How can I buy tickets for events at the Waiau Town & Country Club?
Tickets are usually sold through the club itself. For large shows or concerts, look out for announcements on local media or community Facebook pages – often the club bar staff take bookings in person or by phone. Sometimes tickets are offered online through regional event sites during high-demand shows. There is no dedicated box-office; you typically buy at the club’s entrance when you arrive, or reserve ahead by contacting the club’s manager or social secretary.
What are the typical ticket prices for shows at the club?
Ticket prices vary widely by event. Low-key quizzes or raffles might charge as little as $2–$5. Drop-in music nights or social gatherings can even be free. For bigger concerts or touring acts, prices might be $20 to $50. (For example, a 2022 burlesque show at the club was NZ$40 each (www.ticketfairy.com).) If you’re unsure, ask the club or performers directly. Members usually get a small discount on admission.
Where is the club located, and what’s the exact address?
The Waiau Town & Country Club is at 41 King Street in Tuatapere, Southland. King Street intersects the Main Road in the centre of town. If you reach the Waiau Hotel at 47 Main Road, you’re only a minute away. Google or local maps should guide you to “41 King St, Tuatapere” – this address is confirmed in council records (southland.infocouncil.biz).
Is there parking available at or near the club?
Yes. On-street parking is free on King Street right outside the club (no meters or pay-success). People also park at the small lot behind the Waiau Hotel across Main Road. For big events, the club may open a rear field or vinegar car-park behind the building. If those fill, parking along adjacent side streets is normally OK. The town is quiet so cars are generally safe – just avoid blocking any driveways.
Is there public transportation or a bus service to Tuatapere?
There is no commuter train or frequent city bus to Tuatapere. However, a daily coach (the “Hump Ridge” shuttle/ Tracknet) runs between Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and Tuatapere. For example, one shuttle arrives in Tuatapere at about 4:35pm each day from Invercargill (www.humpridgetrack.co.nz), and departs Tuatapere around 10:30am and 3:30pm back to Invercargill (www.humpridgetrack.co.nz). These services need bookings in advance. Otherwise you need to drive or cycle. Taxi service is very limited – it’s best to book a local taxi (Invercargill company) before you arrive if you can’t arrange your own ride.
What is the seating like inside – do I need to reserve a seat?
Inside the club is mostly general admission. The hall is filled with tables and chairs on the floor, which are rearranged for each event. There is no formal seat numbering. On smaller nights, tables are spread out so you can sit wherever. For sold-out shows, seats will be filled quickly so arriving early is wise if you want to grab a chair. There is no VIP cordon; even headliners mingle with the crowd. Some chairs are movable, so you can group up. If you want the best view, head for a table facing the stage. Right in front of the stage tends to be standing space (a party zone), while the outer tables are better for watching comfortably.
Is there a dress code or any rules at the club?
Dress is very casual – country casual or jeans and a polo shirt is common. There’s no fancy dress code except what the theme of a night might dictate (if at all). They encourage tidy attire (no beachwear or swimwear indoors, and no ripped clothes if it’s a formal fundraiser, for example). Basic club rules apply: no shirt, no shoes, no service at the bar. You’ll need to sign in at the bar or show ID if it’s a member-only or 18+ event. Hard hats, glass bottles, and illegal substances are not allowed inside. Photography is permitted for personal use, but be discreet during performances. And of course, customers must be polite: if the bouncer asks you not to dance on tables, please cooperate.
Are there age restrictions or ID checks for entry?
Yes. The club holds an alcohol and gambling licence, so by law anyone consuming alcohol or entering the gaming area must be 18 or over (www.gambl.com). Most live shows are advertised as R18. If so, you must show ID at the door. Check posters carefully. If an event is family-friendly (like a Sunday afternoon show or quiz), minors can come. Outside of those, expect ID checks at 8:30pm or so. If you’re under 18, you can always stay on the outside patio or come early for an algebra night, but you cannot be in the main hall during an 18+ performance.
What kind of food and drink does the club serve?
The club bar is full-service: draught beers (including local Speight’s on tap), bottled NZ beers, ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. It also has a small roasting menu – pies, hot chips and cold bar snacks. During big nights they often open a kitchen with sausages and toasties, or fry fish’n’chips if you order early. Typical Kiwi bar meals (burgers, steak fries) appear occasionally for big events. All drinks must be bought at the bar (no BYO). If you fancy a meal before the show, you can try nearby eateries (Hungry Hippo, Waiau Hotel, etc.), but inside the club expect only pub-style food. There is a modest wine and spirits selection but no store-bought liquor – they might special-order a wine drop for a dinner party if asked in advance by a quiz or function organiser.
Are there any family or accessibility amenities at the club?
The club has basic facilities. There is one unisex accessible toilet and the main floor is flat, making it possible for wheelchair users (the doorway ramp is gentle). However, space is limited so very large chairs might need nudging. Parents should note there is no dedicated children’s play area during big shows, and some nights are “adults only” for content reasons. If bringing kids on a family evening, indoor noise can get high during music nights, so ear protection might help. A few high chairs are available for toddlers and the staff don’t mind prams in corners. If you need help (like seating for someone hard of hearing), ask the bar staff – they often adjust sound levels or get them a seat closer to the speakers if needed.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The club is modest in size. For concerts and dances, the capacity is around 150 people (mostly standing or with tables). When set up with dining tables (for banquets or meetings) perhaps 60–80 seats can be accommodated. Building code may restrict it to under 200. Put simply, it’s not a large auditorium – once it’s past half full, it begins to feel crowded. Large touring acts know the space is intimate, so they plan accordingly. For popular events, tickets do sell out quickly because of the small floor area.
Does the club have a stage, sound system, or lighting for performances?
Yes, the club is equipped to host live performances. There is a small fixed stage at one end (raised by about a foot) with basic stage lighting installed in the ceiling. Portable PA speakers and microphones are used for bands and speakers (the club provides its own audio gear for shows). For larger acts they often hook in external equipment – you’ll sometimes see amplifiers and a drum kit up there. During concerts, colored disco lights illuminate the area. All of this means visiting musicians can plug in and play without issues. The built-in sound system is adequate (good for vocals and guitars), but at top volume a singer or guitarist might bring a personal monitor or mic for clarity. For smaller community events, the club also has a lectern and projector screen available in one corner.
Is the venue indoor or is there any outdoor seating?
It’s primarily an indoor venue. The main events are held inside the large hall. There is a small covered patio outside facing King Street – it has a few tables and is a smoking area after dark. On nice days, people also spill onto the lawn behind or side of the building (often to socialise between sets or have a jaw with a cigarette). However, performances themselves are all indoors (protected from weather). For outdoor events (like a summer BBQ or salad after-party), the club can open the back fence or use a marque on the grass behind, but that’s not the norm. In short: if it rains, shows go on as usual inside – you only need outdoor seating if you want fresh air between rounds.
Can I visit the club if I’m not a member?
Absolutely. The club is community-focused and welcomes visitors. Some monthly or ticketed events can be reserved or discounted for members first, but general events are open to the public. When you arrive, non-members simply sign the visitors’ book and pay a small “membership fee” for the day (this is a legal requirement for liquor licensing). After that, you enjoy the same access as a member. (It’s usually only a few dollars.) For major concerts, members might get a presale, but otherwise you don’t need to join to attend. In short, feel free to pop in and introduce yourself you, you’ll be “signed in” as a guest on the spot and treated like one of the clubfolk.
What are the club’s opening hours?
The licensed clubhouse typically opens from mid-afternoon until late evening. In practice, hours are roughly 4pm–11pm on weekdays and weekends (www.trip.com). During major events (concert nights, quiz nights) they may open earlier (e.g. midday or early afternoon). The bar must shut by 11pm under NZ law on most nights. On Sundays they might close by 10pm. It’s best to check the club noticeboard or call them if you plan to drop by outside showtimes. Remember that if you arrive before opening (say at 3pm), you’ll have to wait – but you might chat to members in the parking lot in the meantime since they usually arrive early.
What types of events does the Waiau Town & Country Club usually host?
A wide variety – anything from lawn bowls prizegivings to rock concerts! Regular events include quiz and bingo nights, weekly raffles, sports screenings (rugby/cricket), and local club meetings. Larger events have featured live bands (from country to rock) and touring shows – the club has even hosted burlesque-cabaret acts (www.ticketfairy.com). Community events like ANZAC Day dinners, fundraisers for schools or charities, and seasonal dances (Halloween, Christmas) are common. Essentially, if it’s a group activity or party in Te Waewae Bay, there’s a good chance Waiau T&C Club covers it.
Does the Waiau Town & Country Club have any historical or legendary significance?
While it’s not a famous heritage site, the club is legendary locally as Tuatapere’s social centre for generations. It has hosted farewell parades for returning soldiers and landmark anniversaries for community institutions. Townsfolk recall bucket-list moments there like the first live rock show in 1997, or the club’s opening party decades ago when East-West 45 RPM vinyl still ran. Architecturally, it has the classic tin roof and wood-panel interior of mid-1900s New Zealand halls. Many older residents still share stories of annual dances or inter-town roast lamb fundraisers held here. Its historic impact is in being the meeting ground that kept town and country people united – so in that sense it has deep local legend status, even if you won’t see it in history books.
Is smoking or vaping allowed inside the venue?
No – NZ law prohibits indoor smoking in pubs. All smoking and vaping must be done outside on the veranda or in a designated outdoor area. The club provides an undercover courtyard area out back for smokers. Vapes are treated the same as cigarettes, so please head outside. Note that in winter the courtyard can be chilly, so bring a jacket if you plan to smoke between sets. Remember to dispose of cigarette butts in the outdoor bins; domestic animals (made of resin) hold sand as ashtrays to avoid mess on the lawns.
