About Trees Tavern Tokoroa
Trees Tavern was a long-standing local public bar and sports pub in Tokoroa, known for its lively atmosphere and community focus. Located at 1 Balmoral Drive (corner of Browning Street) , it sat at the southern gateway to Tokoroa on State Highway 1. The tavern featured a main bar area and a separate “Blue Bar” function room . A large outdoor beer garden and yards extended behind the building, offering open-air seating for warm-weather gatherings. The venue combined multiple roles: it was a sports bar with TAB betting and 18 gaming machines , a bistro for meals, and a live music hub. By space, Trees Tavern was unusually large – a property listing notes the site included about 1,538 sqm of building floor area . This made it a standout in a small timber town like Tokoroa, accommodating a crowd with room to spare. Over decades it gained a reputation as the town’s “famous old” pub – a cultural touchstone where local mates gathered for drinks, sports, music, and community events.
Events and Programming
Trees Tavern hosted a wide range of entertainment. Regularly, local and touring bands took the stage – especially on Friday nights, with some weekend shows on Saturdays . The line-up included Kiwi favorites and reggae acts; past concerts ranged from the roots-reggae group House of Shem to rock bands like Josh Wawa. In one example, a 2018 House of Shem show was even advertised as an all-ages event www.ticketfairy.com . The pub was known for genre-spanning live music – Aotearoa’s own “BBQ reggae” band Tomorrow People and other acts would headline tours. Special events often tied into the seasons or big sports fixtures (e.g. live screenings of All Blacks games on big TVs). Members enjoyed weekly promotions, sports game days, and the RNZ-sponsored “cash draws” typical of NZ pubs . In quieter times the tavern would run quiz and gaming nights, themed dance parties, karaoke, or club nights with DJs. Ticket prices (when required) varied: many local gigs were free or low-cost, while bigger touring shows charged modest door fees. In recent years, the tavern’s calendar slowed due to closure, but historically it was one of South Waikato’s main live-music venues.
Tickets and Booking
For ticketed events, visitors handled admission directly through Trees Tavern. There was no general online box office; tickets were typically sold at the door or through local promoters. For example, some concerts partnered with promoters (like Pato Entertainment) that listed tickets via email or at select outlets. In practice, the best approach was to call the venue ahead (Ph. 07-886-5009) to reserve seats or check upcoming shows. Popular gigs often asked guests to arrive early. Prices were moderate – a large concert might run NZD 20–30, while club nights could be free or under $10. When the bar offered big-package deals (e.g. group bookings or VIP bays), patrons negotiated directly with management. The “Blue Bar” side lounge could be hired for private functions like birthdays; booking involved contacting the tavern’s leaseholder. In general, tickets would go on sale a few weeks or days before an event, and door sales were common for smaller shows. Since there was no national box office, advance purchase meant calling the bar or buying in person as soon as a date was announced.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Trees Tavern was designed for flexibility. The main room featured a large central bar counter where patrons could stand or sit on bar stools. Around the sides were wooden tables, booths, and lounge seating. A raised stage or corner projection area usually hosted live music, while multiple TV screens scattered through the pub aired sports. The separate “Blue Bar” room at the back was quieter and could be set up with its own seating for events or private functions. Outdoors, there was a covered patio area and picnic tables in the beer garden – popular in summer or during day games. For gigs, the layout became mostly general admission: people gathered in front of the stage or on the dance floor space, with the bar-serving teams moving through the crowd.
When choosing where to sit, consider the event type. For live music, standing near the stage or center of the room gives the best view and sound. Tables along the sides are fine for dining or chatting, but a band on those corners might be harder to see. The beer garden offered fresh air and quieter conversation, though it’s exposed to weather. If the hall is packed, some opt for seating in the Blue Bar (away from the blast of the main speakers) or outside seating. Acoustically, the tavern had a typical pub PA – good for voices and guitars but very loud at full volume. (Patrons sometimes use earplugs on rowdy nights.) In all, there were no bleacher-style “best seats” – it was mostly casual pub-style seating. As a tip, if you want to avoid the crush, arriving early secures a table or front-row spot in front of the stage.
Getting There and Parking
Trees Tavern was easy to find at the corner of Balmoral Drive and Browning Street, right off State Highway 1 heading into Tokoroa. If you’re coming from Auckland or Hamilton, take the Tokoroa exit and then the first left into Balmoral Drive; the building is visible there. The address is 1 Balmoral Drive, Tokoroa 3420 . For those using public transport, the main InterCity bus service stops at the Tokoroa i-SITE on SH1 (Mapara Road); from there it’s roughly a 1.5 km walk north (about 20 minutes) or a short taxi south along Balmoral Drive. Local Busit route 32 (Tokoroa Connector) and the Tokoroa town circuit also serve downtown Tokoroa and can drop you near the Cosmopolitan Club on Balmoral Drive. (Ask the driver to stop by Balmoral/Browning for closest access.) Taxis are available but sparse after hours, so plan ahead.
Ample parking was available at the tavern itself. A large yard behind the building was used as an overflow lot with entry from both Balmoral Drive and Browning Street . Street parking along the side roads is also free after 6pm and on weekends – though during busy events those spots fill quickly. Accessible parking spaces were typically at the front of the pub, while longer-term parking (e.g. if you plan to party late) can use the back driveway area. (There was no event parking fee.) Note that transport links in Tokoroa are limited; rideshare apps like Uber aren’t widely used, so locals relied on personal cars and taxis. If leaving late, it’s wise to have a designated driver or book a taxi in advance.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, you’ll find a friendly, down-to-earth pub vibe. Staff were generally casual and approachable, and there was often a bettor’s terminal (TAB) by the bar. Shoes and shirts are required at bars in NZ, but otherwise the dress code was relaxed – most people wore jeans, sneakers, etc. The atmosphere depends on timing: on a big sports day the air buzzed with cheers from multiple screens, while Friday night band nights were energetic with dancing. On smaller nights, the music level stays moderate so you can converse from table to bar.
The tavern served a full range of drinks. Their bar stocked popular beer brands (including local brewed brews), plus wine, ciders, spirits and classic cocktails. All counter and table service; you get a number or bring drinks to your table. Food was available from the in-house bistro, which offered pub classics like fish & chips, burgers, steaks and daily specials. You could eat at the bar or take away to the beer garden. Payment options included cash, EFTPOS and major credit cards. Near the bar you’ll find a small merchandise rack or specials board, but there was no formal coat check or cloakroom – patrons typically kept jackets with their group.
Connectivity: the venue sometimes offered free Wi-Fi (usually log-in via a password from staff) and cell phone reception was fair indoors. Restrooms (men’s, women’s) were clean and spider-free. Gaming-wise, as noted, the pub had 18 electronic gaming machines . To play pokies or TAB you needed to be a member – New Zealand law requires pub gamblers to sign up as club members, so expect to show Membership ID if you plan to play. Otherwise, cameras and smartphones were commonly used for casual photos, and there was generally no objection to non-flash photography for personal use. Security at the door was minimal; usually just a quick check of ID or tickets on big nights. Altogether, trees Tavern was a straightforward, safe place to drink, dine, and enjoy entertainment – rather than a high-end or themed venue.
Nearby Amenities
The tavern sits near Tokoroa’s southern shopping area, so amenities for visitors are nearby. For a pre-show meal or casual dining, the hilltop area of Tokoroa is only a few minutes away by car. The town center (about 3 km north on SH1) has several family-friendly restaurants – for example, Alberico’s Italian on Pioneer Drive and Rumbly Tums Pizza & Burger Bar on Bridge Street. Fast-food and café options include the Tokoroa Mall Food Court or local dairies. If you prefer drinks nearby, the Tokoroa Cosmopolitan Club is just up the road (Balmoral Drive) for members, and a few cafés serve coffee and snacks all day.
Accommodation in Tokoroa ranges from motels to caravan parks. Nearby notable lodgings include Clifton Court Motel and Redwood Lodge, both within a 2km drive. (Some travelers also use the Alpha Homestead on Dee Street for a homey stay, or the historic Lake Moananui Holiday Park at the town’s north end.) On late nights, only a few taxis operate (most taxi companies in the Waikato region can serve Tokoroa, but booking in advance is wise). Meanwhile, the i-SITE visitor center on Bridge Street has maps, local tips and sometimes organizes shuttle services. Visitors planning to catch an InterCity coach should note that the next morning bus times often start around 7–8am, so check schedules if traveling overnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Trees Tavern was unique to Tokoroa for several reasons. Architecturally, it was a sprawling single-level building of wood-themed motifs – fitting for a town born in the forestry and timber industry. The very name and décor paid homage to Tokoroa’s identity as a “timber town.” Culturally, it held a special place: generations of locals spent milestones there (birthday bashes, end-of-season rugby wins, holiday parties), and it hosted numerous charity and club fundraisers over the years. The combination of gaming machines, a TAB, and live bands under one roof was rare in a town of 15,000, making it a social hub.
Musicians and touring acts loved Trees Tavern in part because it was a reliable draw on the touring circuit through the central North Island. Acts like Reggae swaggerville House of Shem often listed Tokoroa as a stop on their tour, noting the enthusiastic crowds. Locals remember iconic entertainment nights (such as big band karaoke contests or “rockquest” style competitions run by the tavern) as highlights. There was also a homey, unpretentious charm: everyone called each other by name, and even out-of-towners felt welcome. Its southern location gave it a distinctive “gateway” vibe, and there was lore about Trees being the last big pub seen looking north on SH1. All these factors – historic importance, multi-function space and loyal community ties – made Trees Tavern more than just a watering hole; it was a longstanding local institution.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The building was mostly flat, but double-check if you need a ramp. The main entrance had a small step, so contacting staff ahead to assist is wise. The pub usually provided a ramp if requested. Inside, floors were easy to navigate with a wheelchair, though some aisles could be narrow during crowds. Cocktails and drinks are served table-side if needed; however, the restrooms were not explicitly labelled as wheelchair-accessible, so plan accordingly.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Always carry photo ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) if you plan to drink or gamble; Rangers will ask ID at the bar (legal drinking age is 18). Items like large backpacks or outside alcohol and food are not permitted inside. Bring cash as a backup for buying drinks or meals, although the bar took cards too. Comfortable shoes are a good idea since the floors get lively. On event nights, earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to loud music. Leave valuables in the car – the yard parking was generally safe but had minimal surveillance. As with any pub, drink responsibly and have a plan to get home safely if you intend to stay late.
Common Mistakes: Avoid arriving too late on a popular night; the venue fills quickly. Don’t expect catering or gourmet meals – the food is hearty pub style. Many visitors also underestimate the weather impact; if the forecast is bad, bring a raincoat or umbrella, since part of the outdoor area is uncovered. Know that as a former pub, Trees Tavern adhered to NZ alcohol laws: smoking was only allowed in the outdoor area (as indoors has been smoke-free for years) and music events might end by local curfew (often around 2am on weekends ). If under 18, remember that after 10pm only 18+ patrons were typically permitted and underage attendance was only allowed at explicitly all-ages events. Finally, ask the bar staff for local advice – they often know about last-minute changes to schedules or local transport oddities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trees Tavern still open after the 2023 fire?
No. In November 2023 a major blaze heavily damaged the building. The historic Trees Tavern pub was declared gutted and has been closed pending any redevelopment . As of 2025, it is not operating or available for events. Visitors looking for a similar experience now turn to other local venues like the Tokoroa Cosmopolitan Club nearby.
What was the capacity of Trees Tavern?
The exact official capacity wasn’t publicly listed, but Trees Tavern was quite large. Property documents noted it had about 1,538 square meters of floor area . By pub standards that could handle a few hundred patrons. There was plenty of space indoors plus a large backyard. For safety and crowding reasons, on busy gigs it probably capped out near a few hundred people.
How can I get to Trees Tavern by public transport?
Tokoroa has a few bus connections. InterCity coaches stop at the Tokoroa i-SITE on SH1 (straight off State Highway 1) ; from there Trees Tavern is about a 20-minute walk south down Balmoral Drive. Locally, the Busit 32 Tokoroa Connector and town shuttle (Platform G at the transport centre) can get you near the area . You may need to walk a few blocks from the closest stop. No Uber service is based in Tokoroa, so it’s best to check a local taxi or walk from downtown in fine weather.
Is there free parking at the venue?
Yes. Trees Tavern had plenty of free parking. A service road and yard behind the pub acted as its lot, accessible from both Balmoral Drive and Browning Street . You could also park on the quiet streets next to the building at no charge. There was no parking fee or paid lot; guests usually left cars overnight after events without issue.
What kind of events did Trees Tavern host?
Trees Tavern was a multipurpose venue. It frequently held live music concerts – often local cover bands, rock, and reggae groups – especially on Friday nights . They also screened sports games (rugby, league, All Blacks) on big screens, and hosted quiz nights, karaoke, and fundraising draws. Some nights were dance or DJ nights. Basically anything a community bar might do: casual live entertainment combined with sports and club promotions. For specific show listings visitors had to check local posters or call the pub directly.
Are children allowed at Trees Tavern events?
Often yes, but it depended on the event. For regular pub hours and family band shows, children could come with a parent (up until 10 pm under NZ law). Some advertised concerts were “all ages” (for example, a 2018 reggae show was open to all www.ticketfairy.com ). However, after dark or during big parties the tavern was effectively 18+ due to licencing. Always check the event details: if it says “all ages,” kids are welcome. Otherwise, it was primarily adult-oriented late in the evening.
Does the tavern serve food?
Yes. Trees Tavern had an onsite bistro serving pub-style meals. Menu items included burgers, fish and chips, steaks, snacks and daily specials (like BBQ ribs or roast dinners). The kitchen usually closed by late evening, so plan to eat earlier in the night. You could dine at tables inside or outside on the patio. The food was comparable to other New Zealand pubs – hearty and unpretentious.
What are the opening hours of Trees Tavern?
The tavern’s usual hours were: 12 pm–10 pm on Mondays, 10 am–2 am Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 am–10 pm on Sundays . In practice, bar food and bistro service ran roughly 11 am–9 pm daily. These hours could vary for special events; sometimes the pub opened earlier on weekends or stayed open later on peak nights. Since the venue closed in 2023, these hours are historical but were typical when it operated.
What is the seating like inside?
The interior was mostly open-plan. You’ll find a long central bar where people stand or sit on stools, with tables around the edges of the room. In the side “Blue Bar” you’d see more lounge seating and smaller tables – it was cozier for conversation. There weren't fixed theatre-style seats, so seating was casual. Chances are if it was busy, you might stand or find a spot on a bench. The outdoor garden had picnic tables. In short, seating was flexible and chosen on a first-come basis, like any family pub.
Is there a dress code?
Not really. Trees Tavern was very laid-back about attire. Patrons typically wore casual wear – jeans, t-shirts, jackets. The only real rule is that New Zealand pubs require covered shoes and a shirt, so avoid things like jandals (flip-flops) or bare feet. On sports nights you’d often see customers in jerseys, or on band nights in streetwear. There was no formal dress code or nightclub style; just come neat and respectful.
Are cameras or phone photography allowed?
Yes. Customers could freely take photos with smartphones or non-flash cameras for personal use. The venue didn’t have a strict photography ban as long as it didn’t disrupt others or performers. On stage, typical rules applied: flash photography was usually discouraged during live acts to not blind performers. In short, expect to see people snapping selfies, but be mindful of performers’ requests.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes, venue entry rules follow NZ liquor laws. After 10pm only patrons aged 18 or older could stay inside unless an event was advertised as all-ages www.ticketfairy.com . During the day and early evening, under-18s could accompany parents. The tavern often had family-friendly afternoons, but in the late night it functioned as an 18+ space. Always carry ID if you plan to drink. The NZ legal drinking age is 18.
Can I pay with credit card at Trees Tavern?
Yes. Trees Tavern accepted major credit and debit cards for food and drink purchases (EFTPOS was standard). You could pay by card at the bar or for meals. For TAB and gaming, those stations often took cash or TAB card/Broadway card only. However, you could withdraw cash from nearby ATMs if needed. In short, you wouldn’t need to carry large amounts of cash to drink or eat, though it’s always good to have some on hand for small purchases or tips.
Does Trees Tavern have Wi-Fi?
It sometimes offered free Wi-Fi. Patrons could often connect to a public network by asking the staff for the password. Coverage inside was decent, though service could drop if many people are connected. Generally mobile data reception inside was alright for calls or basic use.
What are the venue’s policies on smoking?
New Zealand law bans smoking indoors of any kind. At Trees Tavern, smoking was only allowed in the outdoor patio or beer garden. You would have to step outside to smoke or vape. There were usually ashtrays on the patio tables. By law, smoking breaks were done outside and patrons could not smoke inside the building.
Are pets allowed?
No. Like most bars, Pets (other than service animals) were not permitted inside. Only service dogs assisting disabled patrons are legally allowed indoors. (Dogs and cats are fine, of course, in outdoor public areas if on leash, but inside the pub it would violate health regulations.)
Is there a coat check or lockers?
No formal coat check. Trees Tavern was casual, so people kept their jackets or bags near their tables. There weren’t lockers or a staffed checkroom. If you had large items, it was best to leave them in your car. The bar staff would sometimes offer to hang a coat behind the bar rail, but it was on an honor system, not ticketed storage.
