About Paraoa Brewing Co. and Events Centre
Paraoa Brewing Co. is a large new gastropub and music venue on Stanmore Bay, in Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast. Officially opened in mid-2023, it repurposed a former appliance store into a 700 m² brewpub that seats roughly 450 people . The name is Māori: Whangaparāoa means “bay of whales,” and the venue’s whale-inspired identity (and beer names like Bowhead Lager and Orca IPA) celebrates the area’s orca and dolphin visitors . As the owners put it, the goal was to create a friendly “social house” or community hub on the Coast where locals can “relax, enjoy music, play pool, throw darts and watch sports or take that bottle of wine off to one of our couches” . In other words, Paraoa Brewing Co. combines craft beers and good food with a lively, family-friendly pub atmosphere. This new venue fills a long-standing gap on the Hibiscus Coast – providing a “popular eatery and entertainment” spot where families and music lovers can gather .
Events and Programming
Paraoa Brewing Co. boasts a packed events calendar of live music, dance nights, and community gatherings. Weekly and monthly events run the gamut from Latin dance classes (Salsa, Bachata) to country and rock tribute bands, Celtic ceilidh nights, drag shows, comedy nights and charity concerts. For example, the venue regularly hosts Latin Salsa & Bachata classes (once or twice weekly) and Sunday social dance sessions . Family-friendly cultural nights have included Irish céilí bands and dance (Auckland Ceilidh Band nights) , while popular fundraisers like “Soul for Starship” feature local bands for charity . The line-up ranges from local cover bands and singer-songwriters to big-name acts – the opening party in 2023 featured the Auckland rock band Capital Theatre, and since then acts like the Jordan Luck Band, the 90s-style Dirty Happys, and local rockers Recliner Rockers and Brian Smith Quintet have played here . Internationally-influenced events appear too: recent programming included African-Indian fusion jazz (GJAZZ5) and reggae/hip-hop nights with stars like King Kapisi . Recurring kooky events (e.g. Drag Queen Bingo or Drag Brunch with Anita Wigl’it) and weekly poker nights have become local traditions . In short, Paraoa Brewing Co. offers something almost every night – from DJs and beer trivia to blues, pop and rock gigs – usually with ticket prices in the mid-$20s (generally ≈NZ$15–$50 before fees) . Notably, organizers stress that popular ticketed shows often sell out in advance (the Jordan Luck gig in August 2023 was “a sell out” the year before, for example) , so early booking is advised.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for live shows and special events are typically sold through the venue’s website or major NZ ticketing platforms (such as Eventfinda). There is no on-site box office – you’ll usually click through a link on Paraoa’s site or social media to pay online. General admission ticket prices vary by act; for example, a recent ABBA tribute concert was priced around $27.76 (including fees) , while other acts have ranged from about $12 to $44 depending on the scale of the show . Many events sell out early, so it’s wise to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. The venue often announces show dates weeks or months in advance, and tickets typically go live at that time. For smaller weekly events (like dance nights or quizzes), entry may even be free or “pay-the-door” if not sold out. If a show is sold out online, you can still try OTD (on-the-door), but popular gigs may have a queue. There is no assigned seating for concerts – tickets are general admission – so arriving close to door time (or earlier) usually gives you the best choice of where to stand or sit. For ticketing policies, note that sold tickets are generally non-refundable unless Paraoa itself cancels the show (in which case they normally offer a full refund or credit). Also be prepared to show photo ID when you pick up or redeem tickets at the venue (and to be carded at the bar).
Seating and Layout
Paraoa Brewing Co. is essentially one large open-plan hall. There is no balcony or separate stalls – just a flat-floor room with a stage at one end. Seating is flexible: on event nights most of the audience stands in front of the stage (often dancing), while casual diners during the day might sit at tables along the bar or around the edges. A lounge area with couches sits to one side, reflecting the “social house” vibe . There are high-tops and dining tables near the bar for meals. Standard concert lighting means most seats have a clear line of sight, but the best seats for music are down front. For a quieter night (or for eating), the back corner couches are comfy. In terms of acoustics and tech, Paraoa is well-equipped: the house PA is a modern L-Acoustics system (Focus ARCS tops and dual SB218 subs) driven by a 32-channel Midas M32 digital mixer . This pro rig ensures loud, clear sound. In practice, the speakers are front-left and right of the stage, so anywhere in the room has good audio coverage – no “dead spots.” The stage also has 5 JBL monitor wedges for band members . In short, expect crystal-clear live audio everywhere. (Insider tip: if you’re sensitive to bass or noise, bring earplugs – nights can get loud.) There is no special VIP section – events are general admission unless otherwise noted. The floor does not have reserved blocks; mingling is encouraged. The informal layout means you can move around freely (just be courteous with camera flashes, especially on dance nights).
Getting There and Parking
Paraoa Brewing Co. sits at 719A Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay (just north of Silverdale). If driving from central Auckland, take the Northern Motorway north, exit at Silverdale, and follow the signs toward Stanmore Bay . The venue is on Whangaparāoa Road by the Coast Plaza shops. As described in travel guides, “the pub is located on the waterfront” and is easily reached by car . There is ample free parking nearby: a large car park serves the Coast Plaza (Countdown supermarket) immediately adjacent, and there are additional stalls by the pub itself. On busy event nights, the plaza parking can fill up, but usually overflow along the road is tolerated (be mindful of any no-parking zones). For public bus travel, Auckland Transport buses 982 and 983 run along Whangaparaoa Road. The nearest stop is “Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre,” about a 6-minute walk east of the venue . These buses link to Silverdale (via the Hibiscus Coast bus hub) and Orewa, and from there you can connect to city services. InterCity and AT’s Northern Express (NX) services run from Auckland to Hibiscus Coast stations; from there you must transfer to 982/983. Alternately, you can take a commuter ferry from downtown Auckland to Gulf Harbour (the penthouse village on Whangaparaoa) and then grab a short taxi or bus ride over peninsula. If using rideshare, note that the area is semi-rural, so an Uber may take a few minutes to arrive. Overall, expect a ~1–1.5 hr trip from central Auckland by public transit. Late-night returning options are fewer: AT’s last NX1 (evening express) leaves downtown around 10–11 pm, so late-night events usually end around midnight (or arrange taxis). In summary: drive if you can (free parking), otherwise catch 982/983 from Silverdale/Hibiscus Coast – the venue’s front door is about 100 m from the main bus stop .
Inside the Venue
Walking in, you’ll find a lively bar and dining space with a distinctly local atmosphere. The flat-floor hall is roomy, with polished floors and high ceilings. The decor includes warm wood tones and classic rock photography on the walls (rock legend Robert Knight’s photos of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, etc. adorn the bar) – a nod to the music theme. One side wall features windows overlooking Whangaparaoa Bay (a recent reviewer notes “panoramic views of Whangaparāoa Bay” , making early evenings by the window especially nice). The bar is along the opposite wall, with a row of taps and seats. Paraoa serves a full menu of bistro-style pub food (from burgers and seafood to Asian-fusion dishes)the menu is available on-site for dinner and late-night dining. The food is prepared by a noted local chef (Cameron Knox), so the dishes are gourmet pub fare with bold flavours . There is something for everyone including vegetarian and gluten-free options . Customer reviews praise the kitchen: one notes the apple crumble dessert is “soo delicious” and expertise with cocktails (e.g. “peanut butter whiskey” shots) . Drink-wise, Paraoa carries its own craft beers (Bowhead Lager, Orca IPA, etc. ) and a rotating selection of other brewery taps, plus a full bar with wines, spirits and NZ craft ciders. Expect typically 6–8 taps behind the bar and a wide wine list (in fact media highlight that it even serves quality world wines along with beer ). They also show live sports on flat-screens over the bar area, so midweek may have a football or rugby game on (with attentive staff ready to grab extra glasses). Amenities include clean restrooms (with accessible stalls), gluten-free beer and food options, and casual seating (bar stools as well as table service). There is no formal coat-check or cloakroom, but staff will usually help keep a jacket behind the bar safely. Mobile phone signal is good and the venue provides free Wi-Fi for patrons. Keep in mind this is an open pub space – smoking is not allowed inside (standard NZ law), and management asks patrons not to bring outside alcohol or glassware. Phones and regular cameras are fine, but pro photo/video equipment usually requires permission. Cell coverage (Vodafone/Spark) is strong, so you can get an Uber or check email inside. In a nutshell: come expecting a friendly pub feel with live entertainment – the staff wear casual uniforms, doors are unlocked early (it’s pub hours), and the vibe is welcoming.
Nearby Amenities
The venue is part of Stanmore Bay’s small town centre. Right across the street is The Coast Plaza, anchoring a cluster of shops (Countdown supermarket, takeaways, cafes and a pharmacy), so you can grab anything last-minute. For pre- or post-show dining, the neighbourhood offers several options. Within a few hundred metres, you’ll find “The Good Home” (a gastro-pub with its own craft taps and pizzas), Cove Eatery (fish & chips and pizza), and L&G Kitchen (a Japanese-Korean takeaway). A couple of doors down is Borrowman & The Bad Apple (a modern café-restaurant), and further on the Brightside shops have South Indian cuisines like Paprika and Raviz Indian Kitchen . Nearby on Main Street there’s a JAC’s cafe (coffee, sushi, sandwiches), and even a McDonald’s about 1 km north (for quick late-night eats). If you need to stay in the area, options are limited – booking.com listings show only a few B&B units “near Silverdale” in Whangaparāoa, so most visitors either drive in or stay in Orewa/Silverdale (both ~10 km away) . For drinks or nightlife after Paraoa, note that Stanmore Bay doesn’t have many other bars open late – your best bet is to hop back in a car or catch a taxi to Orewa’s pubs or to central Auckland. The local train station is also about 15 km away (Silverdale or Albany), so there’s no immediate train link. In practice, leaving after midnight usually means rideshare or driving; there are no late-night trains on the North Shore. In short: the immediate area has plenty of cafes and takeout if you want an early bite, but for full nighttime options you'll likely stay on-site or drive out.
What Makes This Venue Special
Paraoa Brewing Co. has quickly become a cultural focal point for the Hibiscus Coast. Architecturally, it’s a sleek new build with large windows framing the bay, wood accents and ambient stage lighting – a modern twist on the traditional Kiwi pub. The site’s whale-themed branding and Māori name pay homage to local heritage . Inside, a live-music vibe is palpable: photos of rock legends on the walls and a danceable wooden floor make it feel more like a mini-concert hall than another suburban bar. Its all-inclusive “social house” ethos sets it apart: unlike a formal theatre or sports bar, Paraoa invites everyone, from families to hip-hop heads, under one roof. Owners and press note it as “the sort of place that’s currently missing from the Coast” . The combination of award-winning food by chef Cameron Knox and the in-house craft beers adds to its uniqueness – it’s not just a pub, but a gastropub. For performers, too, Paraoa offers a professional stage and high-end sound system in a non-central locale (meaning Auckland acts can play here without a city trip). The venue has already hosted many “firsts” and special nights for locals: for instance, inaugurating a major charity fundraiser (“Soul for Starship”), or dance classes drawing crowds from across the region. Reviewers and locals praise its friendly, relaxed atmosphere. One guest wrote “our house is your house” on the wall – a mantra of the pub – and described the venue as “a great location with a great team” and “the live music stage the Coast needed” . In terms of community impact, Paraoa has quickly become a hub where business seminars mingle with Sunday brunches, school holiday events and cultural nights . In summary, it’s special because it blends Kiwi hospitality with live entertainment – a waterfront gastropub that feels proudly local yet professionally run, and because it fills a local demand for an upscale-but-cosy venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
Planning a trip here is straightforward. Paraoa Brewing Co. has no strict dress code – casual attire is fine (think jeans and a T-shirt; if attending a special theme night, you may dress up but it’s not required). Bringing photo ID is essential for the bar (must be 18+ for alcohol), so drivers should bring a licence or passport. If it’s a ticketed event, bring your printed or electronic ticket. The venue is wheelchair-accessible (step-free entry and accessible restrooms), and prams are fine if you arrive early; just mind the crowd once a concert starts. It’s prudent not to bring outside food or drinks – in New Zealand, pubs generally prohibit this, and the venue likely has a policy against outside alcohol or glass bottles. Security is minimal except for checking ID at night; coat checks are not provided but staff will usually hang your coat behind the bar. For families: children are welcome during early shows and dining hours, but some late-night events may be restricted (check event posters for any R18 rule). Entry to most daytime events or dance classes is often “all ages” and non-alcoholic (juice or soft drinks are available).
For safety and convenience, here are some handy tips:
Arrive Early: Doors typically open about 30 minutes before showtime for ticketed events (often 7 pm for an 8 pm show). Arriving early avoids queues at the door or bar. On a Friday or Saturday night, it’s wise to get there early to grab a good spot and order food/drinks before the rush.Payment: The venue accepts credit cards and cash. If you plan to buy drinks, NZ bars often serve free water, but you may want to budget $10–20 per drink and $15–30 for a main course. Happy hour deals are rare; special nights may have own pricing. One reviewer suggests trying the house dishes and beer specials. Accessibility: As mentioned, the floor is flat and spacious. Wheelchair users can move around easily once inside. There is an accessible restroom. If you have sensory sensitivities, note that sound levels can be high; staff may offer earplugs if asked.No Smoking Indoors: Standard NZ law means smoking/vaping is only allowed in any provided outdoor smoking area (usually a courtyard or deck to the side), not in the main hall.Age Restrictions: For late-night gigs, the venue may require guests to be 18+, but matinee and Sunday events are generally open to younger folks. Always check the event listing. They run family-friendly events (e.g. afternoon ceilīdhs, quiz nights) as well as adults-only shows.Food and Special Diets: The kitchen is good to know about – they have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options . Popular dishes (apple crumble, burgers, seafood) often sell out on busy nights, so ask about wait times. Bar snacks and pizzas are quicker if you’re in a hurry.Weather Plan: The venue is fully indoors, so shows happen rain or shine. No need to worry about rainouts. (Its NZ-style casual outdoor waiting area is just the entrance.)Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available for guests (ask staff for the password). Mobile ('cellphone') coverage is strong, so you can arrange rides home while in the venue.Popular Events: For certain nights (e.g. Salsa workshops, or well-known bands), spots fill fast. Check their website or Facebook for event announcements and sign up for any newsletter. Sometimes tickets have “add to calendar” options to remind you when to buy.COVID/Emergency: As of 2025 there are no special pandemic restrictions, but it’s good etiquette to stay home if unwell. The venue has a first-aid kit and staff who can assist if you need help. The nearest hospital is Hibiscus Coast Hospital (about 10 min drive south).Lost Property: If you lose something inside, call or email the venue. They keep a log of found items for short-term safekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Paraoa Brewing Co. located?
The address is 719A Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay, Auckland (Postal code 0930) . It’s on the waterfront side of Whangaparāoa Road, near the Coast Plaza shops. In other words: Silverdale exit off SH1 and follow signs to Stanmore Bay.
What is the venue capacity?
Paraoa Brewing Co. is quite spacious – around 700 square metres – allowing seating for up to about 450 people . For concerts the crowd is usually a mix of standing and some café-style seating. In practice it can hold several hundred in a general admission setup.
What events does Paraoa Brewing Co. host?
They do almost everything! The calendar includes live music of all genres (rock, jazz, country, reggae, DJ sets), comedy shows, dance nights (Latin Salsa/Bachata weekly, Ceilidh, line dance), drag bingo/brunch, quiz nights, sports viewings and charity gigs. Many events recur weekly or monthly. Check the venue’s events page for a calendar of upcoming shows.
How do I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets are sold online (via Eventfinda or the Paraoa website). There is no box-office window. Prices vary by event – small gigs can be as low as $10–$15, while major bands or theme shows are typically $20–$40 in advance . You often pay a bit of booking fee on top. Tickets sometimes go off sale early if a show sells out, so buy as soon as possible. On the door tickets may be available for cash sales if it’s not sold out.
What are the seating options?
This venue is essentially one big open hall with flexible seating. For concerts and dance nights it’s mostly general admission (mixed standing and movable tables). There are bar stools and some tables along the sides plus a lounge area. No assigned seats – claim any open spot. If you prefer a quieter night or dining, the side tables or back couches work well. Front-of-stage space is best for sound and dancing.
How do I get to Paraoa Brewing Co. by public transport?
You can take Auckland Transport bus 982 or 983. The closest stop is Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, which is a ~6-minute walk from the venue . These buses connect Silverdale (Hibiscus Coast interchange) to Whangaparāoa (including Stanmore Bay). From central Auckland, you could catch the Northern Express to Hibiscus Coast and transfer to 982/983. There’s also a Gulf Harbour ferry (SeaLink) to the peninsula, followed by a taxi or bus. For drivers, it’s best via SH1 north – exit Silverdale and follow the Stanmore Bay signs (turning off at Brightside Road). Free parking is available in front of the venue and the adjacent plaza .
Are children allowed?
Yes, children and families are welcome, especially during daytime or early-evening events. The venue operates like a family-friendly restaurant/pub until late evening. For late-night concerts or dance shows (especially weekends), events may be 18+. Check the event listing: if it’s marked *All Ages* or no age limit, kids can come (with a guardian). If it’s R18, it will say so. Outside of those times, the kitchen has things like burgers and gluten-free options, and the space is kid-friendly.
What transportation and parking options are available?
Driving: ample free parking is available at the pub and nearby Coast Plaza . Public transit: AT buses 982/983 stop nearby (Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre stop) . Rideshare and taxis can drop off on Whangaparaoa Rd. The Hibiscus Coast ferries (to Gulf Harbour) and NX express buses to Silverdale are also options with a short connector trip.
Are there any restrictions or rules I should know about?
Standard pub rules apply: no outside alcohol or food, and no smoking indoors (smoking allowed only in designated outside area). Camera phones are fine; professional cameras may require permission. They may ask to check IDs or hand-stamp you on entry for age verification. Large bags might be searched for security. Dress casually – there’s no strict dress code. One tip: the license was renewed through Dec 2025, after which events will need special permission for late-night alcohol service (check updates if planning a late event). Also, if you’re noise-sensitive, the bass can really thump on live-music nights, so consider earplugs.
What food and drink is available inside?
A full bistro menu is available (pub classics and fusion dishes) with vegetarian and gluten-free choices . They serve their own craft beers (Bowhead Lager, Orca IPA, etc.) plus guest taps and a wide wine list . The bar has NZ spirits and cocktails – reviewers even mention specialty drinks like peanut butter whiskey. Kitchen hours follow bar hours (late afternoon till evening on weeknights, all day on weekends). One popular item is the apple crumble, which received a rave review .
Do they ever hold private events or parties?
Yes – the venue advertises that you can hire the space for private functions (birthdays, corporate events, etc.). Current policy is free venue hire with no minimum bar spend . You just coordinate with the managers. Keep in mind that a small room fee or extra setup charge may apply for very large technical requirements.
What does “Paraoa” mean?
Paraoa is Māori for “whale.” Note that the suburb name is Whangaparāoa (bay of whales) – the brewery took “Paraoa” as a nod to that heritage. As the owners explain, the name honors the whales and dolphins that historically came into the bay .
Is there a brewery on-site, and can you tour it?
Not currently. The house beers are brewed off-site (at Laughing Bones in Silverdale) and brought here . The venue may install a brew system in the future, but as of 2023 there is no public brewery tour or on-site brewing to see. So, no tours or brewery tastings – it’s primarily a pub and restaurant right now.
What are the opening hours?
Hours are: Monday Closed; Tuesday–Wednesday 3:00 pm–10:30 pm; Thursday 3:00 pm–11:00 pm; Friday–Saturday noon–midnight; Sunday noon–7:00 pm . These can change for special events, so double-check any scheduled performance for exact times (the events page lists door time).
Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes – the entrance into Paraoa Brewing is flat and wide, and there is step-free access to the main area. There is an accessible (unisex) restroom and plenty of space to maneuver a wheelchair. Friendly staff will assist if needed, but generally it is fully wheelchair-compliant.
