BNZ Theatre | Getting Here

Walking is a viable option for access the site for people living or working within 2 km of the BNZ Theatre.  Figure 1 overleaf shows the areas that are within a 15 minute walk, and within a 30 minute walk.  The catchment for a 15 minute walk includes those people originating from most places within the city centre, as well as the areas immediately adjacent to the eastern end of the Claudelands Road and Anzac Parade Bridges.  The catchment for a 30 minute walk includes those people originating from Whitiroa and Claudelands in the north, Hamilton East in the east, Hamilton Lake to the south, and Frankton to the west.  

In addition to on-road footpaths, there are paths along the Waikato River that link directly with the Waikato Regional Theatre.  There is also a shared path along the rail line, linking to the western edge of the city centre.  

Cycling is a viable option for access the site for people living or working within 5 km of the BNZ Theatre, which is up to an approximately 30 minute journey.  Figure 2 overleaf shows the areas of Hamilton within a 30 minute cycle of the Waikato Regional Theatre.  This includes Te Rapa and Chartwell to the north, Enderley and parts of Hillcrest in the east, Melville in the south, and parts of Dinsdale and Nawton in the west.  

Existing on and off road cycle facilities within the cycle catchment are shown in Figure 3 below.  These include on road facilities on key routes such as Ulster Street/Victoria Street/Te Rapa Road to the north, Grey Street/Clyde Street/Anzac Parade to the east, Pembroke Street to the south, and Massey Road/Hall Street/Mill Street to the west.  There are also off-road cycle trials along the Waikato River that link directly with the site, and the shared path along the rail lain that links to the western edge of the city centre.  With exception to the Waikato River path, none of the existing facilities connect directly to the BNZ Theatre. However it is noted that the proposed Hamilton Biking Plan includes routes through the city, namely along or parallel to Bryce Street, and Victoria Street.  

There are a number of on-street cycle stands within the CBD in close proximity to the development site.  The development will also provide secure bicycle parking for staff, and a cycle stands for patrons of the theatre/food and beverage tenancies.  

The current Hamilton Bus Network is shown in Figure 4 overleaf.  Hamilton City Buses generally run between 7 am and 9 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am and 8 pm weekends and public holidays.  The exception to this are the Night rider services that run at 12 am and 2 am Saturdays and Sundays, on loops around the city.  Most bus routes connect directly to the Hamilton Transport Centre on Bryce Street in the City Centre, or allow for connections that do.  

Bus fares for adults are currently $3.30 for adults ($2.40 with BUSIT card) and $2.20 for children ($1.70 with BUSIT card), with discounts for senior citizens and university students.  Fares are valid for an hour, including unlimited transfers.  The current bus timetables may limit the suitability of public transport for accessing the site, as the bus services may finish before the end of shows at the theatre or staff shifts.  However taxis and services such as Uber could be used for the journey home.  

(public transport fares may vary)

The Hamilton Transport Centre is located approximately 850 m from the Waikato Regional Theatre.  Travel options between the Hamilton Transport Centre to development site include the following:

Walking - approximately 10 minutes  

Free CBD Shuttle (runs an anticlockwise look around the city centre from the transport centre):

Disembarking at 52 Alexandra Street (300 m/four minute walk) from the development site 

Disembarking a 171 Victoria Street opposite the development site

It is also noted that bus routes 2, 6, 78, 10, 12, 13, and 17 which service the southern and south eastern areas of the city also stop at 209 Anglesea Street when passing through the city centre.  This bus stop is closer to the BNZ Theatre, at around a five minute (400 m) walk.  The location of the aforementioned bus stops and a possible walking route relative to the BNZ Theatre are shown in Figure 5.  

Car pooling is a more sustainable transport option (as opposed to single occupancy vehicles) which is cheaper, and helps to minimise car parking demand and road congestion.  Car pooling can be undertaken with acquaintances, however websites such as www.smarttravel.org.nz could also be used to connect with other people also heading to the BNZ Theatre.  

It is recommended that those people who intend to drive identify suitable parking areas in advance of arriving at the site.  This will help to avoid congestion on the streets immediately surrounding the BNZ Theatre, in particular Victoria Street, generated by people first driving to the theatre, then trying to find a parking space as close as possible.  

In terms of on-street car parking in the city centre, the location of available car parking spaces can be determined by using the PayMyPark app.  This allows drivers to drive straight to available parking as opposed to circulating when trying to find a car parking spaces.  Payment for on-street car parking can also be made through this app.  

In addition to on-street parking are the numerous off-street car parking areas located within walking distance of the Waikato Regional Theatre.  These parking areas are shown in Figure 6 overleaf, and are listed as follows:

 Within a five minute walk:

          Knox Street Car Park

      Garden Place Car Park

        Museum Car Park

         Meteor Theatre Car Park

          Sky City

          Collingwood Street Car Park

        Within a 10 minute walk:

    Sonning Car Park

Centre Place

   Hamilton Central

On the key north/south road access points into the city centre, namely Victoria Street and Anglesea Street, variable message signs are provided indicating the occupancy of many of these car parking areas.  This information can be used to guide drivers to the nearest car parking area with