Things To Do

Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre

101 Hastings Street South, Hastings 4122

Rating: 4.8 ★ (380 ratings)

Details

Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre stands as the cultural heart of Hastings, providing a distinctive blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and advanced modern technology. This premier venue, situated conveniently in the Hastings CBD, has undergone significant refurbishment and earthquake strengthening, reopening in stages from February 2020 and fully from August 2022. It boasts a welcoming atmosphere within smart Art Deco surroundings, distinguishing itself as a 4th Generation Venue that fosters learning and cultural understanding rather than merely a hire facility.

At the core of Toitoi lies the historic Opera House, established in 1915, celebrated as one of Australasia's finest lyric theatres with its opulent Art Nouveau interior and exceptional acoustics. Beyond this grand theatre, the centre encompasses several other spaces, including the modern Functions on Hastings events venue and the multi-level Cushing Foyer, alongside the Municipal Building. Toitoi hosts a wide and varied programme of events, ranging from international concerts, award-winning theatre, and comedy festivals to local school productions and cultural celebrations, with onsite catering and various hospitality options available within the precinct.

This versatile centre caters to a diverse audience, making it ideal for visitors keen to immerse themselves in performing arts and cultural events. Its accessible facilities, which include provision for wheelchairs and sensory spaces, also make it suitable for family visits, with a newly added Kids' Festival in the offing. Toitoi's commitment to sustainability is recognised with a Qualmark Gold accreditation, and its overall appeal lies in its inspiring setting that thoughtfully blends Hawke's Bay's rich heritage with a forward-looking vision for arts and events.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: Closed | Sunday: Closed

Contact

+64 6 871 5289 | http://toitoivenues.co.nz/

Comments

d watson
6 Sep 2026
5.0 ★
Absolutely magnificent old Opera house. If you happen to see an offer there the acoustics are amazing.
merlin astley-jones
23 Jun 2026
5.0 ★
What an excellent little venue. Art Deco building in amazing condition. Lovely seating and a great view of the stage. Wonderful place to watch a show.
Peter Lineham
25 May 2024
5.0 ★
Actually we were at a conference in the Cushing foyer with meals in the Shakespeare hall on either side of the opera house. A superb location for a conference although we did get a bit wet going between the two. But this end of Hastings is so smart and art deco. And the shops and numerous roundabouts make it very pleasant to visit.
Cam
18 Dec 2021
5.0 ★
Definitely proud to have been part of the team for the few years we were here doing the seismic strengthening on the Opera House, new build for functions on Hastings and the Municipal. Now that our community are using it and it’s all lively again is just something special to see and know you had a little part in history. It looks amazing and hearing everyone commenting about it is just rewarding.
Wayne Dobson
8 Jun 2021
5.0 ★
Although full restoration of the Municipal Building is incomplete, the Opera House, Foyer and Atrium conversion (to a fully operational function centre) restore the complex to a functional state capable of hosting large events and conferences. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and organised, willing and able to assist from planning to execution of your event. The Opera House acoustics remain world class, the upgrade has improved audience comfort while retaining its Art Deco era appeal. From a technical A/V perspective I did notice a small amount of noise from the venue power supply, but this was easily dealt with.

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