Events at Killer Prawn Restaurant & Bar, Whangarei

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Light It Up NZ Tour | Whangarei

23 February 2019 Saturday / 09:00 PM

Killer Prawn Restaurant & Bar, Whangarei

About Killer Prawn Restaurant & Bar

A long-standing local seafood restaurant and bar in Whangārei’s city centre, Killer Prawn offers cozy, two-floor dining and live entertainment. Located at 26–28 Bank Street (www.firsttable.co.nz), it seats roughly 100 people. Known for the namesake “Killer Prawn” dish – a spicy, tomato-and-rosemary prawn stew with bread for dunking (lunchtime.co.nz) – it emphasizes ultra-fresh seafood and premium New Zealand wines (www.eventfinda.co.nz). The décor is warm and rustic: a main “boardroom” dining area with an open fireplace, a heated outdoor patio, and an upstairs “Killer Pizza” lounge featuring a wood-fired pizza oven (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Reviewers praise its “great atmosphere” and friendly, attentive staff (yellow.co.nz), making it a beloved fixture in the Northland dining scene.

Events and Programming

While primarily a restaurant, Killer Prawn also hosts periodic live events. In the past it has offered a variety of shows – for example, wine-paired degustation dinners (with Nautilus Estate wines) (www.eventfinda.co.nz), Kiwi stand-up comedy nights featuring Brendhan Lovegrove (2013) and Ewen Gilmour (2012) (www.eventfinda.co.nz), and theme nights (e.g. an NZ Blues Brothers tribute in 2008 (www.eventfinda.co.nz)). More recently (pre-COVID), it bridged into nightlife: on 23 Feb 2019 it hosted the *Light It Up NZ Tour* club night (www.ticketfairy.com). Typically, events range from live bands and DJs to local jazz or cover acts, and one-off special dinners. Ticket prices vary by act, often in the NZD $10–$40 range (e.g. local gigs ~$10–$20, larger tours or comedy ~$25–$40). Because show schedules change, it’s best to watch local event listings or the venue’s announcements for upcoming shows.

Tickets and Booking

Killer Prawn doesn’t sell tickets directly at a box office; instead, most events use online ticket outlets or advance sales. Promoters typically list events on national ticketing sites or Eventfinda (as with the 2019 *Light It Up NZ Tour* (www.ticketfairy.com)). Tickets often go on sale weeks ahead and may sell out, so buying early is wise. Door sales may be offered if an event isn’t sold out, but availability can be limited. For restaurant reservations (non-event dining), you can phone or book via the venue’s restaurant website; casual walk-ins are often accommodated when space permits. (No separate membership is required; just check the event age restrictions – some club nights may be 18+, whereas most dining times are all ages.)

Seating and Layout

The venue spans two levels. The main floor (“Boardroom” restaurant) has most of the seating (about 70–80 covers) plus the bar, lounge areas and patio at street level. Upstairs is the smaller **Killer Pizza** lounge, which seats around 20–30 people around the wood-fired oven. Seating is mostly table service (no assigned seats), so arriving early gives more choice. During general admission events or concerts, tables may be moved to open a standing area near the bar or performance area. In either case the space is intimate – there are no obstructed views, and from anywhere in the room you’re close to the stage or DJ booth. Acoustics are typical of a modest club venue: lively but not overwhelming. There are no special VIP sections; standard seating and standing zones apply. For the best dinner experience, any spot near the fireplace or windows offers ambiance; for shows, standing near the front (by the bar) gets you close to the performers, while back tables allow seating with a full view.

Getting There and Parking

Killer Prawn is centrally located at 26–28 Bank Street, Whangārei (www.firsttable.co.nz). It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Town Basin waterfront. Car drivers can find on-street metered parking along Bank and surrounding streets (hourly rates apply). For supervised car parks, the Central City multi-storey (204 spaces, about 3 mins’ walk) and Wilson ParkMate (120 spaces, ~3 mins) are nearby (www.parkopedia.co.nz) (www.parkopedia.co.nz). (Standard city parking is about $4 for 2 hours.) A free 2-hour public carpark is on Lower Dent Street a few blocks away. Note that Bank Street can be busy in the early evening, so allow extra time to find a spot. For Coach/Bus travelers, the InterCity buses arrive at Whangārei’s hub at 91 Dent St (The Hub) (www.intercity.co.nz), roughly 700m away, which is about a 10-minute walk from the venue. Taxi or rideshare drop-offs are common on Bank Street itself; for outings after dark, arrange a cab or Uber in advance if needed, as late-night bus service is limited.

Inside the Venue

Expect a warm, bustling atmosphere. Upon entry you’ll find a bar area on the main floor and dining tables by the fireplace. Staff are generally welcoming and will seat you at an available table or at the bar. The cuisine is a blend of seafood and pub-style fare: menus feature fresh prawns (tempura or in broth), fish & chips, grilled steaks, lamb, chicken and pork ribs, plus gourmet pizzas from the upstairs oven (new.grabone.co.nz) (new.grabone.co.nz). The fully-licensed bar offers local craft beers, spirits, cocktails and a wide range of New Zealand wines (www.eventfinda.co.nz). No strict dress code is enforced – smart casual attire is fine. Photography and phone use are generally allowed (no professional camera gear without permission), and there’s free Wi-Fi for diners. Restrooms are on the ground floor. Guests should note that indoors is non-smoking (in accordance with NZ law), but there is outdoor seating on the street with heaters that allows smoking. There’s no formal coat check – small personal items should be kept at your table or barstool. Tip: if you plan to dine before an event, it’s wise to arrive 30–60 minutes early to order and enjoy a meal, as kitchens may close orders before very late shows.

Nearby Amenities

Killer Prawn sits in a lively area with plenty of nearby options. Within a block are cafés and eateries (silver-tongue sushi bar, local sushi spot, a Thai restaurant, and more), and about a 5-minute walk south is the Town Basin precinct with waterfront dining and bars. Top picks in the Town Basin include *The Quay Kitchen* (modern NZ cuisine) and *Split Bar & Restaurant* (European fusion) (en.tripadvisor.com.hk) (en.tripadvisor.com.hk). For drinks after a show, the same Town Basin area has brewpubs (e.g. The Great Northern) and sports bars. Nearby accommodations along Cameron/Leigh Streets (within 10-15 minutes’ walk) include well-known motels and hotels like Scenic Hotel (Abbey St), Quest Whangarei (Leigh St) and the Grand Hotel (open-air pool on Bank St). Visitors often pair a Killer Prawn dinner with an evening out in Town Basin or with a short stroll around the Hātea River boardwalk. On event nights, it’s best to arrive early for parking or pre-drinks. For late-night options, note that taxi services or ride-shares are limited after midnight, so plan ahead for a safe ride home (or stay and enjoy a final drink downtown).

What Makes This Venue Special

Killer Prawn stands out as a blend of casual restaurant and intimate music venue. The quirky name and signature “Killer Prawn – the dish, the legend” epitomize its character: a hearty, spicy prawn stew that has become a local legend (lunchtime.co.nz). Architecturally, the two-story space with an open fireplace, wood floors and rustic decor creates a cozy vibe unlike a sterile theatre or big nightclub. The upstairs pizza lounge (“Killer Pizza”) alongside fresh seafood downstairs is an unusual combination that adds to its charm (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Culturally, by continuously serving quality local seafood and wines for 15+ years (www.eventfinda.co.nz), it has earned a reputation as a Whangārei institution. Reviewers and locals note the warm hospitality and lively ambiance (yellow.co.nz). Many patrons return for the unique mix of great food, buzzing bar and night-out vibes. Its history of hosting comedy, live bands and club nights (from jazz to slice-of-lit covers to DJ parties) gives it a special place in the community: it feels like both a favorite late-night hangout and a dining destination, which few venues manage equally well.

Visitor Tips and Information

When planning a visit: check the calendar! If you’re dining (no event booked), walk-ins are welcome during open hours (Mon–Sat 11 AM–10 PM (www.firsttable.co.nz)), but weekends can get busy. Reservations are recommended for large groups or if you want a guaranteed table. Bring photo ID if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages. For event nights, arrive early (doors may open ~1 hour before showtime) to secure seating and avoid rushing. Wear smart-casual attire (jeans and a nice top is fine). Avoid bringing large backpacks or outside food/drinks – a quick bag check is possible, but it’s not a nightclub with stringent security. Remember it’s a mixed restaurant/bar: if you’re noise-sensitive, sitting away from the speaker or near the back can provide a quieter meal. If you have mobility needs, note that all main dining is on the ground floor (wheelchair accessible) but the upstairs pizza lounge has stairs only. Finally, take advantage of the fireplace side seating in cooler weather – it’s a local favorite spot on chilly nights. By arriving a bit early and dressing comfortably, you’ll enjoy the full Killer Prawn experience without surprises.

What are the opening hours of Killer Prawn Restaurant & Bar?

Killer Prawn serves lunch and dinner every Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The venue is closed on Sundays (www.firsttable.co.nz). (Special events may run later in the evening, but normal kitchen/bar hours are as stated.)

How many people can the venue hold, and how is it laid out?

The restaurant seats roughly 100 diners. The main floor (“Boardroom”) holds most tables and the bar, plus an outdoor patio, while a second-level “Killer Pizza” lounge seats another 20–30 around a wood-fired oven. Seating is mostly at tables and some booths. For live events, tables are often rearranged to create open standing space near the bar, but there are no fixed VIP or numbered seats – all areas offer good views of the action.

Is parking available near Killer Prawn?

Yes. Street metered parking is available along Bank Street and nearby blocks (check signs for rates – typically around NZ$4 for 2 hours). For longer stays, public car parks are within short walking distance: the Central City car park (204 spaces) is about a 3-minute walk (www.parkopedia.co.nz), and Wilson ParkMate (120 spaces) is roughly 3 minutes the other way (www.parkopedia.co.nz). These secured lots use pay-and-display. A free public carpark (2-hour limit) is a bit farther away at Lower Dent Street. Plan to arrive early on busy nights, as spaces close to the venue can fill up.

How can I get to the venue using public transportation?

Whangārei’s local bus routes stop near the city centre (check the Whangārei public bus timetable for stops on Bank or Cameron Street). InterCity coaches arrive at The Hub (91 Dent Street) (www.intercity.co.nz), which is about a 10-minute walk from Killer Prawn. From The Hub, you can either walk south along Bank Street or take a local bus for one or two stops. There is also a taxi rank at The Hub, and taxi/rideshare pick-up/drop-off is available on Bank Street directly outside the restaurant.

Are children or minors allowed at Killer Prawn?

Yes, children and families are welcome for dining during normal hours. The menu includes kid-friendly options like fish & chips and pizza. For special events or late-night gigs, age rules may apply (some events are 18+ or all-ages depending on the promoter). Always check the specific event listing – if it’s an all-ages show (as some recent club nights have been), children can attend. Outside of those, smoking and heavy drinking typically start later in the evening, so expect a family-friendly atmosphere until dinner service finishes.

Does Killer Prawn have wheelchair access?

The main dining area on the ground floor is step-free from street level, so it is generally wheelchair accessible. However, the upstairs “Killer Pizza” lounge is reached by stairs only – no elevator is present. We recommend contacting the venue ahead of time if you require an accessible table or facilities (they can reserve a downstairs table near the kitchen if needed). Accessible restrooms are available on the ground floor.

Is smoking allowed inside the venue?

No. In compliance with New Zealand law, smoking is prohibited inside all parts of the venue. Guests who wish to smoke must go outside. Killer Prawn has a heated outdoor seating area at street level where smoking is permitted, so smokers can still enjoy a drink or snack outside in good weather.

What type of cuisine and menu items does Killer Prawn offer?

The menu features fresh seafood as the focus, but it also includes grill and pizza options. Signature items include the "Killer Prawn" bowl (spicy basil-infused prawns in a creamy tomato & rosemary broth with crusty bread) (lunchtime.co.nz), tempura prawns, oysters, fish & chips, and mussels. For land-lovers, there are char-grilled steaks, lamb, chicken breast, pork ribs and burgers (new.grabone.co.nz) (new.grabone.co.nz). Upstairs in the pizza lounge you’ll find gourmet pizzas (margherita, smoky BBQ toppings, etc.). The kitchen is strong on local ingredients, and the restaurant also tastes great sides and salads. They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options (e.g. veggie pizzas, salads, and pasta swaps) to accommodate dietary needs.

Does Killer Prawn serve alcohol and what drinks are available?

Yes – Killer Prawn is fully licensed. The bar stocks a wide selection of New Zealand wines (white, red and rosé) (www.eventfinda.co.nz), a variety of local and imported beers on tap and in bottles, plus house cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. They specialize in Northland seafood with matching NZ wines (many reviewers mention the wine list as a highlight). Soft drink and juice mixes are available too. Bar service is open all day until closing time, so you can order a drink even without food.

Is there Wi-Fi at the restaurant?

Yes. Killer Prawn provides free Wi-Fi for guests. You can connect on your phone or laptop while dining or waiting for an event to start. This makes it easy to check show times or use mobile ticketing apps on the spot. The Wi-Fi is open access (not password-protected), so just look for the network name when seated inside.

How early should I arrive for an event or dinner reservation?

For dinner, plan to arrive promptly when the kitchen opens at 11 AM or by early evening (finished seating by 9 PM) to ensure you have time for a meal. For evening events or shows, it’s best to come at least 30–60 minutes before the advertised start. This accounts for ordering food if you’re dining beforehand, finding parking, or getting seated. Doors usually open roughly an hour before the performance. Arriving too late risks missing portions of dinner or not getting a table if it’s busy.

Are outside food, drinks or photography allowed inside the venue?

Outside food or drinks are not permitted, as Killer Prawn is a licensed restaurant. (You are welcome to bring celebration cakes or special desserts, but staff can limited refrigeration.) Personal cameras and phones can be used freely for photos, although professional camera setups are discouraged without permission. Flash photography during performances is best avoided to not disturb others. In general, feel free to take casual snapshots of your meal or the venue, but respect others’ privacy.