A trip down memory lane: The lost venues of Tāmaki Makaurau

Neck of the Woods is by no means the first Aotearoa music venue to have challenges. Over the years we've has seen countless institutions come and go - each special in their own way. In reminiscence of the nights gone by, we dug into the archives for a tour down memory lane highlighting a few of the most iconic Tāmaki venues to grace our local scene.

The Kings Arms

The Kings Arms operated as a live music venue in Newton from 1988 to 2018. It became one of Auckland’s most active independent venues, hosting local and international acts across rock, punk, metal, and indie. Its size and regular booking schedule made it a staple for touring artists and emerging bands.

Who played there
The White Stripes played there in 2000 before their global breakthrough. Other notable acts included The Misfits, The National, and many New Zealand acts such as The D4, The Datsuns, and Die! Die! Die! and much more.

What happened
The venue closed on February 28, 2018, after the site was sold for redevelopment. The building was demolished later that year and replaced by apartments.

The St James

The St James Theatre opened on Queen Street in 1928 and quickly became one of Auckland’s most important performance venues. While it began as a grand cinema and theatre, it later became a major stop for live music, large-scale touring acts, and stage productions. With a capacity far beyond most city venues, it played a key role in Auckland’s entertainment history for decades.

Who played there
The St James hosted major international acts including David Bowie, The Kinks, Lou Reed, and Tom Waits, along with large New Zealand productions and orchestral performances. Through the 1970s and 1980s it became one of the city’s premier spaces for bigger touring artists.

What happened
The St James closed in 2015 due to structural and safety concerns, along with surrounding apartment development issues. Restoration plans have been discussed for years, and currently development is in progress, though the building remains closed as of today.

Dogs Bollix

Dogs Bollix was a K Road venue active through the 1990s and early 2000s. It became known as a smaller room for local rock and alternative acts, with a focus on regular live shows.

Who played there
It hosted many local bands in their early stages and served as a stepping stone into larger venues. It's was less about major headline acts and more about supporting the city’s working music scene. It also hosted numerous side shows for international artists over the years. Notable performers include PJ Harvey, The White Stripes, The Mint Chicks, and Pluto.

What happened
The venue went through multiple ownership changes and eventually closed due to rising lease costs, which pushed out many smaller hospitality businesses in the area.

The Gluepot

The Gluepot ran out of the Ponsonby Club Hotel and operated as a major Auckland live venue from the 1970s into the 1990s. It played a key role in the rise of New Zealand rock music and early touring circuits.

Who played there
Split Enz, Dragon, Th’ Dudes, Toy Love, The Chills, Straitjacket Fits, and Shihad all performed there during early stages of their careers. International acts also passed through, including John Cale and Warren Zevon.

What happened
The venue closed in 1994 as live music moved to other parts of the city. The building still stands but no longer operates as a music space.