Shed 10  was built over 110 years ago as an industrial cargo shed and has since become Auckland’s primary cruise ship terminal. It’s also one of the largest and most sought-after event spaces in the City Centre.

Here are the reasons why Shed 10 is much more than ‘just a shed’.

A part of New Zealand’s history

According to Heritage New Zealand, Queens Wharf, where Shed 10 stands, is a Category 1 Historic Place, meaning it has a “special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value”.

As the last remaining original industrial building on the Auckland waterfront, Shed 10 has witnessed its share of New Zealand’s history.

It was a key storage shed for Auckland’s burgeoning export trade in the early twentieth century, then stood with those waving off troops leaving for the First World War. It also greeted British royal visitors with the masses, and hosted cheering crowds for events such as America’s Cup and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Original charm and character

To preserve the historic building and its many heritage elements, in 2012 Shed 10 underwent an award-winning restoration.

If you’re looking for a venue with an authentic industrial feel, then you’ll appreciate the concrete floor and exposed beams on the ground floor. You might even notice that the rustic steel columns still have the original yellow paintwork on them from the building’s days as a working wharf.

On Level 1, the original chunky mataī floors (along with small nail holes in places), exposed steel trusses, and sarked timbre ceiling fill the space with character and warmth.

A large blank canvas

When people visit Shed 10 for the first time, they’re often surprised by its size - all 4,400m² of it, that’s eight tennis courts on each of the two levels!

The open plan space is why many large-scale events like exhibitions and trade shows are held here. It’s also a popular venue for corporate Christmas dinners, and wedding receptions for up to 800 people.

For smaller events, we often utilise the heavy, built-in black mesh curtains to create multiple spaces on Level 1. The curtains can also double as an artistic backdrop.

So for event organisers, you can be as creative as you want at Shed 10, or let its unique character and ambience speak for itself.

Room with a view

Look around Shed 10 and you will see how it connects the city to the sea.

From the bay windows at each end of the building, you can see views of Auckland city at one end, and stunning views of the Waitematā Harbour at the other, while the wide sliding doors on both sides of the building let in plenty of natural light.

Here’s a tip: Shed 10 has one of the best uninterrupted evening views of the Waitematā Harbour in the city!

Full of (solar) energy

One of the lesser-known sustainability facts about Shed 10 is that it has a 400m² solar panel system on its roof that generates enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of ten households a year.

At the time the solar panels were installed, they were the largest of their kind in New Zealand.

Location, location, location

In its prime City Centre location, Shed 10 is just minutes’ walk to the Ferry Building and Britomart Transport Centre. It’s located next to The Cloud on Queens Wharf in the heart of downtown Auckland.

Being close to public transport and motorway access, it’s easy to get to, giving visitors the choice of leaving their cars at home when coming to Shed 10.  

So, whether it be an exhibition or corporate event, Shed 10 is a simple yet bold choice for your event. It’s an iconic venue with a mix of heritage and modern elements that give it the wow-factor as soon as you step within its walls.

And if the walls can talk, imagine all the stories Shed 10 can tell.

 

Click here for Shed 10’s capacity, floorplans, and location. Or enquire about our event services and hiring Shed 10 for your next event.

 

Note: As part of our ongoing venue hygiene measures, all ACVE venues have hand sanitisers in public areas. Enhanced cleaning regimes including regular wiping of hard surfaces keep our venues as safe as possible. We continue to work closely with event organisers and suppliers to put additional mitigation measures in place as needed and follow Government and Ministry of Health and safety guidelines for gatherings and public venues.

 

Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the custodian of eleven iconic public venues in Auckland.