is part of the experience here (wanderlog.com ) (www.lodgestransportworld.nz ). Essentially, you get a free mini-tour of the largest motorcycle collection in the Southern Hemisphere just by sitting down for a coffee or meal.
Are there any costs or cover charges just to enter the cafe?
No, general entry to Meccaspresso during café hours is free (you only pay for food/drinks you buy). The space is open to the public until closing time each afternoon. For evening events, you need a ticket to that specific show, but there is no separate venue cover charge beyond what the event organizer sets.
