About 30B
30B is a dedicated live music and nightclub venue tucked into Penrose’s industrial zone in Auckland. It occupies a converted factory warehouse with very high ceilings, exposed steel beams and concrete floors – the classic post-war factory look of Penrose (www.ticketfairy.com ). Despite the gritty raw materials, the club is fully equipped with modern sound and lighting systems and a large dancefloor. The blend of this “industrial-chic” setting with contemporary club amenities is often highlighted as a defining feature of the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ). At around a few hundred square metres in size, 30B is relatively compact. In practical terms, even a full house only numbers into the low hundreds of people (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s worth noting that 30B stands out in South Auckland’s nightlife – it’s one of the few venues in this part of the city that runs late-night dance events (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, 30B matters because it gives South Auckland a fully-fledged club space, repurposing an old industrial site into one of the area’s music hot spots.
Events and Programming
30B’s calendar is dominated by dance-music events and late-night clubs. Promoters typically book DJs and electronic music artists spanning genres like house, techno, drum & bass, hip-hop and retro-themed nights. Many events are billed as “club nights,” with high-energy dance music driving a party atmosphere. These shows often run very late – DJs frequently play until 2–3 AM, well past the closing time of normal bars (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because 30B is a dedicated dance club, even one-off ticketed events follow an open dancefloor format rather than seated concerts. In general, attendees can expect a party vibe and full-on music focus rather than formal seated performances.
Show frequency depends on promoters, but popular nights are usually on weekends or Friday/Saturday nights. Because the space is only a few hundred people in capacity, lines up and sell-outs are common. Tickets for most events fall in the NZD $20–50 range (www.ticketfairy.com ). In fact, prices vary by lineup – smaller local nights might be on the lower end of that range, larger guest-DJ events higher. To avoid missing a show, it’s wise to watch for announcements: popular events do sell out quickly. Often, if an event isn’t completely sold out, a small number of last-minute door tickets may be released about an hour before the start time (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
There is no box office building at 30B itself, so tickets must be purchased online in advance (www.ticketfairy.com ). Buyers usually go through the event’s promoter or ticketing site – for example Ticket Fairy, Eventfinda, or a radio station link – to get their tickets. Because 30B events lack a walk-up sales counter, plan to secure entry through official online channels. Ticket costs depend on the event, but as noted above they most often run between about $20 and $50 NZD (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, the earlier you buy, the better – going on sale often weeks out for big acts. If you wait until the night of the event, only a very limited number of door tickets might be available (if the show isn’t already sold out) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always carry either a printed ticket or the mobile e-ticket on your phone when you arrive, as entry staff will scan it at the door. Also be ready to show photo ID at entry if it’s an 18+ show (see below) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The interior of 30B is essentially one large open hall. There are no fixed spectator seats or reserved sections – the viewing arrangement is general admission standing-room (www.ticketfairy.com ). The front area is a flat dance floor facing the stage or DJ booth, and there is typically a small raised platform or rail at the back for people to stand on if they want a higher viewpoint (www.ticketfairy.com ). Since the roof is very high and there are no support columns in the middle, most of the crowd has an unobstructed view of the stage area (www.ticketfairy.com ). On busy nights, event organizers sometimes rope off a tiny VIP section around the DJ booth, but otherwise it’s first-come first-served on the main floor (www.ticketfairy.com ). If your priority is being close to the performers, it’s best to arrive well before showtime to grab the front spot. Many guides suggest coming 30–60 minutes early for a busy show so you get a good vantage point and don’t miss any of the opening music (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise, there is no “bad” seat since everyone stands; some patrons prefer to stay further back where it’s a bit less crowded and they can lean against the railing.
Getting There and Parking
30B’s street address is in Penrose: for example, “30 O’Rorke Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061” (www.ticketfairy.com ). Penrose is about 8–9 km south of Auckland’s city center and is easily reached via State Highways 1/20. By car, the venue is right off the Southern Motorway exit at Great South Road (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you drive, there is a small private parking lot right beside the building on O’Rorke Road (look for 30B signage) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). That lot fills up quickly on show nights, so arrive early or be prepared to park on adjacent side streets. Plenty of additional free street parking is typically available around the industrial blocks nearby, but these spaces also get taken once the club is full (www.ticketfairy.com ). Plan on adding an extra 5–10 minutes to find a spot if the event is popular, as described in local guides (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Public transport access is very good. The Penrose train station is only about a 5–10 minute walk from O’Rorke Road (www.ticketfairy.com ), and it’s on Auckland’s Southern, Onehunga and Eastern lines. You can take a train from Britomart/City to Penrose Station and then walk down Great South Road/O’Rorke Road. Several AT bus routes stop on Great South or O’Rorke Road near the venue – for example, routes 298, 321, 66 and the two frequent Rapid buses (RBS and RBO) all run past Penrose (www.ticketfairy.com ). These connect Penrose with suburbs like Onehunga, Panmure and Auckland CBD. Evening trains usually run every 20–30 minutes (less frequently after 11pm), and the last trains leave around midnight. If you plan to stay late (a common scenario, since DJs often play until 2–3 AM (www.ticketfairy.com )), be aware that most buses and trains have stopped by then. In that case, you’ll need a taxi or rideshare to get home after-hours.
Ride-share and taxi drivers typically use the map pin for Penrose/O’Rorke Road and will pick you up on the street. It’s wise to request your Uber/Lyft or taxi a bit in advance of when you want to leave, because drivers sometimes take a few minutes to arrive in this industrial area (www.ticketfairy.com ). When the show ends, stand near the O’Rorke Road curb so the driver can find you easily (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, arriving by car is straightforward with nearby highway access (SH1/20) (www.ticketfairy.com ), parking is limited but available on site and nearby streets (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and Penrose is well-served by trains and buses for those not driving (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Inside the Venue
Once inside 30B, you’ll find a high-energy club atmosphere. The interior walls are largely unadorned, and the sound system is powerful (be prepared for loud bass levels). In fact, personal earplugs are often recommended for sensitive ears due to the volume of the music (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dress at 30B is very casual – people typically wear jeans, t-shirts or hoodies and sneakers (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are no formal dress-code requirements, but security may not allow attire that is overtly offensive or gang-affiliated (www.ticketfairy.com ). SUVs and others, you can keep your jacket or extra layers with you, as there is no official coat check (www.ticketfairy.com ) (a small rack might exist, but space is very limited). Many attendees simply leave bulky outerwear in their car or at home, then put on layers that they can easily remove once inside (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
At the entrance you’ll go through a quick security check. Staff will ask to see your ticket and ID; bring a photo ID if you plan to drink, since most shows are 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com ). They will also pat down or scan bags. Small purses or clear plastic bags are permitted, but large backpacks or hard cases are not (www.ticketfairy.com ). Similarly, there is no outside food or drink allowed at all – only drinks purchased from the venue’s bar can be consumed inside (www.ticketfairy.com ). Inside 30B there is a modest bar counter that sells beverages. The bar offers beer, wine/spirits and soft drinks (www.ticketfairy.com ) – protein or mixers if needed – plus some bar snacks. (There is no kitchen; for full meals you would eat in a nearby eatery before coming.)
Other amenities inside include restrooms (expect them to be basic but functional) and possibly a small merchandise table on event nights. There is no public Wi-Fi network for guests, so plan on using mobile data. Cell phone reception (Vodafone or Spark networks) usually works on the dance floor, but during peak crowds the service can slow – it’s a good idea to group-chat with friends ahead of time in case you get split up (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue has open-air entry doors as well, so you can step out to the sidewalk if you need a break from the heat. Overall, the interior of 30B feels like a classic warehouse club: minimal décor, dark with lighting effects, and focused entirely on the music and dancing. A few small design touches (LED lights on ceiling beams, a graffiti mural near the bar) add character, but the real draw is the open dancehall vibe.
Nearby Amenities
In Penrose itself, food and nightlife options are limited since it’s mostly an industrial area. For quick eats right around 30B, a few local cafes are nearby – for example, Tripadvisor lists places like The Orient Cafe & Restaurant , Café Risque and Fletcher Cafe as some of the top local spots (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). These are mostly casual diners or café-style restaurants where you can grab a coffee or simple meal before the show. There are also takeaway shops and a bottle store in the vicinity. For more variety, you’ll want to venture a short drive away. The Mt Wellington/Penrose side of Great South Road (north of the venue) has Asian restaurants, Italian pizzerias and pubs. Onehunga (west, down off SH20) has fast food, a brewery and popular pubs like The Station and the Onehunga Community Centre bar. In short, dinner or drinks after 30B often means heading into nearby suburbs like Mt Wellington or Onehunga, each about 5–10 minutes’ drive away.
There are no hotels immediately adjacent to 30B. The nearest accommodations are in surrounding areas. For example, there are motels and inns a few minutes out: Coronation Motor Lodge and similar motels near Onehunga are about a 5–10 minute drive. For full-service hotels, the closest large clusters are near the Auckland Airport (Holiday Inn, Novotel, Sudima) or in central Auckland, both roughly 15–20 minutes by car. If you need a room, plan accordingly: many who attend events choose to stay either near the airport or in central Auckland, or simply drive home after the show if it’s not too far. Penrose’s location near city arterials (SH1/20) means getting back to most parts of Auckland by taxi or shuttle usually takes only 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
In summary, arrive at the venue with time to spare. It’s recommended to show up 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time, especially on busy nights (www.ticketfairy.com ). For example, if a 9pm headliner is advertised, doors often open around 7–8pm to let people in. Early arrival means you avoid long queues and can settle into the best viewing position on the dance floor (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Finally, remember that Auckland’s bus and train network mostly shuts down around midnight. If you plan to stay until the end of the party (often 2–3am) (www.ticketfairy.com ), organize a cab or rideshare in advance. Autos or ride-hail services may be slower to reach Penrose late at night, so call ahead or book an early pickup if you’re concerned (www.ticketfairy.com ). With a bit of planning for transport and parking, most visitors find getting to and from 30B quite manageable.
What Makes This Venue Special
What really sets 30B apart is its raw industrial backdrop. Unlike a polished downtown club or a retro live-music hall, 30B lets you party inside what feels like a giant old warehouse. The stark concrete walls, exposed metalwork and towering ceiling give it a gritty, underground vibe – something you don’t see in typical city-center venues. This has a big effect on the atmosphere. Regulars often comment that dancing in 30B feels more “authentic” or energetic because the space is so cavernous and unpretentious. The industrial architecture is not just decor; it literally gives the sound space to travel, making loud music sound massive.
Another unique point is its South Auckland location. Penrose was once a bustling manufacturing suburb, but nightlife venues here were (and still are) rare. By converting an industrial site into a late-night club, 30B really opened up the scene for people south of the city. It has become something of a cultural anchor for that community’s dance music fans. Many local DJs and party-goers appreciate having a big venue close to home instead of having to go all the way into the CBD for a club event. In a way, 30B has written a new piece of history for Penrose – blending the area’s blue-collar past with Auckland’s club culture. For performers, 30B is notable because it’s one of the few larger-capacity venues in south Auckland, so it can draw acts that need more than a small bar crowd but not a huge arena. That niche makes it important behind the scenes as well.
In summary, 30B matters because of its distinctive character and role. It reuses Auckland’s industrial heritage to create a clubbing experience, and it brings a strong nightlife hub to an otherwise quiet part of the city. Many locals love it for these reasons: the space feels unique, the acoustics are powerful, and it fostered a sense of community for dance music fans in the *south*. These special qualities often come up in reviews and word-of-mouth praise about the venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
Age and ID: Almost every event at 30B is 18+. Plan to bring government photo ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) since ID checks are enforced at the door (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If the event is marked 18+, under-18s are not allowed. (Occasional daytime or private events might admit teens with adults, but always confirm first (www.ticketfairy.com ).)Dress Code: There is no formal dress code – club attire is extremely casual. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies and sneakers are common (www.ticketfairy.com ). Just avoid anything overly bulky or gruesome. You will likely be warm on the dance floor, so wearing layers that you can remove is smart (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).Bags and valuables: Large backpacks are usually not allowed (www.ticketfairy.com ). Bring only what you need: a small purse or pockets of cash/phone is ideal. Keep personal items secure – some tips suggest leaving coats or big bags in your car if you can (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue does hold a quick bag search on entry.Food and Drink: You cannot bring food or drinks inside (the club only allows beverages purchased at the bar) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The in-house bar does sell alcohol and soft drinks (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you’re hungry, eat beforehand or grab something at a nearby café; once inside you won’t be able to step out for snacks until a break.Accessibility: As an old warehouse, 30B has limited wheelchair access (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is likely a ramp at the entrance, but watch for any steps or narrow passages once inside. Even this team notes that most Penrose venues (and nearby Mt Smart Stadium) only offer “limited” accessibility (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you need a ramp or seating accommodation, contact the venue in advance. Accessible parking is minimal, so arrange alternate drop-off if needed (www.ticketfairy.com ).Meeting Friends / Connectivity: There is no venue Wi-Fi (www.ticketfairy.com ), and mobile phones may slow in a crowd. It’s recommended to set a meetup point or message ahead of time in case the crowd is dense. Also note that bars can get hot; some people advise carrying earplugs for loud music (www.ticketfairy.com ).Timing: Check the ticket for the door-opening time. Doors often open 1–2 hours before the advertised start (www.ticketfairy.com ). As a rule of thumb, arrive as soon as doors open if you want a good spot (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The earlier you get in, the shorter the entry queue and the better your position on the dancefloor.Late-Night Plan: If your event runs very late (typical Friday/Sat), be prepared for limited public transport. Trains and buses generally stop by midnight, even though DJs play on until the early AM hours (www.ticketfairy.com ). Arrange a taxi or rideshare ahead of time and be ready to wait a few minutes for pickup (drivers can be slower to arrive in Penrose) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Share your drop-off spot with your driver as O’Rorke Road by the venue. If you’re driving home, plan for local one-way street signs and possibly a short wait for traffic out of the parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of 30B?
The exact capacity isn’t published, but 30B is fairly small – its main hall is only a few hundred square metres. In practice that translates to a crowd size in the low hundreds. (For comparison, Auckland’s 25,000-seat Mt Smart Stadium is vastly larger.) Safety rules cap the turnout well below 1,000, so expect at most a few hundred people at a full show (www.ticketfairy.com ).
How do I buy tickets for a 30B event?
Tickets are sold exclusively online through the event’s promoter or ticketing site. There is no physical box-office at 30B itself, so you need to purchase in advance via the official ticket outlet (for example, Eventfinda, Ticket Fairy, Moshtix, etc) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Prices vary by event (usually around NZD $20–50), and any admission charged depends on the lineup (www.ticketfairy.com ). Once you’ve bought a ticket, save a digital or printed copy and bring photo ID on entry.
Can I buy tickets at the door if I haven’t pre-purchased?
Possibly, but only if the event is not already sold out. If promoters have released door sales, a very limited number of tickets may become available about an hour before a show (www.ticketfairy.com ). These door tickets usually go quickly. In short, your best strategy is to buy in advance – assume that walk-up tickets are unlikely unless indicated on the event listing.
How much are tickets for most 30B shows?
Ticket prices vary by performer and promoter, but typically fall in the range of NZD $20 to $50 per person (www.ticketfairy.com ). Smaller local DJ nights tend to be cheaper, while major guest DJs or special events can be at the higher end of that range. Always check the event announcement for the exact price – it will be listed along with the ticket sale link.
What is the exact address of 30B?
30B is located at 30 O’Rorke Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Penrose is an industrial suburb about 8–9 km south of the city centre. Look for the converted warehouse on O’Rorke Road just off Great South Road, near the Southern Motorway ramps (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is there parking available at 30B?
Yes. The venue has a small private parking lot accessed from O’Rorke Road, which is usually used for event patrons (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Additionally, there’s plenty of street parking on surrounding industrial roads nearby. Parking is generally free, but on busy nights the lot and nearby streets can fill up. If that happens, you may need to park a block or two away and walk a short distance (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What public transportation serves 30B?
30B is quite transit-friendly. The closest train station is Penrose Station, only a 5–10 minute walk away (www.ticketfairy.com ). Penrose Station is on Auckland’s Southern, Onehunga and Eastern rail lines. Several bus routes also pass nearby on Great South Road and O’Rorke Road, including AT buses 298, 321, 66 as well as the frequent RBS/RBO routes (www.ticketfairy.com ). These connect from various parts of Auckland. One caveat: late at night train/bus service winds down (usually ending by midnight), so if your event finishes very late you’ll need a taxi or rideshare to get home safely (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I take an Uber/Lyft or taxi to 30B?
Absolutely. Ride-share services can drop you off on O’Rorke Road right in front of the venue. When booking, use the pin for Penrose/O’Rorke Road and note the driver should stop at the curb (the building is easy to spot). Note that aftershows get busy – it’s wise to call or pre-book your ride a few minutes before you finish, since drivers can take a little longer to reach industrial areas after midnight (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is 30B wheelchair-accessible?
Access for wheelchairs and mobility devices is limited. The venue is an old warehouse, so there might be a ramp at the main entrance, but inside can have narrow aisles or small steps (www.ticketfairy.com ). Even the nearby large stadium in Penrose notes only “limited” accessibility (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you require full wheelchair access, it’s best to call the venue ahead of time to inquire about most accessible entry options (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Does 30B have seating or reserved seating?
No, 30B is generally standing-room only. There are no permanent seats or reserved sections inside (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue is set up as an open dance floor. For some events there might be a small VIP or fenced area near the DJ, but that’s rare – otherwise it’s first-come, first-served floor space (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you want to be close to the stage, arrive early to stake out a spot; everyone stands during shows.
What is the dress code at 30B?
There is no formal dress code – it’s a casual club. Attendees almost always wear everyday street clothes: jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, etc. (www.ticketfairy.com ). The main rule is to wear something comfortable for dancing. Security may intervene only if someone’s outfit is very offensive or sports gang colors (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short: come relaxed and ready to move.
Absolutely not, outside drink or food to be safe
Large backpacks or luggage are usually prohibited (www.ticketfairy.com ); only small bags or purses are allowed. Cameras: personal use (smartphone) cameras are fine, but professional video/film equipment generally requires permission. Importantly, outside food and drink are not allowed – only beverages and snacks purchased from the venue’s bar can be consumed inside (www.ticketfairy.com ). Plan accordingly (eat beforehand, if needed).
Can I buy food or drinks inside the venue?
Yes. 30B has a small bar counter on-site that sells beer, wine/spirits and soft drinks (www.ticketfairy.com ). Light snacks (chips, etc.) may be available at the bar, but there is no full kitchen. Outside food or drink cannot be brought in, so if you need a meal or snack it’s best to eat before you come. (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is there Wi-Fi available at 30B?
No, 30B does not offer a public Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to rely on cellular data. Generally there is cell service (Spark/Vodafone) inside, but on crowded nights the signal can get slow (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s a good idea to use phone data sparingly or set meeting points beforehand in case you lose signal in the crowd.
How early should I arrive for a show?
It’s best to arrive at least 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time. By custom, doors often open 1–2 hours before the headliner, so if the show starts at 10pm you might need to be at the venue by 8pm (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Early arrival means shorter entry queues and a better chance to pick your spot on the dance floor (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Should I bring earplugs or any special gear?
Yes – the music at 30B is very loud. Many patrons recommend bringing ear protection (earplugs) to reduce volume while still enjoying the beat (www.ticketfairy.com ). Also consider a spare shirt or small towel – dancing and smoking machines can make you hot and sweaty, so it’s nice to have a clean layer to change into. That's basically all the gear beyond your ticket and ID that you’ll need.
