About The Third Eye
The Third Eye was a Wellington brewpub and live-music venue housed in a 1906 heritage building at 30 Arthur Street, Te Aro. This old Boys’ Institute building features an eclectic mix of architecture – an “unusual mix of Edwardian Revivalism (Jacobean), Stripped Classicism and Gothic styles” (wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz ) – with a distinctive temple-style façade and large Tuatara mural (reflecting the brewery’s reptilian namesake). Step inside and you’ll find warm, exposed brick walls and polished native mātaī floors. In fact, the bar’s designers lovingly restored original features – even recovering a vintage ceiling rose to its place (concreteplayground.com ) – so today the interior feels “light and airy” while still echoing the building’s century-old craft heritage. A painted Tuatara overlooking the entrance underscores the venue’s name (a Tuatara has a “third eye” on its forehead), tying the space to both local wildlife lore and Tuatara Brewing’s experimental spirit (beervana.co.nz ).
The Third Eye opened in 2015 as Tuatara Brewery’s “Temple of Taste” – a public brewpub dedicated to small-batch, experimental beers and live performance. It quickly became known as a hub for Wellington’s craft-beer and underground music scene. Over the decades the building served many roles (from the original Boys’ Institute to a woodwork shop, boxing gym and even a music studio), but by the 2000s it was the only historic structure left on Arthur Street – and it was actually saved from demolition in 2005 by sliding the whole brick building to make way for the bypass (wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz ). Inside, the ground floor bar served as a relaxed lounge/bar, while an upstairs function space (with a curtained-off lounge section) hosted concerts, meetings and parties. (indievenue.co.nz ) The Third Eye completely closed in late 2020 when the brewery consolidated its operations; it remains “permanently closed” as a bar. However, its legacy lives on through the beers brewed and the “Third Eye Hi-Fi” events brand that continues hosting local music nights at other venues (beervana.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
At its peak (2015–2020), The Third Eye was known for eclectic live events on nearly every week. Regular programming ranged from brewer’s tasting nights and tapas specials to full-on music shows. In-house DJs and guest acts spanned genres: reggae, dub, drum & bass, techno and local indie rock all found a home here. (For example, Wellington’s underground sound-system collective “Third Eye Hi-Fi” frequently booked dub and techno nights in the upstairs space.) On weekends the venue might host Wellington Fringe performers, electronic dance parties or touring NZ bands; during the week there were tap takeovers, live acoustic sets and art-audio happenings. Artists and bookers valued Third Eye as a flexible club/venue – intimate for listening, but big enough for a lively dance floor.
Since the brewpub’s closure, the Third Eye name survives via Third Eye Hi-Fi events held at other city venues (like Valhalla and MOON). These continuing events carry on the same underground vibe – for example in 2024 a “Tekno Tavern” night at Valhalla featured jaw-dropping hard techno and jungle, while “Ghost Media × Third Eye” billed headline bass DJs and crew from both collectives (www.valhallatavern.com ). In 2023–25 Third Eye Hi-Fi shows have regularly appeared on listings around Wellington. Fans looking for that Third Eye experience now watch event listings or follow the Third Eye Hi-Fi collective; typical events range from small bar gigs (with $10–15 cover) to larger raves (tickets up to $30 or even $40) (www.valhallatavern.com ) (www.valhallatavern.com ). The key through the years has always been a focus on New Zealand’s freshest talent and forward-thinking sounds, with special occasions bringing in well-known acts from the global underground scene.
Tickets and Booking
When The Third Eye held shows, tickets typically had to be purchased in advance. The venue did not operate a walk-up box office – instead, tickets were sold online or through local ticketing partners. For major gigs, advance tickets often went on sale weeks ahead via sites like Humanitix or Eventfinda, and people joined event Facebook/Instagram pages to grab a presale code. In many cases tickets could also be bought at the door for cash, until the show sold out. Prices varied by show: small nights might be cover-free or only a modest $10–15, while headline events regularly sold tickets in tiers up to $30–40 (www.valhallatavern.com ) (www.valhallatavern.com ). For popular nights (eg techno or dub marathons) it was wise to book early – these often marked “sold out” well in advance. Note that some Third Eye Hi-Fi events use general admission (standing room only) and others have a small number of high-top tables, but there were no reserved seats or VIP sections with special pricing. Students and concessions usually paid the same low flat rate as others. If you’re interested in an upcoming Third Eye–branded event, check humanitix or eventfinder listings; door sales might be offered but are not guaranteed.
Seating and Layout
The Third Eye’s interior was all about flexibility. Upstairs is essentially one open hall, with a stage on one end and a curtained lounge area at the front. During normal hours the front lounge (between the stage and bar area) had couches and low tables for conversation. For concerts or dance nights, that lounge curtain could be drawn back to create a single large open space. The floor area in front of the stage becomes standing room for dancing or a pit for concert-goers. There was no fixed tiered seating – most shows were general-admission. (Tables and chairs could be set up along the walls if needed for smaller functions, as indicated by the upstairs “meeting room” setup description (indievenue.co.nz ).) Downstairs the main bar area had high stools and a few communal tables, but no performance stage; it remained a casual lounge for tasting beers. In short, for a show you’d likely stand up front by the stage or lounge on a sofa at the back; for a chill night at the bar you could sit on high chairs near the taps. As for sightlines, the room was compact enough that even the back area still felt close to the action. For the best audio experience, the sound is optimized facing the stage; the venue’s inherent acoustics (red brick walls and wood floors) tended to amplify bass – something not everyone might notice at low volume, but heavy-music fans often remarked on the full, warm sound in the mid-stage area.
Getting There and Parking
The Third Eye’s address is 30 Arthur Street, Te Aro, Wellington (the corner of Arthur Street and Taranaki/State Highway 1 bypass). It’s just a short stroll from Cuba Street and only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Basin Reserve corner. If you’re coming by car, note that Arthur Street itself has limited short-term parking (pay-and-display meters) – Wellington usually frees on-street parking after 6 pm. The easiest long-term parking is in nearby carparks. Wilson Parking operates lots at Bond Street (enter from Victoria Street) and Marion Street, both just a few blocks away. There’s also a SecureParking lot on Taranaki Street (around the corner) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Weekend rates tend to be modest ($3–5 an hour), though they can fill up on busy weekends (Beervana/Shepherd’s).
Public transport is straightforward. There are no trains to Te Aro, so buses are the norm. Many Metlink city routes pass Wellington Station or Lambton Quay and stop near Courtenay Place or the Basin Reserve – from there it’s only a 5-minute walk to Arthur Street. For example, Routes 2, 3, 21 and 23 (Johnsonville via city) stop at “Hania/Moore Park” (Basin) or “The Terrace/Victoria St”. The free inner-city shuttle also runs along Curtis/Cambridge Terrace on weekends, a couple of blocks away. If using rideshare/taxi, the best drop-off point is on Arthur Street itself (near the traffic lights) or on the service lane by Hania Street. Being right off State Highway 1 means it’s easy to signal to a driver on the bypass. After late shows, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Zoomy) are very active downtown and cabs line up around Courtenay Place. In summary, whether you drive or bus, The Third Eye is centrally located – you can easily pair a show with a quick trip from the CBD or Wellington Railway Station (a ~15-minute bus ride).
Inside the Venue
On the ground floor, The Third Eye operated like a friendly craft-beer bar. Walk in and you’d queue at the main wooden bar, where the staff (often brewers themselves) would serve up Tuatara’s latest experimental brews alongside the classic Tuatara lineup. The Tap List rotated frequently: everything from a pineapple gose or sour to rich barrel-aged ales might be on offer, plus a few local guest taps. If you weren’t sure what to order, the bartenders were happy to pour free tasters of any brew on tap. The venue was licensed, so yes, wine and cider options were also on hand, as were soft drinks. (As one reviewer noted, even non-beer drinkers could find something – the environment encouraged exploration (concreteplayground.com ).)
Food and amenities: The bar had a modest kitchen for light bites. As of prior years they served toasted homemade sandwiches (~$9) and quirky pub snacks (pickled pigs’ feet in a jar for a few dollars, anyone?) (concreteplayground.com ). On select days an outside food truck called “Goose Shack” operated from the courtyard (serving charcoal-grilled sandwiches and pizza on Fri–Sun) (concreteplayground.com ). There was no formal cloakroom, but hooks by the door and bins by the bar let you drop small bags. Restrooms (male, female and all-gender) were located downstairs near the bar. For connectivity, mobile reception (Vodafone/2degrees) worked fine indoors; the venue did not advertise guest Wi-Fi, and it was generally a place to disconnect a bit and enjoy the music or company. Merch was limited to Tuatara/Third Eye T-shirts behind the bar. Security was low-key: on big dance nights a few sober volunteers circulated the crowd to keep things safe. Generally the vibe inside was relaxed and artsy – friends on couches sipping craft pints by day, and a happy, dancing crowd by night.
Nearby Amenities
The Third Eye is in the heart of Te Aro, one of Wellington’s liveliest neighbourhoods. That means thousands of dining and drinking options are within easy walking distance. For pre-show meals: just across Cuba Street you’ll find everything from Asian-fusion cafés (like Little Penang) to Italian, Vietnamese and sushi bars. Nearby on Manners Street there are gastropubs (Dizzy Lamb or Southern Cross), pizza joints and Thai eateries. On the opposite corner is Cuba Quarter, home to the Smith St Pantry bakery (great sandwiches) and the Cuban-inspired bar-fare at The Lunchroom. For a quick snack, there are plenty of “bottle shops” and snack bars on Cuba too. Coffee-lovers can hit Midtown or Mojo a couple of blocks away on Willis Street.
If you’re making a night of it, there are many casual bars right near The Third Eye. For example, pick up a craft mixer at Hashigo (Japanese pub on Victoria St, 5 min walk), or head down Vivian Street to the lively Boulcott Hotel or Valhalla Tavern. Wellington’s famous nightlife district (Courtenay Place) is only a 10-minute walk away, packed with clubs and late-night eats (ShuBurger, Mexico, etc). For transportation back home, keep in mind the last buses run around midnight on weekends – there are regular Route 30 Night-Bus services after midnight from Courtenay. Otherwise late cabs or ride-shares are plentiful in the area. For out-of-towners, options for lodging near-by include the Rendezvous Hotel (Ghuznee St), Quest on Ghuznee, or budget hostels at the edge of Courtenay, all within a 5–10 minute walk. In sum, plan to arrive a little early at The Third Eye, do a bit of barhopping or dinner nearby, and then enjoy the show – and you won’t lack food, drink or transport after the last set ends.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Third Eye stood out for many reasons. Architecturally and historically, it was truly unique – a century-old building with an ornate façade and hidden Aladdin’s-cave interior, relocated to escape urban development (wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz ). Culturally, it became a crucible for Wellington’s creative crowd. It wasn’t just another generic bar; it was New Zealand’s first “brewpub” concept brought to the capital, where the brewers themselves tailored every beer to the whims of their inner-rebel muse. Truly experimental beers that might never be brewed again were released here, giving the venue a sense of discovery – you never knew what mythic new ale might be tapped on any visit (concreteplayground.com ).
The venue also built a reputation for inclusivity and creativity. The Third Eye Hi-Fi collective (staff and regulars from the bar) crafted an intentional sound-system culture around Third Eye events. Promotion and attendees often emphasized safe, welcoming dancefloors – for example their flyers explicitly invite everyone to reach out if they feel unsafe, and will even waive entry if money’s tight (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Locals loved the offbeat, down-to-earth vibe: people dressed in everything from jeans to glittering club gear without judgment. Legendary moments included Saturday afternoon “beer tasting” sessions turning into impromptu jam sessions or late-night dance parties that spilled into the courtyard. Even Tuatara’s brand lore – every tuatara’s “third eye” – gave the place a mythical twist. Finally, countless Wellingtonians remember it as the spot where you could sip a monster-double-pint of an impossible Triple IPA at midnight while a bass-drum meditation played, or where visiting bands felt comfortable trying weird new material. In short, both artists and audiences loved The Third Eye for its mix of old-world charm and fearless experimentation – a little bit tranquil, a little bit wild, and thoroughly “Wellington East Pub” in spirit (concreteplayground.com ) (www.valhallatavern.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The building is heritage and accessed by stairs. The main entry has a couple of steps, and the upstairs music area has one short flight of stairs (no lift). As a result, the venue was not wheelchair-friendly. (However, the ground floor bar is at street level.) If mobility is a concern, it’s best to call ahead.
ID and Age: All evening events are 18+ (under-18s are not admitted). Bring valid photo ID (NZ or international driver’s licence or passport). There was no formal dress code – come casual – but club nights often draw trendy or black-clad attire.
What to Bring: Carry a small bag or none at all; large backpacks and outside drinks are not permitted. Cameras and phones are fine, but no flash photography – the lighting is dim (UV or strobes at dance shows) and staff prefer a party vibe. Earplugs can be wise on loud nights. Cash is useful for quick bar tabs (they do take cards but there’s often a minimum). Coats can usually be hung by the door; a formal cloakroom is not provided (so avoid loose valuables).
Common Pitfalls: Thursdays could get busy at 6pm happy hours, and Saturday shows often sell out. If you have a ticket, get there early (doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime) to find a spot. Also, Tuatara beers can be very strong – these experimental ales often run 7–10% ABV, so pace yourself. Finally, don’t confuse this with other Third Eye workshops or breweries overseas – this guide is all about Wellington’s Temple of Taste.
Other: The bar had standard NZ bottle service rules: street shoes required, no food or drink from outside, and no weapons. Smoking was only allowed in the courtyard (if open); New Zealand law forbids indoor smoking. Free water is available at a tap, so you can stay hydrated. Those planning private events or functions should note the upstairs can be hired (with minimum spend and in-house catering as needed) – contact Tuatara events staff for details. Overall, The Third Eye was a friendly, informal venue – just come open-minded, and you’ll fit right in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Third Eye still open to visit?
No. The Third Eye (Temple of Taste brewpub) permanently closed in late 2020 (hoppiness.co.nz ). The building is no longer a public bar or music venue. However, the Third Eye Hi-Fi events brand lives on – they now host shows at venues like Valhalla and Re:Bar around Wellington (www.valhallatavern.com ). For beer, Tuatara’s experimental brews are now served from their main Kapiti brewery and at other Wellington bars.
How much do tickets cost for Third Eye events?
It varies by show. Typical entry cover used to range from about NZ$10 to $20. Smaller local nights and bass/dub sessions often cost around $10–15, while larger nights (with international DJs or full sound-system crews) can be $20–30 or even $40 (www.valhallatavern.com ) (www.valhallatavern.com ). Sometimes special events sell tiered tickets (early-bird, standard, late). Check each event listing for the exact price. Also note that ticket prices may not include booking fees. Occasionally Third Eye-associated shows (like charity parties) have pay-as-you-can or discounted rates.
Where can I buy tickets for shows?
Since The Third Eye didn’t have its own box office, tickets are usually sold online. Most events (like Third Eye Hi-Fi nights) use local ticketing services (e.g. Humanitix or Eventfinda). You typically purchase tickets via the event’s official page or promoter. For smaller shows, the bar sometimes sold tickets on the door – if an event isn’t sold out online, you can often buy at the door before it starts. Follow event social media for updates, and arrive early if you plan on paying at the door (especially for popular nights).
What is the seating/standing situation inside?
The venue has both seating and open areas. Upstairs is mostly standing-room with a dance floor in front of the stage. Around the edges are some lounge sofas and stools. In normal mode (curtains partially closed) the front area is a comfy sit-down lounge; when they open up for a show, most people stand or dance facing the stage. Downstairs (the ground-level bar) has high stools and tables for drinking but no stage. There were no permanent reserved seats or VIP lounges – seating is first-come. For the best view of a concert, the front-central area near the stage is ideal, but it can be crowded. Some prefer the raised lounge section for a relaxed vantage away from the crowd.
Does The Third Eye have wheelchair access?
Unfortunately, the historic building has steps and narrow areas that make it difficult for wheelchairs. The downstairs bar is at street level, but even that entrance has a small step. The main performance area is upstairs (up a short flight of stairs), and there is no elevator. In short, The Third Eye (Temple of Taste) was not wheelchair-accessible as a music venue. If that is a concern, it’s best to contact promoters for any specific accommodations or choose a different venue in town.
How can I get there by public transport?
The bus system is very convenient. Key routes (like Metro 2, 3, 21, 23, 30) run along the Terrace and Victoria/Willis streets near the Basin Reserve. Get off at Courtenay/Cambridge Terrace or at the Basin stop – from there it’s a 2–5 minute walk to Arthur Street. There’s also a free inner-city shuttle bus on weekends that stops on Willis Street (Cambridge Terrace). Wellington Railway Station is about 1.5 km away (a 10–15 min bus ride). Taxis and Uber can drop you right at the door (Arthur & Hania St intersection). Since no trains go to Te Aro, buses and rideshares are your best options.
Is there parking nearby and how much does it cost?
Street parking on Arthur or adjacent roads is very limited (P30–P60 spots, usually time-limited in the day). Paid parking is the safer bet. The closest are Wilson lots: Bond Street carpark (enter via Victoria St) and Marion Street carpark – both about a 2-3 minute walk away (rates roughly NZ$3–5/hr). There’s also a SecureParking on Taranaki St just around the corner. On evenings and Sundays, street parking in Te Aro often turns free after 6pm, so you might find open spots on Willis or Florence Streets if you’re lucky. But if parking overnight, use a paid lot; check the posted rates at entry. The venue itself does not have its own lot or valet.
Are children allowed?
For evening events the venue is R18, so no children. (Wellington law forbids under-18s from bars after 8pm.) The Third Eye did not run kids’ events or movie nights; it was aimed at adults. During daytime hours (like a weekend lunch or a brewery tour) it was still a bar atmosphere, and minors generally were discouraged. In short, plan it as an adults-only outing unless an event notice specifically states family-friendly.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. The Third Eye had its own in-house snacks and local food trucks to keep patrons fed. Feel free to enjoy those or eat beforehand at nearby restaurants. You are welcome to bring a reusable water bottle or empty cup (there’s usually a water tap downstairs), but beer, wine or juices must be purchased inside. Kegs and coolers from elsewhere were definitely a no-go.
Is food available at the venue?
Yes – the venue had a small kitchen. Typically they served toasted sandwiches (~NZ$9 each) and some quirky bar snacks (e.g. jars of pickled pigs’ feet for a few dollars) (concreteplayground.com ). On many weekends there was also the Goose Shack food truck in the courtyard (usually Fri–Sun evenings) selling charcoal-grilled sandwiches and pizza (concreteplayground.com ). Otherwise, patrons often dined at the many close-by restaurants before coming. Since it was a brewery, the emphasis was on drinks, but you would never go hungry if you wanted a pub meal or snack inside the venue.
Is there a coat check or do I need to watch my belongings?
There was no formal coat check room. If it’s cold, you can hang jackets on wall hooks or lean them against a table. For valuables, it’s safest to carry a secure bag or keep items on your person – tables often filled up quickly. The venue had bins for small items and volunteers/security kept an eye on the floorspace, but it’s not a dedicated cloakroom environment. On very busy nights, stick close to your stuff or buddy up with friends.
What does “Third Eye Hi-Fi” mean?
Third Eye Hi-Fi is the name of the sound-system collective associated with the venue staff and fans. It’s essentially the party-promoting arm of The Third Eye. The group built a custom speaker stack and hosts events featuring jungle, drum & bass, dub and techno music. The name reflects both a nod to Tuatara’s “third eye” theme and a love for high-quality sound. As one description says, Third Eye Hi-Fi is “a crew of individuals with a heavy passion for Sound System Culture, music, art and community” (twistedfrequency.nz ). Their events bring that community vibe to various clubs around Wellington.
Can I still try Third Eye beers anywhere?
The experimental beers once poured at The Third Eye (Temple of Taste) no longer come on tap in Wellington. The on-site pilot brewery moved back to Kapiti. Any seasonal or limited-release brews (often first tapped at The Third Eye) are now distributed through Tuatara’s main brewery channels. You can try Tuatara’s year-round and seasonal beers at many Wellington bars and bottle shops (check beer menus or untappd). Keep an eye on Tuatara’s and Third Eye Hi-Fi’s social media – occasionally they launch a special brew or event release. But in a nutshell, the only on-site experience of Third Eye beers now is back at the main brewery’s taps on the Kapiti Coast or select partner pubs.
What is the venue’s capacity?
The Third Eye was relatively small. The upstairs hall could fit on the order of ~100–150 people high-occupancy (for a packed dance floor). Downstairs bar area was cozier, maybe a few dozen seated around stools. (Exact numbers weren’t advertised, but in practice it felt intimate.) Since there were more standing areas than seats, big shows would “sell out” at that hundred-person range. In any case, expect a close, personal crowd rather than a huge arena-style audience.
