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How can I buy tickets, and what do they typically cost?
The Grand does not sell tickets in person – you must buy online through official event outlets. Shows are announced on the venue’s site or social media, and tickets are sold through authorized platforms. Prices depend on the event: small local gigs often run around NZ$10–$20, while larger or international acts can be around $30 (with VIP packages up to ~$60) (www.ticketfairy.com). Early-bird discounts are common for presales.
Are there usually tickets available at the door?
Sometimes. If an event hasn’t sold out in advance, The Grand will have door tickets on a first-come/first-served basis (www.ticketfairy.com). However, many popular nights do reach capacity early, so it’s risky to rely on door sales for big shows. The safer move is to book in advance when possible (www.ticketfairy.com).
What is The Grand’s address?
The Grand Steakhouse is located at 69–71 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. It’s on the south side of Courtenay Place near the Embassy Theatre and just off Tory Street (thegrandwellington.com). Taxis and rideshares know it well as “The Grand on Courtenay Place,” or you can tell them the street address. When walking, look for the historic building with a signage that says “The Grand Steakhouse” at street level (thegrandwellington.com).
How can I get to The Grand using public transport?
Wellington buses serve Courtenay Place frequently. From the Railway Station or elsewhere in town, take any bus heading toward Courtenay Place or Newtown — most of these routes stop right outside The Grand on Courtenay Place (www.ticketfairy.com). The stop on Courtenay Place (near Tory Street) is only a minute’s walk from the door. Note that standard buses stop running around 11pm, so for very late nights you’d need to catch a taxi or rideshare back.
Is there parking available near the venue, and is it free?
There’s no private car park for The Grand, but you can find street parking on Courtenay Place and side streets. These spots fill up quickly on weekend nights. Evenings often become free or flat-rate after around 8pm (check signage) (www.ticketfairy.com). For covered parking, the Courtenay Central mall next door has a multilevel car park, and the Te Papa museum car park is a 5-minute walk away (www.ticketfairy.com). Many locals avoid driving downtown at night, preferring buses or taxis due to heavy traffic and strict drink-driving laws.
Is The Grand a seated venue or standing? Are there VIP sections?
The Grand’s performance room is mostly general admission standing. The upstairs area is an open floor for concerts and club nights, with just a few high tables and benches set around the edges (www.ticketfairy.com). If you want close-up views, arriving early helps you claim front spots. The venue does offer VIP tickets for certain events – these may include access to a small balcony or reserved area with their own seating or cocktail tables and dedicated service (www.ticketfairy.com). Otherwise everyone shares the floor space rather than fixed seats.
What is the age limit for entry?
The Grand is family-friendly during the day, but enforces an 18+ policy after evening hours. Before about 9–10pm, minors can enter if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian (typically for dining) (www.ticketfairy.com). Once the night entertainment begins, the venue becomes 18+ only. All late events strictly require valid photo ID at the door (NZ driver’s licence, passport or Kiwi 18+ card) (www.ticketfairy.com). If you look under 25, expect to be carded.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No. The Grand prohibits outside alcohol or food inside the venue. Security staff conduct bag checks at concerts, and will not allow you to bring in your own drinks (www.ticketfairy.com). Beyond ID and wallet, it’s best to carry only small essentials pocketed. If you get hungry or thirsty, the venue’s own kitchen and bar have plenty of options.
What is the dress code?
Dress is casual to smart-casual. There’s no strict uniform code — jeans and a shirt or nice top are perfectly fine (www.ticketfairy.com). In the evening people often dress "up a notch" compared to grey arvo attire, but you won’t need suits or formal wear. Extremely casual items (like flip-flops or sports jerseys) may be frowned upon on busy nights. In other words, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, just be neat when the crowds arrive (www.ticketfairy.com).
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes. If you plan to stay into the late evening, a valid photo ID is required for entry (www.ticketfairy.com). Acceptable IDs include a NZ driver’s licence, passport or Kiwi 18+ card. Without ID you will be turned away even if you appear over 18, due to the venue’s strict policy. It’s best to have it handy when you arrive.
Is the venue wheelchair-accessible?
The Grand has made accessibility a priority. Its main entrance is street-level (no steps), and the ground floor has a wheelchair-accessible restroom (www.ticketfairy.com). If you need help reaching the upstairs performance area, staff can assist (there is a side door and lift access) if you ask in advance (www.ticketfairy.com). Overall it’s much easier to navigate on the main floor than upstairs, but the venue does accommodate wheelchairs and service animals (www.ticketfairy.com).
Does the Grand serve food at all hours?
Yes. The Grand operates as a full service restaurant throughout the day and evening. For example, on weekdays it opens around midday, and on weekends it opens even earlier (from 8:30–9:30am on Fridays–Sundays) (thegrandwellington.com). So you can have a brunch, lunch or dinner there before catching live music. The kitchen stays open during events, making the menu of steaks and other meals available well into the night.
Are there any pool tables or games available inside?
Yes. The Grand includes a couple of free pool tables and some gaming machines in the bar area (www.myguidewellington.com). These provide casual entertainment before and during early parts of shows. It’s a good way to pass time or warm up for the main event.
Do they show sports games on TV at The Grand?
Yes, in the daytime and early evening the TVs in the bar often show sports or news, making it feel like a neighborhood pub. The Grand has multiple screens that will broadcast big games when they’re on. However, once live music or a DJ starts, those screens quickly switch focus to the stage (www.ticketfairy.com).
What is the Stonegrill dining experience?
The Stonegrill is The Grand’s signature dish. When you order a steak (or other stonegrill item), the kitchen brings a volcanic hot stone to your table. You then sear and cook your meat on that stone exactly to your liking (www.ticketfairy.com). It’s an interactive, fun experience that allows you to fully control the doneness. Many visitors rave about it as a highlight of dining here.
Is there a coat check available?
No permanent coat check is available. On very busy nights staff may set up a temporary rack, but you should plan to keep coats and bags with you (www.ticketfairy.com). In practice, guests are encouraged to travel light for evening shows.
Can I book The Grand for a private event?
Yes. The Grand has multiple function spaces across its floors and can be booked for private parties, corporate functions, weddings or other events. In fact, the first floor (Balcony Bar) alone can accommodate up to about 500 guests, and smaller areas (like the garden bar or lounge) hold 100–200 each (thegrandwellington.com). If you need a venue for a special event, The Grand can flex to fit both small gatherings and larger events.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. The Grand welcomes service dogs and other assistance animals. The staff will do their best to accommodate any special needs, so long as the animal is trained and on a lead (www.ticketfairy.com). Regular pets (non-service animals) are generally not allowed inside.
