Situated on the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is a diverse and multicultural city. It’s known as the City of Sails. With its wealth of architectural landmarks and varied cultural institutions, it’s a centre for all events – cocktail parties, conferences, art performances, weddings, meetings, gala dinners, and so much more.
No matter how big or small your upcoming Auckland event is, you can find the perfect venue for your event in this colourful city, be it contemporary or traditional. And if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve listed down the best free and low-cost venues for hire in the City of Sails.
1. The Attic Bar and Restaurant
Location: 1st Floor, 53-57 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland
Capacity: Contact venue
Price: Free (Minimum order required)
Nearest Bus: 1 minute from 29 Tamaki Dr
The Attic Bar & Restaurant provides an excellent free venue for hire for functions of all types and sizes. Perfect for dinner and drinks, engagement parties, birthdays, corporate functions, and any other celebration you can imagine, the venue can accommodate your event requirement for small or large functions.
It offers excellent food and bar options. You can choose from À la carte, set menu, platters, or canapés for food. And bar options range from regular service (cash bar), open bar, to champagne station on arrival. It offers an extensive choice to meet your taste, your guests, and your budget.
2. Woodside
Location: 639 Great South RD Manukau City Auckland
Capacity: 96
Price: Free (Minimum order required)
Nearest Bus: 2 minutes from 18 Ronwood Ave
Woodside is a free venue hire gem in Manukau, Auckland.
It’s a modern Kiwi bar and restaurant offering its private upstairs venue for no cost with just a minimum spend on catering. This offer also comes with their team of professional event organizers doing all the work for you – so you can sit back and relax while the Woodside teams handle all the hassle.
Accommodating up to 96 people, the venue also comes with a state-of-the-art AV system, bathroom facilities, and a fully stocked bar all to yourself.
3. Fort Takapuna – The Barracks
Location: 170 Vauxhall Road, Narrow Neck, Auckland 0624
Capacity: 20-50
Price: $19-24
Nearest Bus: 1 minute from Old Lake Rd/Handley Ave
Built initially as large open dormitories during World War II in 1939, The Fort Takapuna Barracks underwent a restoration project and was brought back to life for the community. It now serves as an event space for multiple occasions as the barracks feature three different large rooms.
You can hire The Barracks for a whole range of activities such as exercise classes, meetings, and often as a popular choice as wedding receptions as the reserve next to the venue offers stunning views of the Narrow Neck beach.
Location: 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 1042
Capacity: 10-80
Price: $24-110
Nearest Bus: 3 minutes from 471 Mt Albert Rd
Conveniently situated near the junction of Mt Albert Road and Mt Eden Road on Three Kings, the Fickling Convention Center offers many different function spaces perfect for a range of events.
You can book your wedding reception or conferences in the large spaces, while you can also hold small gatherings or meetings in the venue’s small bookable spaces. Prices range from $24 per hour on the small rooms and large halls up to $110.
Depending on your event and budget requirements, the Fickling Convention Center has something for you.
5. Mt Albert War Memorial Hall
Location: Councillors Drive, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025
Capacity: 200-270
Price: $55-69
Nearest Bus: 2 minutes from Opp 790 New North Rd
The Mt Albert War Memorial Hall is a large venue situated next to Rocket Park and is popular for large exhibitions, events, and social functions.
The hall features a stage with an accessible toilet, podium, piano, and tables and chairs. It’s an airconditioned space with natural light beaming from its large windows, making it ideal for events requiring a spacious and light vibe.
Location: 11 Griffin Avenue, One Tree Hill, Auckland 1023
Capacity: 20-40
Price: $27-34
Nearest Bus: 4 minutes from Gillies Ave/Melville Park
With a maximum capacity of 40, the Athol Syms Hall is an intimate venue for hire made for meetings and small group activities.
It’s perfect for small celebrations. There’s also a kitchen available at the venue, which makes it ideal if you’re planning to host a small dinner or lunch party for your friends and family.
Location: 35 St George Street, Papatoetoe
Capacity: 300-350
Price: $47-59
Nearest Bus: 1minute from Papatoetoe
This heritage hall, built in 1917, is a popular venue for dance parties and cinema events. A century later, this place is still popular for large functions, events, and community gatherings.
The main hall and supper room can be booked off-peak at $47.20 and $59 per hour for peak times.
If you want your event to have a touch of the traditional and cultural side, the Papatoetoe Town Hall will surely hit the spot.
Location: 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, Auckland
Capacity: 12-60
Price: $20-57
Nearest Bus: 1minute from 4 Fred Thomas Dr
The Lake House Arts Centre is composed of seven different beautiful spaces that you can hire for a whole host of occasions and needs. It’s a unique venue for meetings, training, art workshops, small conferences, and product launches.
With its stunning gardens, free parking, and accessibility to Auckland City, Lake House Arts Centre is an ideal venue that makes the loveliest setting for an indoor or outdoor function.
Location: Shop 2F, 22 Emily Place, Auckland City Centre AUK 1010
Capacity: 40
Price: $10-70
Nearest Bus: 1 minute from 80 Queen St
If you’re looking for an intimate workshop space, The Aaiotanga Community Space is a warm and comfortable venue that nicely holds groups from 4 to 40. While it’s perfect for workshops, it’s also ideal as shared office space and can have up to six desks.
All venue hire options include power and access to WIFI, digital projector, and whiteboards.
