About TOTARA STREET
TOTARA STREET (often called Totara St) is a versatile live-music and events venue in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga (Bay of Plenty, NZ). Housed at 11 Totara Street, it opened in 2015 as part of the Mauao Performing Arts Centre complex (mauaopac.co.nz) (mauaopac.co.nz). The facility was built by a local charitable trust (MauaoPAC) after consents in 2014 (mauaopac.co.nz), and has since become a showpiece for the region’s music scene. It is a split-level, club-style space with a large stage, dancefloor and mezzanine gallery bar, designed with acoustic panels and a professional Martin Audio sound system for top-notch audio quality (www.ticketfairy.com) (totarastreet.co.nz). With two fully equipped bars, a commercial kitchen and polished sight-lines, Totara St can host anything from intimate 30-person gatherings up to 400 standing or 140 seated guests (totarastreet.co.nz) (totarastreet.co.nz). In its first decade it has hosted major Kiwi acts (L.A.B, Xavier Rudd, The Black Seeds, Gin Wigmore, etc.) and countless community showcases, earning a reputation as “arguably the best venue in the country” in local media (totarastreet.co.nz) (www.unomagazine.co.nz).
The link to MauaoPAC means Totara St isn’t just a nightclub – it’s integral to Tauranga’s musical community. Students learn instruments upstairs and then “cut their teeth” performing on the same stage as touring acts (mauaopac.co.nz). The balance of a professional concert hall and a community arts centre is what makes Totara St so special. Long-time fans praise its intimate vibe, quality lighting rig, and two-storey layout with a raised stage and mezzanine bar (www.ticketfairy.com). The venue’s blend of local culture, modern design, and flexible staging has made it a landmark of Mount Maunganui’s entertainment scene (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com).
Events and Programming
Totara St hosts a huge variety of events year-round. It’s equally at home to rock and reggae concerts, electronic dance parties, jazz nights, comedy shows, theatre productions and community functions (www.ticketfairy.com) (totarastreet.co.nz). For example, the monthly “Mount Comedy Club” brings top Kiwi comics to Totara St every first Thursday (totarastreet.co.nz), while seasonal parties (Halloween raves, NYE events, etc.) fill the calendar. The venue also runs a free youth series called Rising Vibes four times a year (mauaopac.co.nz), giving college bands and young artists a chance to perform on the Totara St stage. Big touring acts have included local heavyweights like L.A.B. and international favourites like Xavier Rudd, plus NZ festivals and tribute concerts (totarastreet.co.nz) (www.ticketfairy.com). On a typical weekend you might find an upbeat roots rock gig one night and an 18+ DJ club or circus-themed dance event the next.
Because the room is so flexible, organizers can switch between all-seated functions (dinner theater, talks, orchestral nights) and packed standing gigs (totarastreet.co.nz) (www.ticketfairy.com). Promoters often group KIT and rock bands, world music, dub/roots nights and R18 club events in the same month. Smaller local acts pay budget prices (often mid-$20s) for entry, while larger headliners might be ticketed around $50–$65 plus fees (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Keep an eye on Totara St’s event page or join their mailing list for ticket announcements (many go on sale 1–3 months in advance of each show).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Totara St concerts and shows are usually sold online through New Zealand ticketing sites (e.g. Flicket, Moshtix or Ticketek) rather than a walk-up box office (totarastreet.co.nz). Sales are announced on the venue’s website and social media. Early bird and presale tickets often go fast for popular acts, so it’s wise to buy as soon as they’re available. The venue also runs a “Totara ST Squad” membership (email newsletter) that grants access to presale codes and discounts (totarastreet.co.nz). In general, ticket prices vary by genre – club nights and local-band gigs might be $15–$30, while touring headliners or special events typically run $40–$65 (plus booking fees) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). If an event doesn’t sell out online, there’s sometimes limited box-office or door sales on the night (usually cash & EFTPOS) – but relying on door tickets can be risky for big shows.
For any questions about seating, age policies, or VIP packages, you can contact Totara St’s events team through their official site. Be sure to check the event listing: many shows are R18, and if so you’ll need a government-issued photo ID for entry (totarastreet.co.nz). (All-ages and 16+ gigs are less common but do happen.) Keep an eye on ticket listings for any dress-code notes or age restrictions. As a tip, if you’re after good seats at a seated show try to book early, and if it’s GA, arriving right at doors can score you middle-of-the-front spots.
Seating and Layout
The Totara St hall is split-level. The main floor has a low stage and flat dance floor, while a mezzanine level (with its own bar) overlooks the stage. Official specs list a full standing capacity of ~400 and about 140 fully seated with tables (totarastreet.co.nz). (For very small private gigs, they can even configure a tiny lounge setting for 30–50 people.) There are a few seating layouts: “fully seated” (chairs or couches placed on the dance floor) or “partially seated” (stools/leaners around the edges and a clear center floor) (totarastreet.co.nz). If a show is sold out, standing-room fans should arrive early to get close to the stage, but remember the mezzanine offers a great view too. Many regulars say the sound is very consistent throughout the room (thanks to the professional Martin Audio rig and acoustic treatment), so you won’t lose audio quality wherever you stand. In fact, on a packed night the dance floor can get very busy – if it feels too crowded, simply step to the side aisles or upstairs, where you’ll still be able to see and hear the band clearly (www.ticketfairy.com).
For seated events, front-row tables or mezzanine seats provide the clearest sight-lines. At standing gigs, the best place to dance is center-front, while those wanting to chat or sip drinks often gravitate to the rosy-lit mezzanine or back-of-floor perches. Be aware that the stage floor is only a few steps above ground, so very tall crowds might block view if you’re short – the opposite mezzanine balcony can help here. The venue does not have a reserved VIP section separate from general admission, but many organizers accommodate VIP diners or media guests with reserved tables near the front.
Getting There and Parking
Address: Totara Street’s door is at 11 Totara Street, Mt Maunganui – near The Strand and the ferry ramp. It’s a short walk from the Mount town centre. If using GPS or maps, simply search “Totara St, Mt Maunganui” (or Mauao Performing Arts Centre). From the Tauranga side, approach via State Hwy 2 across the bridge and follow signs to Mt Maunganui Beach/The Strand before turning inland on Totara St.
Driving & Parking: Street parking on Totara Street is very limited before 5pm (local business claim spaces), but after 6pm or on weekends you will usually find free roadside parking nearby (totarastreet.co.nz). Totara St actually arranged courtesy spaces at several neighboring lots after hours – for example, on Maunganui Road at the outlets (see image map on their site). On busy show nights those spots easily fill up, so plan to arrive early and be prepared to walk a couple of blocks. Note there is no dedicated on-site parking just for Totara St concertgoers, so avoid blocking driveways or private lots.
Public Transit: Mount Maunganui is well-served by BayBus. Several Tauranga bus routes stop within walking distance (for example, route 5 has stops on Totara Street itself) (busmaps.com). Check the BayBus network (Toi Moana Regional Transport website) for up-to-date schedules to/from Tauranga city, Bayfair, etc. The stop named “Totara Street – Maui Street” is just a few hundred metres from the venue. Taking the bus can save you the parking hassle, especially if you stay late (see below).
Rideshare and Taxis: Uber, Ola or local taxi cabs serve the Mount. Drop-off can be at the venue entrance or nearby on Totara St. If you need a ride home after a late show, ask security or bar staff for phone numbers – Tauranga Taxis and Dial-a-Cab operate in the area (totarastreet.co.nz). (Totara St staff emphasize safety: if you’re unwell or stuck, they’ll call a cab for you.)
Inside the Venue
When you enter Totara St, you’ll go through door security and ticket/ID scanning. Expect a quick bag check for prohibited items (no outside alcohol, no weapons or illegal drugs, and no recording equipment beyond a phone (totarastreet.co.nz)). Note: cameras with professional lenses, tripods or video recorders are not allowed. After that, you’ll step into a lively club atmosphere. Two licensed bars (one on ground floor, one upstairs) serve beer, wine, spirits and basic cocktails – local brews and NZ wines are usually on tap. Cash and cards are accepted. Occasionally a food truck or the in-house caterer sets up a small eatery (for example, Kex Catering or “Chur! Coal BBQ”) on show nights, but it’s wise to munch or dine beforehand since drinks-only always operate reliably.
Inside, the décor is modern-industrial with dark walls, acoustic paneling and colored par lighting. The stage is raised about 30cm high for good sight-lines, and there’s a professional lighting rig overhead. Depending on the event you may see haze or dry-ice machines at use (common for rock and DJ nights). Restrooms are located on the ground floor (on your left past the bar) and also upstairs, with wheelchair-accessible toilets available. There is no cloakroom, so bring only what you need or carry a small bag. You’ll also find merchandise tables near the stage at many concerts (selling band tees, etc.), and staff wandering with Totara St logo merch during big anniversaries or special nights. Cell reception is generally good inside, but free WiFi is not provided for guests.
Nearby Amenities
Totara St is in the heart of Mt Maunganui village. A few blocks east (toward the beach) you will find dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars on Maunganui Road and Marine Parade. Some popular pre-show dinner spots include café-bars like Ivy Room (upstairs modern bistro), and iconic pubs like Foxdown and Sophia that serve food until late. For a quick bite, natural cafes or fish-and-chip shops on Marine Parade are open until early evening. After the show ends, the nightclubs on Marine Parade (The Pharmacy, Baha Mama’s The Lounge) stay open until 2-3am, so that’s where many concertgoers go to continue the night.
Hotels and motels are plentiful nearby. The closest is Pacific Motor Inn (on Totara St itself), plus The Esplanade and Beach Villa by The Strand. A short drive away on Maunganui Road are Mountview, Quest Mount Maunganui and others. If you’re visiting from Auckland or Rotorua, Tauranga’s CBD (with larger hotels and a mall) is roughly a 20-minute drive across the harbour. Late-night transport beyond Mount is sparse, so if you’re staying in Tauranga City it’s best to arrange a taxi or rideshare before the event ends.
What Makes This Venue Special
What really sets Totara Street apart is its dual role as a pro-level concert hall and a community arts centre. It’s one of very few places where local music students literally “go through the back” to share the stage with national touring bands (mauaopac.co.nz). The building’s acoustic design and Martin Audio rig give it club-quality sound that even seasoned audiences rave about. Reviewers and artists note the great sight-lines and intimate feel – UNO magazine wrote that Totara St is “arguably the best venue in the country” thanks to its fully-equipped stage, lighting rig and welcoming vibe (www.unomagazine.co.nz) (www.ticketfairy.com). Culturally, the venue has become a pillar of Tauranga’s music scene. It regularly hosts large jazz and roots concerts, has become home to the annual Rising Vibes youth showcase (mauaopac.co.nz), and even serves as a backdrop for creative events like circus-themed parties. In short, both artists and audiences love Totara St for its lively atmosphere and the fact that it keeps Mount Maunganui’s nightlife and arts community thriving.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Totara St is wheelchair-accessible (ramps/elevator) and has accessible restrooms (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Disabled patrons should mention accommodation needs when booking or ask a staff member on arrival. Service dogs are welcome (by law).
ID and Age: Most events are 18+ (check the listing). If you attend an R18 show, bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s licence or passport. Under-18s may attend only explicitly all-ages or supervised youth events (Rising Vibes is free for all).
What to Bring: A ticket (printed or on your phone) and ID if required. Cash or card for the bars. Earplugs are a good idea for loud live music. Dress comfortably – Sunday best isn’t needed, but avoid overly bulky coats or hats that block others’ view. The floor can get warm, so lightweight clothes for dancing are common. There’s no official coat check; if it’s cold outside, one layer and a small bag is best.
Prohibited Items: Do NOT bring outside alcohol, glassware, weapons, illegal drugs or recording equipment (totarastreet.co.nz). Authorities strictly enforce these rules – any wine or beer not bought inside will be confiscated. Professional cameras, GoPros, and video cameras are banned; smartphone snaps are usually tolerated but no filming. Also leave matchsticks, flares, drones and large musical instruments at home – just bring yourself ready to have fun.
Arrival Time: Doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime. For best seats grab a drink or wristband the moment doors open. If it’s a seated show, arriving 15–20 minutes early can secure your preferred spot; for GA gigs you may want to line up even earlier if you need to be right up front. Note that line-ups form on the sidewalk outside Totara St (usually fenced queue lines), so wrap up warm in winter or cool in summer.
Late-Night Travel: Shows often end around midnight or later, so plan your way home in advance. As mentioned, Baybus service diminishes after 11pm around the Mount. Taxis and rideshares like Uber are available, but they get busy – consider pre-booking a cab or reminding a friend to pick you up. If you’re driving, remember Temuka Drive off Maunganui Road can get slow with traffic after events.
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