Access

View of building from the street

Te Whare o Rukutia is being designed as a welcoming, easy to use, and inclusive space. 

We know that visiting a new place can be challenging for some people and you may have additional questions about coming to Te Whare o Rukutia.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for here, have additional access requirements that you would like to discuss, or have difficulty booking tickets online, we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have – please get in touch.

We can meet with you, talk to you on the phone, or you can send us an email.

  • Phone : 03 477 3350
  • Email: access@rukutia
  • Visit: 19 George Street, Dunedin

The information on this page is in sections. You can click on the links below to go straight to that section and use your browser back button to come back to the list here.

Getting to the venue

Te Whare o Rukutia is at 20 Princes Street, Dunedin Central, 9016 (Google maps link). It’s very close to the Octagon, next door to the Night n Day store on the corner, heading towards Moray Place.

Accessible parking

There are two accessible 120 minute mobility parks directly opposite the venue on Princes Street and two mobility parks in the Octagon.

For more information, see the DCC website here – there is a map of parks at the bottom of the page.

Other parking options

There is pay-and-display parking around the Octagon, and in all surrounding streets. There is a slight incline in some areas and the top part of Moray Place has a gentle slope.

There are parking buildings in both upper and lower Moray Place.

The car park at 54 Moray Place, (Wilson’s Parking), has two lifts (for alternate floors). At the time of writing only one lift is operational. The walk to the venue via Moray Place includes some downhill slopes or you can go through the tunnel that comes out beside Nova Café in the Octagon.

The car park in lower Moray Place (DCC) is between lower Stuart Street and Burlington Street. The walk to the venue from here includes some uphill slopes and you can either go via Moray Place or Stuart Street (this way has less incline).

Information about DCC parking buildings is available here. 

Drop off

If you are being dropped off or picked up by car, there are several five-minute parks on both sides of Princes Street near the venue..

By bus

There are several bus services that pass close to Te Whare O Rukutia, and the Bus Hub is a mostly flat walk of approximately three blocks, with some gentle uphill inclines. 

For a complete list of bus services and a journey planner, see the ORC website, download the Transit app, or use Google Maps.

You can also download a PDF of all the bus routes in Dunedin.

By taxi

There is a taxi rank just across the Octagon. Staff will be happy to call a taxi to collect you from the venue – please just ask us.

Wheelchair and limited mobility access

Te Whare o Rukutia has level access throughout and there is a public accessible toilet.

For most events, all seats are at ground level and seats can easily be removed to make additional space for people who use wheelchairs.

Our box office and customer service areas have lowered service points and are accessible for people in wheelchairs.

The front door has level access into the building, but the door is somewhat heavy. Also, it’s a double door and both doors may need to be open for it to be wide enough for a wheelchair. Most of the time, when people are arriving for shows, both doors will be open. However, there may be times when staff need to hold open doors for easier access.

Guide and service dogs

Guide dogs and service dogs are very welcome at Te Whare o Rukutia. If you are bringing a guide or service dog, please let us know before you arrive so we can make sure we have what you and your dog need, such as water or extra space etc.

If your dog needs to stay with you during the show, we will arrange space next to your chair and a place close to the exit. 

Some shows may not be suitable for your dog due to sound levels or lighting effects and you may want to consider an alternative guiding aid. If you are unsure about whether a show will be suitable for your service dog, get in touch with us.

Attending a show

Our staff are very happy to assist anyone who needs it. This can include any of the following:

  • Moving tables or furniture to help with access
  • Assistance with menus or ordering
  • Large print menus
  • Communication cards are available below or at the box office and bar areas
  • Table service
  • Seating requests
  • Finding a quiet place
Download a communication card here
Buying tickets

You can buy tickets through our website or over the phone with a credit card. If you have additional access needs and would like to speak to someone before buying your tickets, call us on 03 477 3350 or email access@rukutia.nz.

Seating options

We have seats at different height levels available – 43cm, 48cm, and 53cm. The higher ones have footrests. We also have some chairs with armrests and some with additional spacing between chairs. If you have a preference, let us know. 

Also, if you would prefer a seat that is close to an exit in case you need to leave, or close to the stage, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Companions and support people

If a companion or support person will be assisting with your visit, please let us know when you are buying a ticket. In most cases, we will be able to issue a free ticket to the person accompanying you. However, some companies may charge for companion seats.

Checking tickets

Tickets are delivered electronically to an email address. When you arrive at the venue, you can show your ticket to be scanned, or a photo ID that matches the name on the tickets.

Our staff will help you get to your seat if you would like them to.

Wheelchair access

The venue has good level access throughout the space. The front door is heavy and may need both sides to be opened to be wide enough for a wheelchair, but staff will assist. We can remove chairs to accommodate a wheelchair almost anywhere in the room. 

The accessible toilet is at the back of the room and signposted.

If you are attending a show with a wheelchair, please let us know when you book your tickets so that we can prioritise your entry.

Room layout

You can find the basic floor plan of the space here.

This is a flexible venue by design and shows can be set up in many ways. If you would like to know the venue layout for a particular show, please get in touch with us.

Show content

Strobe lighting

We will do our best to ensure show descriptions include mention of strobe lighting if it is a feature in the show and to have signage in the venue as well but this may not always be possible. Please contact us if you have any questions about strobe or flashing lighting for a show you are attending. 

Lighting, special effects, haze, smoke etc

Some shows may require a complete blackout or very low lighting. Some may have other special effects like fake smoke or haze. This information may be listed with the show description but if you would like more information about the way a particular show is staged or lit, please get in touch. We will be happy to give you as much information as we have.

Trigger warnings

Some shows contain content that might be distressing to some people. Information about content can usually be found within the description of the show on our website but if you have any other questions or concerns, please get in touch.