The Pumphouse Theatre

The Pumphouse Theatre is a venue for a diverse range of performing arts such as plays, musicals, dance, Shakespeare, stand-up comedy, concerts, book launches, poetry and play readings. The main building and the cafe are beautifully located next to Killarney Park, on the edge of Lake Pupuke in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland. Built in 1905, The Pumphouse was originally a water pumping station that pumped water from the lake Pupuke to the early settlers in Devonport, about 15km away. However, when the Waitakere Ranges became Auckland’s main water supply source in the 1930s, Pumphouse was decommissioned and gradually fell into disrepair. Its identity as a theatre is the legacy of a dedicated local community of art and history lovers who in the late 1960s rescued it from demolition and raised funds for the restoration of this old building into a theatre. This group of locals later established the North Shore Theatre & Arts Trust which still administers The Pumphouse. In 1983 it was listed as a Category II Historic Building under the protection of The New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

An absolute treat to visit this place again after over 40 years. It was a ruin in my days in Takapuna but I visited last night to see my old friend Geoff’s play “Rangitoto”. Everything about the venue is a treat but the play, the casting, costumes, set and direction was superb. A beautiful night!

I went to a great play called Relatively Speaking. The Pumphouse has a nice atmosphere. Ticketing was well-organised given we had to change nights due to a storm on our designated night. I like the Pumphouse. Great local theatre in Takapuna.

We came here for the "The Merchant of Venice" Shakespeare in the Park show and it was amazing! We come every year and love it. Luckily, the weather held off and it was a perfect evening for a show. The staff were lovely and got our tickets scanned fast. You do need a vaccine passport to attend though.

This is such a beautiful theatre, inside and outside. I've seen Hair and Woman in Black here, both fabulous.

My 7yr old grandson & i are regulars to the pantomimes @ Pumphouse, they do an excellent show! We loved THE FISHERMANS LUNCH...

The Shoreside Players summer productions should not be missed. Anthony and Cleopatra is presented to a very high standard. The venue is marvellous - should the weather gods allow the production to be outside then the wonderful outdoor theatre is just marvellous to watch Shakespeare. The Pumphouse offers a well stocked bar for refreshments.

Nice location great to see a historic building being used for public.close to pupuke lake or takapuna central for shopping etc.

Beautiful theatres and the setting is sublime. The productions and presentations range from solid professional shows to quality amateur productions, good hearted ones and sometimes painfully awkward ones.

Attended the Santa Clause Show 2022, if definitely recommend as a great whānau event. All the holiday magic included