Toitoi: Opera House
Hastings
Toitoi is located in Hastings’ city centre and is Te Matau a Māui/Hawke’s Bay’s leading theatre, performing arts and events venue, capable of hosting a wide variety of events. It is the cultural heart of the CBD.
Phone
(06) 871 5289
Website
Opera House
About
Toitoi is recognised as Hawke’s Bay’s premier performing arts facility. Toitoi was awarded Qualmark Gold in February 2023, which recognises Toitoi as among the best sustainable tourism businesses in Aotearoa.
The Toitoi Opera House was built in 1915 and is one of the top lyric theatres in Australasia. Surrounded by an opulent Art Nouveau interior of awe-inspiring proportions, the Opera House theatre guarantees a memorable experience.
Accessibility
When you get here, please let one of our front of house team know you’ve arrived so we can ensure you have everything you need.
You can either pop into our Box Office on the corner of Eastbourne and Hastings Streets, email accessibility@toitoivenues.co.nz or phone us on +64 6 871 5289.
Wheelchairs
We have two wheelchairs in the venue for patrons to use. There are four wheelchair seats available at all times, with the potential to add more if demand requires. These have companion seats.
Bring your bestie
Service dogs are welcome at Toitoi. Please let our team know when booking so we can arrange appropriate seating for you.
Sensory spaces
If you need a quiet space, away from crowds, to wait before the show begins, please let us know when booking. We can arrange a suitable waiting area for you. If you would like a tour of the venue to familiarise yourself with our spaces prior to the show, please get in touch and we can arrange this for you.
Mobility Parking
If you need accessible carparks, there are two on Eastbourne Street, and four in the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway carpark. These are all free of charge.
Getting into Toitoi
Toitoi has two street entrances, on Hastings Street. The Cushing Foyer entrance is level, while the Opera House entrance has a ramp or stairs. Once inside Toitoi, the Opera House, Cushing Foyer and Functions on Hastings are all level entry.
Lift access is available to the Dress Circle, but not the Grand Circle. The Grand Circle Bar is also inaccessible. Our wheelchair seats are accessed via a corridor on the ground floor, which is signposted. If you’re not sure where to go, please ask one of our friendly Toitoi crew.
Audio loops
The Opera House is fitted with an audio loop in certain areas, which amplifies the sound of the performance for hearing aids. The sound quality can vary, however, so we advise those who require this loop to get in touch for advice on the best seats for any particular show.
Wheelchair accessible toilets
Wheelchair toilet facilities are standalone and located on the ground floor, accessed via Cushing Foyer. We have two unisex toilets at Toitoi – one on the ground floor (accessed via Cushing Foyer) and the other in the Dress Circle Foyer, which can also be accessed via the lift.