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The Wintergarden at The Civic was originally a ballroom with a view into the main auditorium. People dancing (or eating) in The Wintergarden could look up and see the stage and screen in the main theatre, and people in the theatre could look down and see the dance floor and band.
The venue was used as a cabaret, night club, and tearoom. People could dance until the early hours of the morning, and though they weren’t supposed to have any alcohol, this didn’t stop people smuggling it in!
During World War 2, The Civic was a popular place for people to relax and have a good time- especially after 1942 with the arrival of American servicemen – though The Wintergarden was usually reserved for officers and their friends.
The Civic is on the corner of Queens Street and Wellesley Street.
The Civic Car Park is a short distance from Aotea Square, Aotea Centre, The Civic and Auckland Town Hall, as well as other Aotea Arts Quarter venues, making it a great option for attending shows and events.
Mobility parking:
During standard hours, the first 2 hours of mobility parking are free with usual rates applied afterwards. After 6pm and on weekends, mobility parking is free. Take your mobility card and entry ticket to a pay machine, and press the help button. There are 20 mobility parking spots available, with locations as below:
Information to note:
It is important, however, to remember that sometimes all our venues are filled with events. Make sure you have a backup parking plan.
As of July 2021, paper tickets are no longer required at The Civic Carpark. When you drive in, your licence plate number will be scanned and the gate will open. Once you’re ready to leave, you can pay by entering your licence plate number via the AT Park app (note, you may need to make payment prior to entering the underground area to remain in range of cell phone service). If you don’t have the app, you can pay via a payment machine by inputing your licence plate number. Once your payment has been made, simply drive straight out.
Visit our Parking and Transport page for more information.
You can enjoy a pre-show drink in the theatre bar, or for something a bit more substantial, visit Stark’s Café and Bar. Stark’s offers special show-themed cocktails, as well as Caffe L’Affare coffee, tea, and cold drinks. If you’re headed to The Civic for a matinee, you can also enjoy cabinet food such as filled baguettes, croissants, and bagels. It’s a great place to visit for a showtime treat.
Visit our Eating and Drinking page for more information.
Auckland Live venues and events are operating to the Covid-19 Protection Framework. Click here for our Covid-19 FAQs and information on how we are keeping our people, visitors, and venues safe.
