About Our Place
Our Place is a one-of-a-kind container-village entertainment hub in downtown Tauranga. It occupies the former city council site at 91 Willow Street , where dozens of brightly painted shipping containers have been converted into eateries, bars, retail and community spaces . Launched in 2018 by Tauranga City Council in partnership with Little Big Events, it was intended as a vibrant, “pop-up” extension of the CBD to draw people in . The finished site – often called Tauranga’s “Container City” – indeed transformed the block with an industrial-chic look and global street-food offerings . Reviewers praise its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere (noting that it feels “clean and tidy” and is even “pushchair-friendly” ) and say it has become a cultural heart of the city. In fact, council planning documents note that Our Place has “brought a sense of community, a cultural heart, [and] vibrancy and life to the city centre” . Today it serves as a launchpad for local startups and a lively gathering spot – exactly the “blueprint” for future growth the designers envisioned .
Events and Programming
Weekly Specials: Our Place is always active with rotating food and drink deals. For example, vendors have famously run $5 Taco Tuesdays and bargain dumpling-and-drink nights . These informal weekly events keep the atmosphere fresh and entice repeat visits.Live Music & Performances: The courtyard routinely hosts free concerts and DJ nights. Local bands and solo acts often play on weekend evenings, and during big events the space is outfitted with lights and sound equipment. For instance, the grand opening included an outdoor cinema screening an All Blacks game . Check local listings for advertised lineups and times.Festivals & Family Days: Our Place stages occasional large events. It even hosted the Tauranga Coffee Festival (July 2018) as one of its first big attractions . Other events have included pop-up markets, kids’ workshops with face-painting, and street-food fairs. These festivals turn the whole plaza into a family-friendly playground for the day.Community Gatherings: Throughout the year you’ll find community-driven happenings – markets featuring local artisans, yoga classes, or charity fundraisers – that use the open-air venue for workshops and entertainment. In short, the programming mixes street-food fun with cultural and community events to appeal to all ages.
Tickets and Booking
General Admission: Visiting Our Place itself is free – there’s no cover charge to wander between the containers. You simply pay for whatever food, drink or merchandise you purchase. The space operates as an open plaza, not a ticketed arena.Special Events: Certain nights – especially larger concerts or festivals – do require tickets. In those cases, tickets are sold by the event promoters (not through an on-site box office). Typically you would purchase these tickets in advance via local event outlets or authorized resellers. Ticket Prices: Prices depend entirely on the event. Many smaller live acts and markets are free or only ask for a small donation. Paid concerts can range from very affordable (often under $20 per person) for local bands, up to higher prices for touring artists. There are no fixed seating tiers – all concerts are general admission, so early arrival is recommended for front spots.Booking Advice: Popular events at Our Place can sell out, so it’s wise to buy tickets early when available. Check with Tauranga events listings and official galleries (online or print) for sale dates. If available, arriving at the venue well before show time can also help you claim a good spot, since seating is on a first-come basis.
Seating and Layout
Design: The venue is essentially two rows of containers facing each other across an open asphalt “street” . This creates a courtyard effect. All containers have large open fronts; food counters and bars look out into the central area.Seating: There are very few fixed seats. Visitors generally use shared bench tables or portable stools (often next to vendor windows). Most people stand or mill around while eating. During events the plaza operates as general admission (AI no reserved seating). If you prefer to sit, look for picnic tables or low walls along the walkway;Best Views: For live performances, aim for the center of the plaza – this offers the clearest line-of-sight to any stage or performance area. Avoid standing directly behind loudspeakers (common at one end) if sound volume concerns you, and be aware that sound carries freely in the open space. Overall the most energetic atmosphere is toward the middle where multiple crowds and lights converge.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Our Place is at 91 Willow Street in central Tauranga . It sits adjacent to the old city library building, roughly two blocks from the main waterfront (The Strand) area .By Bus: Most Tauranga buses now stop on Durham Street and Wharf Street (the temporary downtown interchange, moved in 2022 ). Both streets are just a block north of Willow, making the location a 2–4 minute walk from the bus stops. Any city route that goes to Downtown Tauranga will get you to these stops; then walk a block south to Willow Street.By Car: On-street parking is available along Willow and surrounding roads. Street-metered parking costs $2 per hour for the first 2 hours, then $5 per hour thereafter (Mon–Fri) . (Note: parking is free on weekends and evenings under Tauranga City rules.) For longer stays, several off-street car parks are nearby: for example, the Elizabeth Street car park charges $2/hr (max $16/day), and Spring Street car park is $2/hr (max $18.50/day) . These buildings are only a short walk away.Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Ola and local taxi services all operate in Tauranga. Drivers can drop off or pick up on Willow Street or the nearby Durham Street. The airport (Tauranga Airport) is about 5 km away – a quick taxi or rideshare ride (~10–15 min) connects directly to the CBD area for Our Place.On Foot: If you’re staying or exploring nearby, Our Place is walkable from Tauranga’s CBD attractions. From The Strand waterfront (e.g. Parliament Street, Wharf Street bars) it’s roughly a 5–8 minute walk east along Willow. The Tauranga i-SITE visitor centre and central mall are also only a block or two from Our Place.
Inside the Venue
Ambience: Expect a lively, informal atmosphere. The open courtyard is filled with music from the venues’ sound system and chatter from guests. String lights and signs give it a festival-like feel. Staff and vendors are generally relaxed and helpful – though note that venues have reported occasional unfriendly service incidents, most visitors find the mood welcoming .Food & Drink: A wide range of cuisines is on offer. Examples include Mexican tacos, Asian dumplings and noodles, burgers, pizza and even dessert trucks selling ice cream . Many dishes are made-to-order, and several vendors feature nightly specials (like the famous $5 tacos ). Reviewers mention a huge selection of craft beers and even vegan treats (one visitor noted “vegetarian/vegan options, including gelato” ). Several containers function as bars or cafes, and the site even has an official off-license “bottle shop” for take-away beverages. Amenities: Basic services are provided. Portable toilets are brought in during busy events. When the old library next door was open it had public restrooms (which patrons could use) . There’s no cloakroom or lockers – store valuables on you. Outdoor heaters and blankets are often set up on chillier evenings (guests have praised the “warm ambiance” these create ). Shopping & Services: A few containers host retail. You might find pop-up stores selling clothes, art, coffee beans or local crafts, especially during markets. There’s a collection of local coffee and craft-beer merchandise for sale. A state liquor outlet on-site means you can buy beer, wine or spirits to go. Generally payment by card is accepted everywhere, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors.Connectivity: Mobile phone coverage (2degrees/Spark/Vodafone) is reliable here. There is not an official free Wi-Fi network dedicated to Our Place – if you need internet, your mobile data is the most dependable option.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: The waterfront dining area known as The Strand lies just a few blocks west of Our Place. Here you’ll find popular eateries and bars – everything from fine-dining seafood restaurants to casual pubs and ethnic eateries. Closer by (on Willow, Wharf and Durham streets) there are cafes, takeaway shops and a cinema/pub combo if you want a quick bite or a drink before a concert.Bars & Cafés: Within a 5–10 minute walk, Tauranga offers many options. For example, Trinity Wharf Bar and Grill on the esplanade has harbour views; The Brothers Brewery and The Avenues provide craft beer and casual fare; and local coffee shops like Mt. Zion and Capers are nearby for morning brekkies.Hotels and Accommodations: Several hotels and lodgings are a short drive or walk away. On The Strand waterfront you’ll find Trinity Wharf Boutique Hotel. Nearby stretches of Cameron Road and Elizabeth Street have motels (including a Novotel/Ibis Tauranga). In summer many visitors also rent local holiday homes or B&Bs in central Tauranga suburbs (check Maunganui or the city centre for budget-friendly stays).Other Services: The site is adjacent to the Tauranga City Library (temporarily closed for redevelopment), and the city’s central i-SITE is two blocks east on Willow Street for tourist info. Banks, pharmacies and convenience stores line Devonport Road (one block north), so any last-minute needs are easily met. For out-of-town guests, the Rotorua-Tauranga road and Harbour Bridge access are very near, making it straightforward to drive here from surrounding Waikato/Bay regions.
What Makes This Venue Special
Our Place stands out for its creative reuse of shipping containers and grassroots energy. As an architectural novelty , it was one of the first permanent container complexes in New Zealand (inspired by Christchurch’s Re:START Mall) but uniquely designed for Tauranga’s sunny climate . The brightly colored containers give it an arty, urban vibe unlike any standard building. It’s literally built from steel “blocks” that can be reconfigured or moved – a playful design that locals find intriguing.
Beyond looks, the venue’s cultural significance sets it apart. It was explicitly intended to breathe life into the CBD, and many residents credit it with bringing genuine buzz where there was little before. Anecdotally, community feedback in council reports says it is the only part of town that feels lively and year-round . In practical terms, it gave emerging businesses a cheap “foot in the door” – some successful cafes and shops got their start there. And locals love its casual, inclusive personality: it often feels more like a street party than a formal event space.
In short, Our Place is special as a community hub and creative experiment. It has hosted memorable local moments – from launch-day carnivals with free kids’ activities to weekly live music under the sky. For many Taurangans it truly is “our place” in the city: a collectively enjoyed spot that showcases local flavours and talent, and stands as a symbol of what smart urban renewal can achieve.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The site is flat and wheelchair-friendly. Reviewers note it’s “pushchair-friendly” , which means wheelchairs and strollers can navigate the paths with ease. Visitors needing elevators or ramps should know it’s all ground level; the only stairs are in older adjacent buildings, not at Our Place itself. (There are no formal steep ramps to speak of.) If you need an accessible restroom, try the nearby library’s facilities, which are only a few steps away when open.What to Bring: Dress for the weather. Since most of the seating is outdoors, plan for sun or rain – bring a hat/sunscreen or a light jacket. On cool evenings, event organisers often provide extra blankets and heaters (one guest noted the “warm ambiance” these create ). Ear plugs can be handy for concerts. Carry your phone, ID (for alcohol), and some cash for market stalls; many vendors accept cards but having cash can speed things up.What *Not* to Bring: Leave large backpacks or suitcases at your hotel. The venue is open-air and security is casual, so only bring personal items. Importantly, outside alcohol is not permitted inside the licensed areas, and large glass bottles or the like may be confiscated. (Paper/plastic cups are usually fine.) Avoid any weapons or prohibited items as you would at any public event. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor spots well away from the crowds.General Advice: Plan to arrive at your show or dining time a bit early, especially on weekends or holidays when crowds are bigger. Popular food vendors often have lines, so giving yourself 15–20 minutes extra can help. If you’re meeting friends, the central courtyard or the main bar area are easy landmarks. The doors usually open about 30 minutes before concert time. Tip your bartenders and servers: local staff appreciate it, though they generally provide solid Kiwi-style service.Age & Dress: There is no formal dress code – casual wear is the norm. The place is family-friendly, so even toddlers are welcome. After dark, the bars may restrict minors from drinking areas, but otherwise people of all ages enjoy the venue. Most visitors dress in smart-casual attire (jeans, T-shirts, light jackets).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a ticket to visit Our Place?
No – entry to the Our Place precinct is free. You can walk in and out anytime and pay only for what you purchase (food, drinks or merchandise). There’s no cover charge for general admission. Only special events (like big concerts or festivals) require separate paid tickets, which are sold by the event organizers.
How can I buy tickets for shows or concerts at Our Place?
Ticketed events at Our Place are typically organized by independent promoters or by Tauranga’s community events groups. Once a concert is announced, tickets are sold through those organizers – often online or via a local box office. Our Place itself does not sell event tickets directly. To secure a spot, watch local event listings and purchase in advance, or buy at the door if available (but popular shows can sell out).
Where exactly is Our Place located, and how do I get there by public transport?
Our Place sits at 91 Willow Street in central Tauranga, right next to the old city library. It’s easily reachable via Tauranga’s city buses. In fact, as of 2022 the main downtown bus interchange was moved to Durham and Wharf Streets, which is just a block away – so any CBD bus will get you to within a 2-3 minute walk . Just get off on Durham or Wharf and walk south to 91 Willow.
Is there parking available near Our Place, and is it free?
Yes, there is parking but it is mostly paid. Street parking on Willow and nearby roads costs $2 per hour for the first 2 hours, then $5 per hour thereafter (Monday–Friday) . On weekends and after 5pm it becomes free. For longer stays, multi-level car parks are a few blocks away: e.g. Spring Street and Elizabeth Street car parks charge $2/hr with daily caps around $16–$18 . After hours and on weekends, off-street parking is generally free across the CBD.
Can I bring children or pushchairs (strollers) to Our Place?
Absolutely. Our Place is very family-friendly – it is flat and open-air, so strollers and wheelchairs can move around easily . Kids are welcome, especially during daytime hours when the atmosphere is casual. At night it remains open to all ages, but standard rules about minors in the bar areas apply (under-18s just can’t drink alcohol). There are no entry restrictions based on age.
Are there wheelchair-accessible facilities at Our Place?
The venue itself is largely accessible – the ground is level and wide, making it easy for wheelchairs to navigate through the container alleys. There are ramps (or flat entries) into most container units. In the past, accessible toilets were available in the attached library building. If you have specific needs, it’s a good idea to arrive a bit early and the friendly staff or performers’ crew can assist.
Can I bring my own food or alcohol into Our Place?
Outside food is generally allowed (though you’ll rarely need it, given the variety of vendors). Outside alcohol, however, is not permitted inside the licensed area. This is standard for any venue with liquor licenses. Instead, there is an on-site bottle shop and bars where you can buy drinks. Do not bring glass bottles from outside. All beverages must be purchased from the venue.
Are there restroom facilities at Our Place?
Yes. For events, portable toilets are set up on site. In quieter times you may use nearby public restrooms. (Historically, the adjacent city library had toilets available to visitors .) In any case, if the portable toilets are closed or full, the library or nearby cafés offer restrooms to customers. Just remember it’s an outdoor open area, so facilities are more basic than in a dedicated concert hall.
What types of food are sold at Our Place?
A wide variety! Each container tends to specialise in one cuisine. You’ll find global street food – tacos and jalapeño from Mexican stalls, dumplings and stir-fry from Asian kitchens, burgers, pizzas and seafood, plus gelato, crepes or doughnuts for dessert . Many dishes are reasonably priced (daytime snacks often $5–$15). Vegetarian and even vegan options are common – one reviewer specifically mentioned vegan gelato and other special diets being catered to . In short, there’s something to satisfy almost every palate.
How is seating arranged at Our Place?
There are no formal seating charts or reserved seats. The containers are set up along a central open lane, and people generally sit wherever they like. Some vendors provide a few stools or picnic tables, but it’s mostly standing room. For a busy night, your best bet is to grab an outdoor bench or stand at the counter of your chosen food truck. (If you need to sit, arrive early to claim a shared table.)
Is there a dress code or any age limit at Our Place?
No formal dress code – people come in everything from jeans and T-shirts to casual smart wear. You should dress for the weather since it’s an outdoor venue. As for age, Our Place is family-friendly, so there’s no minimum age for general admission. (After dark, the bars enforce the usual 18+ rule for alcohol, but children may remain in the public courtyard area with supervision.)
What should I do if it starts raining?
Since the plaza is mostly open-air, events may pause or continue under umbrellas. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Many of the container fronts have overhangs, and staff often provide additional shelter (blankets, heaters) if needed. If weather is extremely bad, concerts might be canceled – check announcements in advance. Otherwise, a light drizzle usually doesn’t stop business – the food stalls stay open and guests simply don raincoats or use the limited covered areas.
Are pets allowed at Our Place?
Pets are generally allowed in the open outdoor areas, but they must be kept on a leash. Dogs should remain on the edge of walkways so they don’t block other guests. Note that inside the food stalls or any indoor vendor areas pets are not permitted. Always clean up after your pet – this is a busy public space. Service animals for those with disabilities are, of course, welcome anywhere.
