About Trafalgar Centre
The Trafalgar Centre in Nelson is the region’s premier indoor events arena and sports stadium, located at 7 Paru Paru Road on the Maitai River’s west bank (opposite Trafalgar Park) (venues.nelson.govt.nz ) (venues.nelson.govt.nz ). It opened in the early 1970s and has been comprehensively earthquake-strengthened in the last decade, earning the 2019 EVANZ Medium Venue of the Year award for its modern, quake-safe design (www.ticketfairy.com ) (venues.nelson.govt.nz ). As Nelson Tasman’s largest covered venue, it seats about 2,300 people in tiered stands and can accommodate up to 4,500 standing on the main floor (venues.nelson.govt.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The Centre includes a sprung timber floor (ideal for sports courts or banquets), scoreboard and video screens, plus a new light-filled Northern Extension (864 m²) that provides pre-function and mid-sized meeting space (venues.nelson.govt.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This versatile layout – banks of long grandstand rows and flexible floor seating – means it can easily switch between basketball courts, concerts, theatre-style shows or exhibitions. Owned by Nelson City Council, Trafalgar Centre is just a 10-minute walk from Nelson’s city centre and about 15 minutes from the airport, making it a well-known local landmark (www.ticketfairy.com ) (venues.nelson.govt.nz ).
Events and Programming
Trafalgar Centre hosts a year-round mix of sporting, cultural and community events (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s home court for the Nelson Giants basketball team (NZ NBL) and occasionally hosts netball, futsal or other indoor sports. You’ll also find trade shows, home-and-garden expos, career fairs, charity galas, school celebrations and even e-sports tournaments. The arena’s flexible arrangements allow theatre-style seating (around 2,300 max), banquet dining setups (about 700 at tables) and large standing concerts (up to ~4,500 crowd) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (venues.nelson.govt.nz ). Recent highlights include national-band tours and big-name Kiwi acts – for example Shihad and Supergroove rocked Trafalgar Centre in 2025, and veteran New Zealand groups Six60, Hello Sailor and Dragon drew capacity crowds in 2024 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Popular international comedians like Sarah Millican and Bill Bailey have also played the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ). Family-friendly events and conferences, such as Nelson’s Matariki celebrations or the New Zealand Bird Conference 2024, are common, as are annual festivals like wine and food shows and large consumer fairs. On most weekends (and many Wednesdays/Thursdays) there’s something at Trafalgar – from slam-dunk basketball games to quizzes, dance competitions or corporate awards nights (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event: school or community gigs may be low-cost (sometimes donation-based), while headline concerts and comedy tours typically run around NZ$50–$100+ for prime seats (www.ticketfairy.com ). Sporting events tend to be more affordable (roughly NZ$15–$30 for basketball games), and family discounts/child prices are often offered (e.g. Nelson Giants games let children under 3 in free) (uniquelynelson.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Event tickets for Trafalgar Centre are sold through official channels. Major shows and tours use recognised NZ ticket agencies or the promoter’s box office, so watch local announcements and trusted online outlets for on-sale dates. For community events and local sports fixtures, you can often buy directly from the venue’s box office (phone or in-person at the Nelson Stadium complex) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Big concerts typically go on sale months in advance (with presales for fan clubs or subscribers), and in-demand shows often sell out quickly. It pays to sign up for Trafalgar Centre or Nelson City Council venue newsletters for alerts – tickets can vanish fast, so buying early is wise (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are usually multiple seating tiers for each event, so check if maps are provided (front-row or centre stands cost more, higher side/back rows cost less) (www.ticketfairy.com ). At the box office or official outlets you can pay by credit card or cash; let staff know in advance if you need wheelchair-friendly seating and they’ll reserve it (www.ticketfairy.com ). As a rule, avoid unofficial resale sites – tickets are only guaranteed through authorised sellers. If a fan club or presale is available, that can give you an advantage to secure good seats. E-tickets (mobile or print-at-home) are now common, so have the necessary app or printed ticket ready on show day (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The main Trafalgar Centre arena is a broad rectangular hall with long banks of raked seating along the sides and open floor space in the centre (www.ticketfairy.com ). In set-ups with a stage or sports court, it usually sits at one end, surrounded by the tiered stands. Fixed (grandstand) seats total roughly 2,300, plus portable floor chairs when needed. For concerts, a modular stage can be placed at one end or centre, and floor-standing space can hold the largest crowds. Best sightlines are in the centre of the lower or middle stands – those offer a direct, balanced view of the stage or court (www.ticketfairy.com ). Front-floor seating (if provided) gets you very close, but many big shows use general admission standing on the flat floor, maximizing capacity. On game nights, courtside or first few stand rows provide the closest view, while higher stand levels are still fine for general admission tickets (www.ticketfairy.com ). Trafalgar Centre also offers premium “VIP” areas (usually carpeted lounges or extra-comfortable sections) near the back of the floor or top of the stands (www.ticketfairy.com ). The roof is high and the hall quite open, so even at the edges the view is rarely blocked – extreme side angles in the end rows are the only slightly poorer spots. Wheelchair-accessible seating is built in along each side aisle, with companion seats beside it (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acoustically the venue is a sports/arena space, so it’s not dead-silent; however recent sound upgrades (sound baffles and a modern PA system) and strategic speaker placements help keep music and announcements clear for all areas (www.ticketfairy.com ). The Northern Extension (attached at the north end) is a separate bright hall with glass walls. It’s often set up as a small theatre (around 300 seats) or used as a pre-function / trade-show space during larger events (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
The Trafalgar Centre’s address is 7 Paru Paru Road, Nelson 7010, just west of Trafalgar Park and a few blocks from the city centre. From Nelson Airport it’s about a 10–15 minute drive via State Highway 6 into Nelson, then Hardy Street to Paru Paru Road (roughly 9–10 km). By car, the venue is close to the main state highway arteries (SH6/60), so it’s easy to reach from Richmond or even Motueka/Waimea. An on-site car park (about 200 spaces) lies beside the centre (www.ticketfairy.com ), and there’s room for around 5 large tour coaches (with drop-off loop) too (www.ticketfairy.com ). On busy nights this lot fills up early, so it’s wise to arrive 30–60 minutes before start time if you plan to drive. Additional parking is available on surrounding streets (Bridge Street, Hardy Street and nearby side roads). Note that most Nelson city metered parking is enforced in daytime, but after-hours and weekends parking is generally free (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Nelson City Council has plans for a new multi-storey car park on Paru Paru Road, which will add many spaces for events in the future.) For those without a car, the venue is still well-served by public transit: several Nelson eBus routes pass within a few blocks (e.g. stops on Parkers Gulley/Bridge Street or Hardy Street) with frequent service from the city centre, hospital, and suburbs like Stoke and Richmond (www.ticketfairy.com ). On Friday and Saturday nights a special “Late Late Bus” runs hourly through Nelson’s night entertainment precincts – it departs from town (Trafalgar Street) on the hour until about 3 am, which can be handy for late shows (www.ticketfairy.com ). Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Ola etc.) can be dropped off directly at the main entrance on Paru Paru Road. If arriving from out of town, many visitors find it easiest to get a taxi or shuttle from the airport rather than drive themselves.
Inside the Venue
On event day you’ll enter through a spacious foyer before the arena. Show your ticket (printed or on mobile) at the turnstiles or scanning gates; a short security check of bags is routine. The venue is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts and wide doors for wheelchairs or strollers to enter. The atmosphere is informal and sports-hall–like: high ceilings, concrete floors, Rostrum stands with Nelson Giants posters or event branding on the walls. Keep in mind Trafalgar Centre is a smoke-free venue – no smoking or vaping anywhere inside (venues.nelson.govt.nz ). Drinking water fountains are typically available in the foyer.
Food and drink options vary by event. There is a full bar and catering kitchen behind the scenes, and you’ll often find pop-up concession stands or bar counters open during games or shows. These serve refreshments from basic snacks and soft drinks to hot pies, pizzas or sandwiches; alcohol (beer, wine, cider) is usually available for licensed events. (Nelson’s local venues often highlight Tasman-region beers and wines.) Importantly, outside food and beverages are not allowed past the entrance, so plan to buy on-site if hungry. Most kiosks accept cash and cards (contactless payments are common). If you bring a sealed water bottle, it’s usually permitted for health reasons. Cellphone service is generally good inside, but Wi-Fi is limited (the venue provides staff networks, so guests should rely on their own data).
Restrooms are ample: the main arena has about 4–6 cubicles each for men and women, plus six fully accessible gender-neutral toilets (www.ticketfairy.com ), which means lines tend to move quickly even at busy breaks. There is often an adjoining family/parent room with baby changing facilities. If the hall feels chilly (it can, especially with big breath-stealing crowds), a coat-check is sometimes offered at the foyer during large events – look for a counter or ask the staff. You’ll often see a merchandise corner in the foyer or near exits where concert or team gear is sold during events. Lost items or questions can be directed to the event office or main desk by the entrance.
Nearby Amenities
Trafalgar Centre is conveniently close to Nelson’s CBD, so most dining and lodging options are within a 5–10 minute walk. Right next door is Trafalgar Park (an outdoor stadium and parkland), useful for pre-show picnics or as a meeting point. For a pre-show meal, head into the city along Hardy Street or Bridge Street – you’ll find a wide range from casual cafés and bakeries to pubs and ethnic restaurants. Popular spots include local cafés like Coffi, Urban Oyster or Barnes & Co for brunch, and ethnic eateries such as choicest Japanese, Thai or Mexican restaurants nearby. Bridge Street is lined with pubs and bars: for craft beers check out Bridge Street Brewery’s taproom or the contemporary Hopgarden Brewpub up the street. The classic Victorian Hotel (Bridge St) and Sobar (a nightclub/punk venue) often have live music in the evening. If you want to splurge on a nice dinner, Oak (modern fare) or Cod & Lobster (seafood) are top picks in the city. Late-night options in Nelson are limited – some pubs and takeaways (e.g. kebab shops) stay open until midnight or later on weekends, and the occasional food truck parks around the city in warmer months. Many visitors shy away to central motels or guesthouses: The Sails Nelson is a deluxe serviced-apartment hotel just across Trafalgar Park, and the Palms Motel (on Paru Paru Road beside the venue) is a popular budget-friendly choice. Otherwise, Nelson’s downtown hotels and backpackers (e.g. Hotel Nelson, Acapulco backpackers, YHA on Rutherford) put you a short stroll from the centre. Plan to arrive in Nelson by late afternoon if possible: it’s a scenic 10-minute walk (straight down high street) from the city square to Trafalgar Centre, or a quick taxi/ride-share any time of day (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What Makes This Venue Special
What really sets Trafalgar Centre apart is its blend of history, versatility and centrality to Nelson life. Built in the early 1970s, it’s one of the city’s iconic civic buildings – fans even call it “The Hangar” for its vast indoor space. Its sprung timber floor and movable grandstands make it uniquely adaptable: it’s one of the few places in Nelson where you can host two tennis courts, four basketball courts or a full concert setup under one roof (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The 2020s addition of the airy Northern Extension has given it an upmarket edge, with architects praising how the new pavilion holds its own while enhancing the original hall (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Over the decades the centre has witnessed many local milestones – packed-out basketball finals, rock concerts and community galas – and has certainly earned its role in town lore. It’s not unusual to hear longtime locals reminisce about crowds roaring for the Giants or singing along to Kiwi classics at Trafalgar. Economically and culturally, the venue is a workhorse: according to Nelson arts writers it has played “a significant role in the cultural and economic life” of the city (www.ticketfairy.com ) by bringing in visitors, trade shows and high-calibre acts that other regional venues couldn’t host. In short, artists and audiences appreciate the centre for its spacious, no-frills vibe, its reliable professional facilities (concert staging, professional sound/lighting rigging, disability access) and its community feel – it truly functions as Nelson’s gathering place for major events. Recent upgrades (a $152,000 lighting overhaul completed in late 2024 to meet TV broadcast standards (our.nelson.govt.nz ), plus sound system baffles and scoreboards) mean it remains a modern, high-spec venue despite its humble roots. Nelsonians value it not only for sports and entertainment, but as a versatile event hub – from formal awards dinners with banquets to fun family festivals – that reflects the city’s friendly, enterprising spirit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Trafalgar Centre is wheelchair-friendly throughout – there are ramps/level entries, lifts to the upper corridors, and multiple accessible toilet cubicles (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you or a guest need special seating (for a wheelchair, walker or a parent with stroller), inform the ticket office ahead of time and they’ll reserve an appropriate spot. Companion seats are available next to each wheelchair zone (www.ticketfairy.com ). There’s also a family/parent room and baby change facilities. The venue follows NZ’s accessibility standards, so guide dogs and carers are welcome.
What to Bring: Always bring your ticket (paper or mobile) and a photo ID, especially if you plan to buy alcohol. Don’t bring outside food or drink – any sealed water bottles are fine, but likely you’ll want cash/card for concessions. It’s sensible to carry layers; the hall can feel cool with a big crowd, and evenings in Nelson can be chilly. Earplugs can be handy at really loud concerts. Check the weather too: if it’s raining, know that the lot is uncovered, though entry is sheltered. Most people dress casually in smart-casual or team fan gear; some gala events may be a bit dressier, but there’s no strict dress code for most shows.
Arrival and Entry: Policy can vary by event, but plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before showtime (or earlier if it’s sold-out or family show) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This extra time lets you park, find your seat, and visit the loo or grab food without rushing. On event day the main entrance opens typically around half an hour before start; doors for sports double-bills may open up to an hour early (for warm-ups/meet-and-greets) (uniquelynelson.nz ). Security is straightforward – standard bag checks and metal scanning happen, so avoid bringing large or prohibited items. All venues in Nelson are smoke-free zones, and Trafalgar Centre enforces a no-smoking policy throughout (venues.nelson.govt.nz ). Outside cameras or umbrellas (large, bulky items) might be checked at the door. If re-entry is allowed (often it is), make sure to get a hand stamp or keep your ticket so you don’t have to pay again.
Insider Hints: If you’re attending a hot ticket event, keep an eye on Nelson One News or local radio/social media for any late notices. Subscribe to Trafalgar Centre’s newsletter via Nelson City Council or follow the Giants’ community page – sometimes presales or age-specific deals (like child tickets) are announced there. Use care with parent seats: children sit free (or cheap) on a lap at sporting games, but seats may be firm benches. Also, if your event includes a meet-and-greet or photo op, the Northern Extension foyer often serves as the VIP lounge or autograph area. After the show, the nearby CityLink buses (routes toward town and Richmond) can get you home if rideshares are busy. And don’t forget to look up – the dramatic hall lighting can be part of the experience, or ask staff about taking one of the original Trafalgar floodlight fixtures home (they offered them to community groups after the 2024 light upgrade) (our.nelson.govt.nz ). Most importantly, stay local and enjoy Nelson’s hospitality – a lot of fans will smile, carpool, or chat about the Giants’ lively atmosphere and the venue’s familiar comfort, which really adds to the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Trafalgar Centre events?
Tickets are sold through official channels. Major concerts and shows use national ticket vendors (or the organiser’s box office online). For local events (like sports games or expos) you can often buy direct from the venue’s box office or by phone. Check Nelson local media and the Nelson City Council venues site for announcements and links. Always buy early; popular shows sell out fast.
What is the usual ticket price range at Trafalgar Centre?
Prices vary by event. Community or charity shows may be free or very cheap. Concerts and major acts typically cost from about NZ$50 up to NZ$100+ for premium seats (www.ticketfairy.com ). Smaller pop or theatre events can be listed from $30–$60. Sports games (Nelson Giants, etc.) usually range roughly NZ$15–$30. Always check the event listing for exact prices and discounts.
Is there a box office at the Trafalgar Centre?
Yes. Trafalgar Centre has a box office kiosk at the venue (typically open on event days and some weekdays). You can buy tickets in person or arrange pickups there. For many community or sports events you can ring or visit the main stadium complex (Nelson Stadium next door) to get tickets. Otherwise, tickets are also sold via authorised online outlets, so no physical box office visit is needed for large tours.
What happens if a show is sold out?
Once an event sells out, most venues do not have extra tickets at the door and unauthorized resellers are risky to use. Sometimes promoters release second waves or find if venue holds a few extra seats. Always try official resale or exchange sites backed by agencies. Never rely on finding extra tickets on the night – popular events often fill every seat.
What is the address of Trafalgar Centre?
Trafalgar Centre is at 7 Paru Paru Road, Nelson. It’s right beside Trafalgar Park on the western bank of the Maitai River, about 10 minutes’ walk west of downtown Nelson. If using GPS, just enter "Trafalgar Centre Nelson" or the address.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes. The venue has an on-site car park with roughly 200 spaces (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are also street parking spots on Paru Paru Road, Bridge Street and nearby. For big events, the lot fills up early, so consider arriving an hour before showtime. After-hours parking on nearby city streets is generally free, since Nelson’s meter enforcement ends in late afternoon (www.ticketfairy.com ). Additional paid public car parks (e.g. Saxton Field lots) are a short drive away if you can’t fit on site.
Can I use public transport to get to the Trafalgar Centre?
Yes. Nelson’s eBus network has routes that stop within a 5-minute walk of the centre (for example on Hardy Street or the nearby duo of Paru Paru/Bridge Streets). Check routes that run between Nelson central and the suburbs (Stoke, Richmond) – most have frequent service day and evening (www.ticketfairy.com ). For late-night events, Nelson runs a special "Late Late Bus" on Friday/Saturday nights from downtown (Trafalgar Street), which can drop you within walking distance of the venue after shows (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where can ride-share or taxis drop me off?
Ride-share services (Uber/Ola) and taxis can drop off and pick up right at the main entrance on Paru Paru Road. There’s a vehicle turnaround area in front of the foyer. After the event, there’s usually a pickup zone by the same entrance – however, lines can form on Friday/Saturday nights when multiple events finish nearby. It may be quicker to walk a block down to Trafalgar Street (city side) for more available taxis after big shows.
What seating options are available?
Trafalgar Centre has tiered stadium seating along two long sides (about 2,300 fixed seats total) plus a configurable flat floor in the centre. For concerts or banquets, the floor can be set with rows of folding chairs or left open for standing. Sports games usually use the floor for the court and the stands for spectators. There is also an upstairs VIP lounge at the back/side and seating in the Northern Extension for smaller breakout sessions.
Where are the best seats in the house?
For a concert or show, aim for centre seating in the middle rows of the grandstands – they give a broad, head-on view of the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Front-floor seats (if offered) put you closest to the action, but standing on the floor can pack in more crowd energy. For sports games, seats low and central along the side of the court (mid-stands) are great. Skyboxes are not present here, but the “club” lounge at back of the stands has comfortable views. Avoid the very last row or far side edges, where viewing angle is more oblique (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Are there VIP or premium seating sections?
Yes. For concerts and corporate events, premium tickets often include access to a reserved “VIP” area (usually the first few rows of seats on the floor or cushioned seats near the back of the floor) and sometimes lounge access in a side banquet area. These premium sections have slightly more legroom and sometimes waiter service. When booking, look for “gold circle,” “premium,” or “club” tickets on the seating map.
Is standing room (general admission) available?
Yes, many concerts and festivals at Trafalgar Centre offer GA standing tickets on the floor. In that configuration, the fixed seats are often closed off or not used, and audiences stand close to the stage or in the flat floor space. The venue’s standing-room maximum is around 4,500 people (venues.nelson.govt.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ), but actual attendances depend on production requirements. GA tickets mean you won’t have a reserved seat – get in early if you want front-row standing spots.
Are there wheelchair-accessible seats?
Yes. Wheelchair spaces are built into the seating plan on both sides of the arena (www.ticketfairy.com ). Each accessible platform has room for a chair plus a companion. Best practice is to mention any mobility needs when buying tickets – the box office will then reserve spots for you. Staff can assist with ramps into the stands. Accessible (gender-neutral) toilets are located in the foyers.
What items are not allowed inside Trafalgar Centre?
Standard concert/sports restrictions apply. No outside food or drink (except sealed water bottles) – the venue provides in-house concessions (www.ticketfairy.com ). The entire complex is smoke-free, so smoking/vaping is banned inside. Weapons, fireworks, illegal substances or any disruptive items are forbidden. Large backpacks or suitcases may be checked by security; it’s best to pack lightly. Photography policies vary by show, but in general, professional cameras or video equipment are not allowed.
Can I bring a camera or recorder?
Personal use cameras (point-and-shoot or phone) are usually okay at daytime events, but the rules depend on the event and artist. Most concerts and sports games prohibit professional cameras or video recording without permission. If you plan to take photos, look for any “no photography” notices on your ticket or ask staff. It’s always safer to assume high-end cameras are not allowed at ticketed shows.
What is the dress code?
Trafalgar Centre is a casual venue, so there is no strict dress code. Most people wear smart-casual or fan/team apparel. If attending a formal event or dinner at the centre, you might choose dressier attire, but it’s rare. For safety and comfort, closed-toe shoes are recommended when walking up/down stands. In colder months, bring a jacket – the hall can get chilly with crowd activity.
Are food and drinks available inside the venue?
Yes. Trafalgar Centre has bars and concession stands. You can usually buy snacks (chips, candy, pies, hotdogs), coffee/tea and cold drinks in the foyer or concourse. Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cider) are served at licensed events (sporting or mature shows) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Food trucks or pop-up carts sometimes appear near the entrance for festivals. Plan to budget for these; outside food/drink is not allowed. Payment is usually by card or cash.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell coverage?
Visitor Wi-Fi is not publicly provided (the centre has separate networks for staff/media). Cell phone coverage inside is decent for most local NZ carriers, but service may slow during sold-out events with thousands of users. Consider pulling up your tickets or maps before the event. If you need data, bring a portable charger and ensure your plan has enough mobile data, as relying on Wi-Fi/WLAN is not guaranteed.
Are restrooms and changing facilities available?
Yes. The main arena level has about four men’s and four women’s cubicles, plus six accessible toilets (www.ticketfairy.com ), so lines move quickly. Baby-change tables are in the family restrooms. If you need a private space (for kids or medical reasons), a parent room is available too. All toilets are clean and wheelchair-accessible. There’s no dedicated shower/changing area, as it’s not a sports training centre.
Is there a coat check or lockers?
At large events (concerts or finals) Trafalgar Centre often provides a staffed coat check near the foyer, usually for a small fee or donation. However, it’s not guaranteed for every event, so don’t depend on it. There are no permanent lockers. During formal banquets, coat racks are usually available. For valuable belongings, it’s best to keep them on you or use any secure accommodations at tournaments.
Are children allowed and are there child ticket prices?
Children are welcome at most Trafalgar Centre events unless specifically rated otherwise (e.g. R18 concerts). Family-friendly shows often offer discounted kid tickets. For example, Nelson Giants games let children under 3 in free (on a lap) and have special children's prices for ages 3–14 (uniquelynelson.nz ). Always check the event’s age guidance: some comedy or music acts may have adult content, in which case age restrictions apply. For safety, supervise children in the stands, especially if it’s a high-energy game or loud music event.
