The Black Box

The Black Box is a recent addition to the spaces and places that make our city feel people-centred and connected, and is located inside Papa Hou, 4 Rolleston Avenue, adjacent to the Hotel.

So named because it is truly a performance and function venue which is a blank canvas for your creative or corporate event ideas.  The point of creating a Black Box was to be so adaptable that the space can be used for day-time functions, while also being a great space for an evening’s entertainment.  

Versatile and Adaptable Conference Venue

The Black Box, a hidden treasure of Papa Hou can take up to 500 people standing – and everything else in-between. Hirers can also utilise a full licensed lobby area for pre-performance or pre-event drinks, or use as a break-out room when in conference mode.  Best of all, it will not cost the earth to deliver a show or event that is remembered. The Black Box is a blank canvas for your creative or corporate event ideas.  

Flexible and Functional Theatre Space

Seating 200 people theatre-style, you can do pretty much anything in this space – from traditional raked seating before a stage, to an empty room with a single spotlight.  Anything is possible because of it’s clever design:  that is – we have appointed this space with all the technical requirements of a professional theatre while at the same time allowing enormous flexibility in terms how the equipment (lights, sound, seating, dressing rooms etc) can be arranged and utilised.

Catering

We offer on site catering and hirers can utilise a fully licensed lobby area for pre-performance or pre-event drinks, or use as a break-out room when in conference mode.  We also have Atawhai Cafe on our lower level offering delicious coffee and tasty treats.

Boardroom 

We have a professional boardroom available for hire, complete with smart screen, space for approximately 20 people and a kitchenette complete with fridge and kettle for refreshments.  

Raupo Room

If you are looking for a smaller, flexible space, we have the Raupō Room.  It is a 91sqm room located adjacent to the café on the ground floor.

This space is flexible in terms of seating configuration and will suit formal and informal meetings, small group activities and workshops.