The Cabana

Legendary live music bar, all styles welcome.

New Zealand’s oldest pure rock’n’roll venue has a history dating all the way back to the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and a live music legacy that goes back to the 1950s. In 1955 the Empire Hotel became Hotel Cabana and in the same year rock’n’roll swept through the country.

Published in 2007, Lee Pritchard’s limited edition book ‘Hotel Cabana’ chronicled the hotel’s fascinating history from its beginnings to the 2000s.

Hours: 1am music deadline. Bar closes 1:30am.
Kitchen: Snacks only.
Accommodation: The Cabana has a deal with Toad Hall Backpackers next door. Musicians get special rates. Email ruthie.gareth@gmail.com, ph 06 835 5555.
Sound: Full in-house PA provided. (JBL-based.) X32 mixer. Big and small stage options. Some backline available.
Engineer: In-house engineers available to hire from $150, or BYO.
Lighting: RGB ILDA Laser with Pangolin FBC Controller / 1 x LSC Mantra Light controller.
Access: Flat access through main doors.
Promo assistance: Website, email outs, Facebook. The Cabana advertises on Radio Hauraki, The Edge and Bay FM. Local papers support The Cabana also with interviews and page space.

The Cabana is New Zealand’s oldest pure live music venue and is steeped in musical history. The stage sound at The Cabana is renowned.