Totara Street Live Music Venue
Totara Street is one of New Zealand’s most popular live music venues. It has become a key date on EP and album tours by New Zealand bands, and many a visiting international act. There are key reasons why Totara Street is chosen by both established and up-and-coming artists. They include being located in Mount Maunganui, which has an awesome beach and is nested in New Zealand’s fifth largest city of Tauranga. The venue has a healthy capacity of around 400, but this can be reduced by closing the upper level. There is also a hunger for live music and original songwriting in the local area (this isn’t exclusive to the Mount, but it helps). Finally, atmosphere. When the lower level is near capacity, it’s a pretty darn good atmosphere. The room does get very warm, but it helps there is a long entranceway to escape to for some cooler air. Now, onto the pictures.
Ekko Park at Totara Street
From the Thrift Shop Ball at Totara Street
Bonny Hurunui, White Chapel Jak, at Totara St.
No Cigar at Totara St
Marmalade Skies at Totara St
Dancer Bella Wilson at Totara St
Willy Ferrier of No Cigar at Totara St
Dead Empire at Totara St
The Veils at Totara St
Grace Cummings at Totara St
Silhouette of a person behind a semi-transparent curtain, with a hand holding a cigarette, in black and white.
Black and white photo of a woman with long hair dancing or performing, wearing a lace top and fishnet stockings, against a dark background.
A person looking into an illuminated oval mirror, with a blurred background.
A woman with long hair wearing a patterned bandana dances in a dimly lit nightclub with fog and bright lights, while a DJ plays music in the background.
Silhouette of a woman holding a large, decorative Asian-style handheld fan in black and white.
Bonny Hurunui of White Chapel Jak.
A black and white photo of a woman in a dance pose, extending her arms forward, with her face partially visible and her curls in motion.
Black and white photo of a person standing near a tall, illuminated, spinning LED or neon sign or sculpture with complex patterns, in a dark setting.
A person playing drums in a dimly lit environment, head bowed and hair covering their face, captured in black and white.
Jade Marr of The Darlings at Totara St
Ruby Rebel, at Totara Street.
Naomi Pitcher backstage at Totara St
Flaxxies perform at Totara St
Marmalade Skies before their final gig at Totara St
Some of my favourite acts at Totara Street
I could list dozens of bands and artists that have been incredible at Totara Street. Alas, I’ll try to keep it brief. To begin, there is Orewa band th’goodside, then Auckland band Racing that I’ve seen three times now at Totara Street. Every performance has been sensational. Talking of sensational, Gin Wigmore (supported by her amazing band) was something else when she came to Mount Maunganui in 2023, as were Auckland band Daffodils in 2022. And then, we have the out of this world White Chapel Jak and a legendary performance in November 2023.
The Jordan Luck Band, often supported by the fantastic Ekko Park, always bring the down the house at Totara Street so if you can, go and see them when they roll into town next on one of their tours of New Zealand. I’ll add to this list, but want to sign off at this stage by naming a support act. Grace Cummings, a Folk/Blues musician from Melbourne, is one of the finest artists I’ve ever heard.
What is coming up at Totara St
Head on over to the Totara Street events page to find out future concerts and events - including comedy gigs.
FAQ about Totara Street live music venue
Hopefully what’s below will help if you’ve yet to visit Totara Street and would like to know a little more before you arrive.
Where is Totara Street live music venue?
Totara Street Live Music Venue is at 11 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, with Mauao Performing Arts Centre at the front. The phone number is 0800 11 22 41. The website is totarastreet.co.nz
Where can you park near to Totara Street live music venue?
There are a few road side spaces close to the venue, though they are normally occupied. If passing the venue (so it is on your right) you will come to a junction with Rata Street about 100m away. There are more parking spaces to your left, or, turn right and there are often spaces at night on Maunganui Road.
How many people can Totara Street hold?
With both levels open, Totara Street live music venue can hold around 400 people. When at this capacity, the bottom part near the stage can feel slightly packed in, but no different to another live music venue. However, you only have to move to the sides, the back, or upstairs to get some space.
Where can bands park to bring their equipment in?
There is ample space for bands and artists to park outside the venue entrance if they have a van/car/ute. Obviously chat with the Totara Srreet team beforehand.
Where is the accessible toilet at Totara Street live music venue?
If looking at the stage, it is to the left, just past the downstairs bar. The staff on the door are really lovely and can point you in the right direction.
Is there a green room at Totara St for artist and bands?
Yes, there is a green room for artists and bands at Totara Street. It is very comfortable, with sofas, space, windows for air, and always has a good supply of refreshments. There are also two bathrooms for artists close by, and a kitchen. You get to the stage from the green room by going through a private door, then past the bar in the audience area. It is about a 30-40m distance.
Is the lighting at Totara Street helpful for music photography?
Well, it is like any indoor music venue: dark with lights that go red, blue, purple, green, It is more helpful lighting, from a photography perspective, than many a location I’ve been to. I’ve always found the lighting teams to be really kind and helpful. There will always be some clean light provided during a set. Just anticipate it so you are ready to shoot when it arrives.
Where can photographers stand at Totara Street?
It depends on how busy the gig is. If it is sold out then you’ll struggle to move at the front. There is a spot to the left (as you are looking at the stage) where the artists enter the stage. You have space here to stand. My advice, if the location is sold out or nearly sold out, is to stand to the right of the stage (as you are looking at it) for the first 1-2 songs, then move to the left of the stage where artists enter. You can also get an ok shot from the staircase. Just be mindful not to slip as people’s drinks do get spilt on stairs.
Let’s work together.
Planning a performance at Totara Street and want music photography? Simply send me a message via the form below and I’ll get right back to you.