Events at CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga, Tauranga

About CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga

CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Tauranga (often just “CBK Tauranga”) is a large bar/restaurant in central Tauranga, located at Red Square, 1 Devonport Road (tauranga.cbk.nz). It bills itself as a premier drinking-and-dining experience, featuring a modern gastropub menu inspired by “various corners of the world” (Aotearoa, Pacific Rim, Asia, etc.) (tauranga.cbk.nz). The venue is notably spacious – the main indoor dining hall seats about 40 people (with room to stand for about 50) and the outdoor beer garden seats another 40 (with space for ~60 standing) (tauranga.cbk.nz). In full takeover mode it can host roughly 300 people standing (tauranga.cbk.nz). Unique features include an interactive stonegrill dining concept (steak and seafood cooked on a volcanic-hot rock at your table (tauranga.cbk.nz)) and a big sunny beer garden (advertised as “the only outdoor area in town that enjoys sun all day long” (tauranga.cbk.nz)). CBK Tauranga has quickly become one of the city’s top-rated nightlife spots (TripAdvisor lists it as the #1 bar/pub in Tauranga) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz), reflecting its popularity for both food and late-night socialising. The owners even promote it as an event venue (offering function space with “no hire fee” for private parties (tauranga.cbk.nz)), underscoring its role in Tauranga’s entertainment scene.

Events and Programming

CBK Tauranga doubles as a live events venue and club. Most entertainment revolves around music and partying. The venue regularly hosts DJ nights, club-style dance parties and the occasional live band. In 2023–2024 it became known for large electronic music events: for example, promoter Surge Audio ran “In The City” (Sept 2023) and “Bass in the CBD 2” (Feb 2024) at CBK (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). These were multi-genre dance nights (house, drum & bass, garage, etc.) on the outdoor stage, with multiple local DJs. A daytime festival called “Rinse & Repeat” was held in Dec 2023 featuring several local acts and DJs (www.ticketfairy.com). Press descriptions emphasized “non-stop dancing” and “good vibes,” treating CBK essentially as a nightclub. Most event doors open around 9–10 pm and enforce an 18+ age limit (photo ID required) (www.ticketfairy.com). Tickets for popular shows are usually quite affordable; one recent rave party had tickets for just NZ$10 (us.trip.com). Aside from dance events, CBK also hosts fun day-time promotions. Its weekend “Bottomless Brunch” (a meal plus unlimited or timed drinks) is a recurring draw (tauranga.cbk.nz). The programming can be highly eclectic by week – from casual quiz or quiz+music nights on weeknights to all-night DJ blowouts on weekends. For very large bookings (birthdays, corporate parties, etc.), the entire venue can be reserved at no hire charge (tauranga.cbk.nz), often with packages that include catering and a PA sound system.

Tickets and Booking

For dining, reservations (for table service or brunch) are made directly through CBK Tauranga’s booking line or website. For ticketed events (concerts, club nights), CBK itself does not have a traditional box office. Instead, tickets are sold online through event promoters or ticketing platforms. Announcements typically appear on the venue’s or the promoter’s Facebook and websites well before each show. To secure a spot at a busy night, it’s best to buy as soon as tickets go on sale; many club events at CBK sell out quickly. There are often no elaborate VIP options – tickets are usually general admission only. Pricing varies by event, but most local music nights and parties at CBK have been in the $10–$20 NZD range (us.trip.com). Some events may have presales or members’ clubs (check the promoter’s info). Note that for private functions you should contact CBK’s events team directly – there is no rental fee for hiring the space (tauranga.cbk.nz), but you will need to arrange menus and security through the venue.

Seating and Layout

CBK Tauranga’s layout is open and flexible. The front of the building has a large outdoor beer garden (with Pinot-coloured awning umbrellas and festoon lights) while the back half is an indoor bar and dining lounge. The indoor area includes a long bar counter and scattered tables along the sides. There is no fixed theatre-style seating – most seating is at high tops or booths that serve both dining and vantage points. As a result, popular spots depend on your goal: for dining, the tables in the sheltered inside areas are best (they also have access to the restaurant menu and sports TVs). For a live show or DJ set, the best experience is in the beer garden near the stage. The outdoor stage is raised so audience members near the front have the clearest view of performers (www.ticketfairy.com). The venue’s PA speakers and main sound are aimed at the open areas, so standing on the floor (rather than shoved to the very back) gives the full effect of music. Be aware that the outdoor space gets loud during events – if you want to hear your friends or take a break from dancing, stepping back into the main bar area offers a quieter zone. In contrast, very distant corners (far from the bar or behind support columns) should be avoided during shows, as they may suffer from echo or muffled sound. When the venue is busy there is general admission throughout, so early arrivers can grab stools or lean against the stage wall. Latecomers may have to stand in open areas. Acoustically, CBK sounds best in the covered patio section – the ceiling in the outdoor zone and the open-air setting keep the bass from clouding out the music. The venue is NOT tiered, so plan accordingly: if you need a podium view, head up front to the stage or as close to the middle as possible for the clearest line of sight.

Getting There and Parking

CBK Tauranga sits on the edge of the CBD at Red Square (1 Devonport Road) (tauranga.cbk.nz). It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Tauranga. By car, there is no private lot specifically for CBK; however, public parking is conveniently nearby. For example, the council-run Masonic Car Park (on Devonport Rd) is only a 5-minute walk away (www.parkopedia.co.nz), and the large Spring Street parking building (over 400 spaces) is about 7 minutes’ walk (www.parkopedia.co.nz). Street parking is available on nearby roads, but note that Auckland/Tauranga-style meters charge roughly $4–$7 NZD for a couple of hours. If you’re using a ride-share or taxi, ask to be dropped at the CBK entrance on Devonport Road (there is ample space for a quick stop). Public buses (Baybus) run through downtown Tauranga; the closest stops are on Cameron Road or Devonport Road near Quay Street, about 5–10 minutes’ walk from CBK. After-dark, buses wind down, so most late-night visitors use taxis or rideshare apps. A useful tip from locals: Tauranga’s CBD has been under major redevelopment in recent years, so allow extra travel time if doing a Sunday driver – construction work can detour traffic around the district (www.nzherald.co.nz).

Inside the Venue

Inside CBK Tauranga you’ll find a lively casual atmosphere. Enter through the main glass doors into an open-plan bar area. During restaurant hours (after noon on weekdays, 11 am on weekends (tauranga.cbk.nz)), the vibe is relaxed: people dining or sipping coffee at tables under warm lighting, with background music or sports on TVs. After dark, overhead disco lights and house music kick in and the place turns into a bustling party. Expect some queueing/security check on event nights: bartenders and bouncers will check photo ID at the door for any 18+ event (www.ticketfairy.com). The bar area has a full menu: you can order steaks, burgers, pasta, share plates, salads, etc. The famous Stonegrill dinners (steak or seafood cooked by you on a hot rock (tauranga.cbk.nz)) are available all day. In addition to food, CBK has an extensive drink list – local craft beers, wines and cocktails (including their own “Swordfish Mojo” beer brand promotions). On typical nights, expect dozens of beer taps (including Kiwi brands) and a beer garden specialists menu. Other venue perks include free Wi-Fi (common in NZ bars) and good cell coverage inside. Restroom facilities are located indoors in the back. There is no formal coat-check, but on busy nights staff often hang coats along a wall. CBK enforces the usual rules: no outside food/drink or large unruly bags, and smoking is only permitted in the outdoor beer garden (indoors is non-smoking by law). The venue also sometimes features merchandise tables near the stage when touring acts play. Overall, it’s a very open, social space – just bring your ID (if you’re 18+, it will likely be checked) and your party spirit, and you’ll fit right in.

Nearby Amenities

CBK Tauranga lies in a convenient area with many nearby dining and entertainment options. Directly around the corner on Devonport Road you’ll find a mix of cafes and eateries. For example, The Med Cafe (Mediterranean cuisine and coffee, about 200m away) and Elizabeth Cafe & Larder (café/brunch fare, ~300m away) are local favourites (www.tripadvisor.co.za) (www.tripadvisor.co.za). A few doors down is Cornerstone Pub (a classic Kiwi pub, ~200m away) (www.tripadvisor.co.za). The city’s main entertainment strip (The Strand) is just a block or two north, offering more bars and restaurants (e.g. The Phoenix sports bar and various pubs). If you have extra time before a show, the entire Tauranga CBD is walkable – there are casual spots, sushi bars, Thai restaurants and pizza joints within short distance. For hotel stays, the Hotel on Devonport (next to CBK) and the marina-area Trinity Wharf Hotel are within easy reach. And don’t overlook Mount Maunganui: it’s only a 5–10 minute drive east (or a short bus ride) and has sandy beaches with cafes and bars if you want to continue the night later. Finally, plan to arrive a bit early: Tauranga’s center can be busy on weekend nights and it’s wise to settle in before an event starts. Once you’re done at CBK, late-night taxis/rideshares or a 10-minute walk to the city centre will get you home safely.

What Makes This Venue Special

What sets CBK Tauranga apart is its unique combination of relaxed restaurant and nightclub under one roof. It’s rare in Bay of Plenty to find a bar with an outdoor stage and large sunlit beer garden – CBK’s heated, ambience-filled patio is often cited by promoters as a highlight (www.ticketfairy.com). The all-day sun exposure in the beer garden (rare in Tauranga’s CBD) gives it a holiday feel (tauranga.cbk.nz). The interactive Stonegrill dining (volcanic-hot rocks at your table) is also a standout; few places in the region offer that hands-on steak experience (tauranga.cbk.nz). Locally, CBK was one of the first to bring a “craft bar” concept downtown – complete with trendy cocktail bar, multiple taps of craft beer, and Instagram-friendly decor – while also hosting huge live events. This hybrid nature – casual brunch spot by day, vibrant dancefloor by night – has earned it a devoted following. Tauranga’s media and customers note that even the owner operates with a big-picture mindset (calling CBK “Tauranga’s premier” drinking spot), and the community trusts it enough to even hold sensitive gatherings there (the venue advertises itself as a dignified wake/funeral gathering space (tauranga.cbk.nz)). In short, both locals and visitors love CBK because it delivers more than an ordinary pub experience: great food and drink, a gallery of big-screen sports, and a full-blown party space all in one. It’s a landmark in Tauranga’s nightlife, and for many it has become the default pick for a fun night out.

Visitor Tips and Information

CBK Tauranga aims to be inclusive, but here are some user tips: For accessibility, the entire venue is on ground level and should have wheelchair ramps, so patrons with mobility needs can enter and use the indoor seating area comfortably. The beer garden is outdoors on a flat surface as well, though not covered, so wheelchairs can maneuver but will be weather-exposed. There are accessible restrooms as required by NZ law. A few common-sense rules: if you’re coming at night to party, bring valid photo ID – after hours CBK enforces an 18+ rule (www.ticketfairy.com). Dress code is casual-smart (Jeans or street clothes are fine; it’s common Kiwi style). Even if CBK’s site advertises certain menu items, be aware that on busy nights some dishes or beers may run out. A few patrons have noted that orders can be slower during peak hours, so plan extra time or arrive early when a big show is booked. If you have a meal reservation or are dining first, don’t forget to confirm if the event has separate entry or table areas. On event nights, lines can form at the entrance, so it’s wise to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before the showtime. CBK accepts credit/debit cards (very few cash-only drinks) and New Zealand’s tap-to-pay, so carrying a little local cash is helpful for small cover charges or tips, but not mandatory. Mobile phone and internet reception inside is generally good; if you need Wi-Fi, just ask the staff (most New Zealand bars provide free guest Wi-Fi). Finally, don’t miss out on CBK’s special menu offerings: try the Stonegrill steak or lounge by the beer garden during the day if the sun’s out. And on a practical note, avoid leaving valuables at the table – like any busy bar, pockets and bags should be kept with you. With these tips in mind, you’ll be set for a fun, hassle-free visit.