Know before you go
The practical bit
- Capacity
- Auditorium 2,209 seats over two levels. The Renouf Foyer holds 400 theatre-style; the Lion Harbourview Lounge 140.
- Getting there
- 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, on Civic Square. From the airport, the Metlink Airport Express (AX) bus runs every 10 to 20 minutes. Allow 25 to 35 minutes to the station; adult fare $12.
- Tickets
- Ticketmaster NZ is the official agent; WellingtonNZ Events and the Wellington isite also sell. The box office opens 60 minutes before a ticketed event. Viagogo and TradeMe resale tickets may be refused.
- Nearby
- Civic Square and City Gallery, and the City to Sea Bridge to the waterfront. Wellington Town Hall next door is closed, with reopening projected for 2027.
- Official
- Official site and tickets → (wellingtonnz.com)
Checked on 15 October 2026 against the venue's own site. Times, prices and routes change: confirm before you travel.
In the room
The experience
The Michael Fowler Centre opened on 16 September 1983 at the south-east corner of Civic Square. Its entrance is on Wakefield Street, and the harbour is a bridge away. Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney designed it, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington are based here. The auditorium seats 2,209 over two levels, and the venue's own fact sheet says it reflects sound evenly throughout the room. Around it are the Renouf Foyer, which takes 400 theatre-style, the Lion Harbourview Lounge for 140, and smaller rooms. Next door, Wellington Town Hall remains closed, with reopening projected for 2027, so this is the city's working concert hall. The practical points are simple. There is no public parking at the venue, tickets come from Ticketmaster NZ, and the box office opens 60 minutes before a ticketed event. At interval, the City to Sea Bridge leads to the waterfront at Whairepo Lagoon.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
Buy from Ticketmaster NZ, not Viagogo or TradeMe; the venue warns that resale tickets there are often fake and need not be honoured. Leave the car: there is no public parking on site.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
Wellington's working concert hall and the home of the NZ Symphony Orchestra: a room the venue says reflects sound evenly throughout.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
NZ Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington seasons; check the programme on wellingtonnz.com. Wellington Town Hall next door is closed until a projected 2027 reopening, so most concerts are here.
Hours
Event days. The box office opens 60 minutes before a ticketed event. Advance tickets from Ticketmaster NZ, WellingtonNZ Events and the Wellington isite.
Getting there
111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, on Civic Square. No public parking at the venue: use street parking or nearby parking buildings, with a drop-off area at the front off Wakefield Street. Metlink bus stops are nearby. From the airport, the Metlink Airport Express (AX) runs via Courtenay Place and Lambton Quay every 10 to 20 minutes. Allow 25 to 35 minutes to the station; adult fare $12.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates and tickets come from the venue itself. Opens wellingtonnz.com in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is the Michael Fowler Centre?
111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington, at the south-east corner of Civic Square with its entrance on Wakefield Street. Wellington Town Hall is next door and the City to Sea Bridge leads to the waterfront.
Is there parking at the Michael Fowler Centre?
No, there is no public parking at the venue. Use street parking or nearby parking buildings. There is a drop-off and pick-up area at the front, off Wakefield Street, and Metlink bus stops nearby.
How many seats does the Michael Fowler Centre have?
2,209 in the auditorium, over two levels. The Renouf Foyer takes 400 theatre-style or 500 for a cocktail event, and the Lion Harbourview Lounge 140.
How do I get to the Michael Fowler Centre from Wellington Airport?
Take the Metlink Airport Express (route AX), which runs via Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay every 10 to 20 minutes. It is about 25 to 35 minutes to the station; adult fare $12 by cash or contactless. The venue is at 111 Wakefield Street.
Where do I buy tickets for the Michael Fowler Centre?
From Ticketmaster NZ, the official agent, or from WellingtonNZ Events and the Wellington isite. The box office opens 60 minutes before a ticketed event. The venue warns that Viagogo and TradeMe resale tickets are often fake and need not be honoured.
What kind of music is at the Michael Fowler Centre?
Symphonic and choral music first: it is the home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington, with touring concerts and events between.
Why is the Michael Fowler Centre in the Sonic Paths atlas?
It is Wellington's working concert hall and the NZ Symphony Orchestra's home, a 2,209-seat room the venue says reflects sound evenly throughout.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
Find a bed close to Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington through our accommodation partner, Stay22.
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