About The Cabana
The Cabana is Napier’s historic live-music venue, housed in an iconic Spanish Mission/Art Deco building raised after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake . It opened as the Empire Hotel and was renamed The Cabana in 1955 (after a champion racehorse) . A long brick “Band Bar” was added in 1965 – a low-ceiling hall built specifically for music . In its heyday The Cabana hosted live bands six nights a week, earning a wildly sweaty reputation and even a local newscaster called it *“music in the walls”* . After closing in 1997, it was revived in 2010 by local musicians led by owner Roy Brown . Today The Cabana is celebrated as *“New Zealand’s oldest live music venue”* . It remains beloved for its intimate, no-frills atmosphere and excellent acoustics (one review noted the sound stays “crisp” no matter where you stand ). The floor holds a few hundred people (historically one New Year’s Eve saw ~710 jammed in ). Inside, exposed brick walls, vintage gig posters and low lighting give it a time-capsule feel. The Cabana sits at 11 Shakespeare Road, a block from Napier Port, and even shares a corner with the Toad Hall backpacker hostel (23 rooms with rooftop views) . It is as much a local cultural icon as an entertainment spot.
Events and Programming
The Cabana hosts a **wide variety of shows** year-round. Bands of all genres play here – local Hawke’s Bay acts and outright Kiwi stars alike. Its calendar lists everything from hard rock and roots-reggae to country, blues and electronic nights. Touring headliners like the Jordan Luck Band, Ladi6, Dave Dobbyn and Swamp Thing have been booked here , and past performers include Kiwi legends such as Mi-Sex, The Feelers, Dragon, Herbs and many more . Tribute bands, acoustic singer-songwriters and international callers (like a Stevie Ray Vaughan cover outfit) also appear. The venue even doubles as a comedy club or dance club when needed (the city’s event listing once advertised *“The Cabana Comedy Bash”* with established comedians for a NZ$20 GA cover ).
Crowd-pleasers recur regularly. Weekly Karaoke (usually a $5 bar event) and a monthly Ukulele Jam ($10 entry) are staples at The Cabana . There are themed dance parties (80s/90s nostalgia, daytime clubbing for 30-somethings, etc.), and funky game nights like Drag Bingo. Themed events are also common for holidays (an annual multi-act Xmas bash, New Year’s Eve party, etc.). Most gigs are general admission with no assigned seats (some small side tables may sit a few people), so fans gather on the dance floor around the stage. Shows are often R18 (18+), so many nights require guests to be adults.
Ticket prices match the bill: small local gigs often start around NZ$20–$25, while bigger acts or special productions may be NZ$30 or more. For example, one upcoming tribute show was listed at $25 online/$30 at the door , and a previous comedy night was $20 GA . Advance online sales are common, and any remaining tickets usually go on sale at the door at a slightly higher price. Popular shows can sell out, so buying early (via authorized event outlets) is wise. Keep an eye on Napier cultural listings for announcements of The Cabana’s upcoming events.
Tickets and Booking
The Cabana does not have a day-box office; tickets are obtained online or at the door on event nights. When shows are announced, tickets usually go on sale through official event pages or ticket vendors, and often close out early for in-demand acts. A small concert or comedy show might cost in the NZ$20–$25 range (for example, one comedy showcase was $20 GA ). More prominent concerts or club nights can be NZ$30–$50 or higher depending on the lineup. If tickets remain after advance sales, you can pay at the door (but note door tickets often cost a few dollars more than pre-sales ). Since most events are 18+, you’ll need valid ID (driver’s licence or passport) for entry.
Seating and Layout
The Cabana’s performance area is essentially one long rectangular hall with a low ceiling . The stage (roughly 4.5 m deep and 5.5 m wide ) is at one end, and the rest of the floor is a mostly open standing area. There are no reserved seats: gigs are general admission, so the crowd usually packs the front of the stage to see the band, while others mix and stand around the rear tables or bar. A few stools or benches line the sides, but even those fill up fast. Acoustically the space works well – reviewers have praised the sound quality as “crisp” anywhere in the hall . If you want the best view, arrive early to stake out a spot near the front. (As the venue brochure jokingly notes, it’s “an entertainment venue that happens to have a bar.”) Expect a friendly but energetic crowd: there is often dancing room right in front of the stage. Because the floor can get crowded, some fans hang back near the bar or on stools along the wall for a less busy vantage.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 11 Shakespeare Road, Napier (on Bluff Hill just off Battery/Browning Streets). The Cabana sits opposite Napier Port and the old Railway Station. If driving, you can approach from the city center via Hastings Street and Battery Road; watch for a driveway on Shakespeare Road. The venue has a small free car park for patrons . Street parking is available on Shakespeare or nearby roads (usually unrestricted in the evening). Remember Napier’s late-night parking rules if you stay late.
Public Transit: Napier’s local buses (goBay) serve nearby stops. For example, the No.15 loop stops on Shakespeare Road at Browning Street, just a block from the door . Other bus lines through the Napier CBD and Ahuriri area can drop you within walking distance (roughly a 5–10 min walk). After evening events, bus service may dwindle, so many visitors arrange a taxi or rideshare ahead. NZ Uber or local taxi companies will take you to The Cabana; common drop-off/pick-up is right on Shakespeare Road. In a pinch, walking up Battery Road from Marine Parade (a few blocks) is also an option, especially during Art Deco Weekend when traffic is heavy.
Inside the Venue
Walking in the front door, you’ll find a single-level interior combining bar and performance space. The wooden bar runs along one wall, serving a full range of local and international beers, wines and mixed drinks. There is no kitchen, so expect only bar snacks (chips, nuts, a few packaged items) and bottled water for purchase. The atmosphere is dim and cozy – neon beer signs, stringed lights and stage spots set a classic pub-club mood. Walls are brick or plaster, often covered with posters, old flyers and band memorabilia from past decades. The venue is fully licensed, so outside food or drinks (especially alcohol) are not allowed inside. On busy nights, security may check large bags at the door.
For bands, a small green room sits beside the stage (with a sink and toilet) . Performers and crew use this space offstage to prepare. In the audience area, a handful of standing heaters keep the room warm, but it can still get hot and sweaty with a full crowd – wearing light clothes is wise. Public restrooms (toilets) are near the rear. There is no formal coat check, so winter coats and jackets typically end up draped over chairs or tables. Wi-Fi is not provided, but cell reception is generally fine given the thin walls. The house sound system and lights are run from the back; bands can plug in instruments and mics as arranged with the venue. Overall, the setup feels more like a friendly neighborhood live-music bar than a sterile theatre. Patrons report that both the staff and crowd are laid-back and welcoming.
Nearby Amenities
Napier’s city center is just a few blocks away, so dining and accommodation options abound. Hastings Street (Napier’s main shopping strip) is a 5–10 minute walk and has dozens of eateries: cafes, pizza/burger joints, Thai and Indian restaurants, brewpubs and more. The historic Criterion Hotel and the Masonic Hotel on Emerson Street (at the top of the hill) offer sit-down restaurants and bars. For a quick bite, the nearby Capriccio’s Pizzeria and Sprig & Fern Brewery (both on Hastings Street) are popular. There’s also a supermarket plus liquor stores on Marine Parade near the waterfront (about 10 minutes’ walk down Battery Road).
Hotels in Napier CBD and Ahuriri (waterfront) are plentiful. The Scenic Hotel, Distinction Hotel and other motels are a short drive or moderate walk away. If you need nearby lodging, note that The Cabana shares its corner building with the Toad Hall Backpackers (a 23-room hostel ). Late at night, Napier taxis and rideshare apps (Uber/Ola) are readily available; taxis often meet loads at the Hastings/Emerson intersection. If you plan to drive, street parking is mostly unrestricted after 6pm in the area, but always confirm signage. For early arrivals, consider grabbing dinner on Hastings Street or at an Ahuriri waterfront cafe – The Cabana itself doesn’t serve meals.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Cabana is woven into Napier’s Art Deco legacy and music history. It was the first new hotel built after the 1931 quake and has retained its vintage charm. More importantly, it earned a reputation as a **legendary nightclub**. For decades it was the must-play spot for touring Kiwi bands, literally a “finishing school” for New Zealand rock stars . (As one performer recalled, *“The Cabana was more rock and roll than the phrase itself.”* ) Countless greats – Hello Sailor, Mi-Sex, Dragon, Herbs, Shihad and many others – crammed its tiny stage. Owners and fans often tell stories from the old days: one ex-publican even quipped during a noise-court battle, *“If the Bishop can ring his cathedral bells so loudly, then I can make as much noise with my music”* . Inside, the decor still hints at those rowdy years (“sweat and nicotine” soaked into the ceiling, as described in a 2008 review).
Media have celebrated The Cabana’s place in NZ culture: a local magazine headlined its 60th anniversary with a month of gigs by top acts like Jordan Luck and Ladi6 . What’s special here is that authenticity – you’re standing where Napier’s biggest nights happened, in a building that literally has music in its walls. Artists love playing it for the proximity to fans, and audiences love it for that rock ’n’ roll-roots ambiance that no modern club can replicate.
Visitor Tips and Information
Entry & ID: Most shows at The Cabana are 18+, so you will need a valid photo ID (NZ driver licence or passport) to get in. Double-check each event’s age limit (special kids’ shows are rare). Dress code is casual – comfortable shoes are recommended since people stand or dance. There is no cloakroom, so carry small bags only (large backpacks may be checked). The floor can be sticky or crowded, so avoid open-toed shoes if you plan to be on the dance floor.
Rules: The Cabana is fully licensed. You cannot bring outside alcohol, glass bottles, or food inside – everything must be bought at the bar. Smoking is not allowed indoors (by NZ law); there is a covered smoking area with an ashtray just outside the front door. Security staff may pat-down or scan bags on busy nights. Generally cameras are fine for casual photos (flash-less is best), but professional video cameras typically require permission.
Comfort: It can get hot and crowded. Bringing earplugs can help with loud music. Water and soft drinks are sold at the bar if you need to stay hydrated. The venue has restrooms at the back – they fill up quickly on busy nights, so consider using them early or between sets. Cash and cards are accepted at the bar, but having some small bills on hand is convenient during busy service.
Timing: Door time is usually around 7:00–7:30pm for an 8pm show, but check your specific ticket. Arriving 15–30 minutes early is smart for first-come admission. Shows often end by midnight or shortly after. If you stay late, be aware that parking zones on surrounding streets may have time limits (usually only in daytime). Napier taxis and rideshares operate in the city, with common pickup points on Hastings Street or Marine Parade.
Nearby amenities: Plan to eat before or after – there are many cafes and restaurants within a short walk (especially on Hastings Street one block north) . Napier’s Art Deco Centre (the i-SITE) is about 10 minutes away if you need tourist info. If you want to continue the night, Emerson Street (Napier’s main bar street) is up the hill behind the venue. Overall, arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy a show – The Cabana’s friendly patrons and performers will take care of the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cabana located?
The Cabana is at 11 Shakespeare Road, Napier . This is on Bluff Hill by the port end of Marine Parade. It’s just east of central Napier (near Brewster Street/Browning Street). Look for a large vintage neon sign on the corner hotel building – you can’t miss it .
Is The Cabana an indoor or outdoor venue, and how many people can it hold?
The Cabana is entirely indoor . It’s one open hall with a stage and bar inside an old hotel building. Capacity is roughly a few hundred people. In past decades it has fit very large crowds (one NZ report even mentioned ~710 people on a packed night ), but today fire regulations keep it under that. Expect an intimate, club-size audience rather than stadium crowds.
Do I need a ticket, and how can I buy one?
Most shows require a ticket or entry fee (particularly concerts or comedy nights). Tickets are sold online through official ticket outlets or on event websites. There is no permanent box office at The Cabana itself. After the advance sale, any tickets left are usually available at the door before the show (onsite ticket desk opens around door time). If a show doesn’t sell out, door tickets are common – just note they may cost a bit more than the advance price .
How much do Cabana tickets usually cost?
Ticket prices vary by event. Local band nights or small acts often range from ~NZ$15 to $25. Medium-profile concerts and revival acts are usually ~$25–$35. Specials like comedy shows or club parties can be $10–$20. For example, one recent comedy showcase was advertised at $20 general admission , whereas a full-band guitar-hero tribute ran $25 in advance and $30 at the door . Always check the event’s page for exact prices.
Are tickets available at the door?
Yes, if the show is not sold out. Many Cabana events have advance tickets (sold online) and then remaining tickets are sold at the door when doors open. Door sales typically cost a bit more than pre-sale. However, for very popular concerts the advance sale can sell out early, so if you plan to buy at the door, arrive early – otherwise you risk reaching capacity.
What is the seating arrangement – is it general admission or are there reserved seats?
The Cabana is essentially general admission . There are no fixed theatre seats. People stand or dance on the floor in front of the stage. A few high tables and stools line the sides or back for those who want to sit. If you prefer a guaranteed seat, get there early and claim one of the few tables along the wall. Otherwise assume it’s a standing-room crowd and plan to be on your feet.
When do shows usually start, and what time should I arrive?
Typical live shows at The Cabana begin around 8:00pm, with doors opening roughly 30–60 minutes earlier (often 7:30pm). A weekly karaoke or club night might start closer to 8:30pm or 9:00pm. Because many shows are general admission, arriving 15–30 minutes before door time is wise, especially for sold-out events. This gives you time to buy a ticket if needed and get a good spot. Most events finish by midnight–12:30am. Always check the specific event listing for exact times.
Is The Cabana wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, The Cabana is an older building and has limited accessibility. The main entrance has a small step, and the performance area is on one floor. There are no elevators or ramps inside. If you need wheelchair access or have mobility concerns, it’s best to contact The Cabana directly before your visit to discuss accommodations.
Where can I park, and is there a fee?
There is a small dedicated car park for The Cabana’s patrons at the venue . This parking is free for customers. In addition, street parking on Shakespeare Road and nearby streets is generally available after business hours (Napier has few meters at night). Always read the parking signs in the area; most local street parking becomes free in the evenings. If the Cabana lot is full, you shouldn’t need to pay in that neighborhood after 6pm.
What are the nearest bus stops to The Cabana?
Napier’s goBay buses serve stops within a few minutes’ walk. The #15 Napier loop, for instance, has a stop at “Shakespeare Road (corner Browning St)”, which is immediately adjacent to the venue . Other routes through Napier’s CBD or Ahuriri (the waterfront) will drop you to within 5–10 minutes walking distance. Use the Napier bus timetable or a transit app to plan; remember the last buses usually run until around 10–11pm on weekdays.
What drinks and food are available at The Cabana?
The Cabana has a full bar. It serves local craft beers, bottled/fizzy drinks, wines (including NZ varieties), spirits and simple cocktails. Foodwise, there is no full kitchen – only light snacks like chips, nuts and candy. If you need a meal, eat beforehand in nearby restaurants. Soft drinks and water are sold at the bar if you need them during the show. Note: outside food and drink are not allowed inside.
Is smoking allowed in The Cabana?
No – by New Zealand law smoking is banned inside all licensed premises. The Cabana does not allow indoor smoking. If you wish to smoke, you must step outside to the designated area, which is usually right outside the front door (usually a covered spot with an ashtray). Staff will expect you to extinguish cigarettes before coming back inside.
Are there coat checks or lockers at The Cabana?
No, there is no formal coatroom or lockers. Space is limited in the venue, so coat checks are not provided. Patrons typically keep coats and small bags with them or hang them on chairs. It’s best to carry only what you need inside, since large bags may be refused at the door.
Can I take photos or videos at The Cabana?
Personal snapshot photography for social media is usually fine (no flash please to avoid blinding performers). However, professional cameras or video equipment often require prior permission from the venue or artist. Flash photography can be distracting to performers and may be prohibited during shows. If in doubt, treat it like any club: phone photos are OK, but bulky gear might be stopped by security.
What should I bring to The Cabana for comfort?
Bring your photo ID and cash or card for drinks. Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud music. The hall can get hot in winter (with heaters) and crowded, so dress in layers. A small wallet or money clip is easier to carry than a big purse. You might also want a cellphone charger – shows can go late and you’ll want a ride app or taxi number.
Do I need to be concerned about safety or security?
The Cabana is a friendly scene but do take normal precautions. Keep your belongings close (especially handbags or wallets) since it can be tight. Security staff are present to enforce age limits and check bags, but there’s no rough policing. Barriers may be set up at high-attendance events to protect the stage. Always drink responsibly and watch slippery floors. In emergencies, exits are at the front and rear.
