The Gaiety, Akaroa contains a main hall (theatre style) and a meeting room / supper room, with full kitchen facilities. A central focal point of the Akaroa community, The Gaiety is used for events, concerts, weddings and community events.

Picture of the outside of The Gaiety Hall, Akaroa

Address

Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520 (external link)  

Bookings

Casual bookings can be made in person at the Akaroa Service Desk at 40D Rue Lavaud or by phoning (03) 941 8999 or 0800 800 169. 

To enquire about regular weekly or monthly hires call the Community Facilities Advisor on (03) 941 8999 or 0800 800 169. 

Cost Main hall
  • $13.50 per hour community group
  • $25.50 per hour self employed tutor
  • $75 per hour private social functions
  • $97 per hour commercial events, seminars and corporate events
  • $58.50 per hour community events and fundraisers
  • $390 on a Friday or Saturday night social booking (6pm to midnight only), outside these times the hourly rate applies.
Supper room (no charge if hired with the main hall)
  • $13.50 per hour community group
  • $25.50 per hour self employed tutor
  • $92 per hour commercial events, seminars and corporate events.
  • $47 per hour private social functions
  • $47 per hour Community Events/Fundraisers
  • $30 security charge for social functions 
  • $50 deposit (non refundable) required for social bookings with a value of $150 or more
$400 bond required for social bookings.
Capacity  Main hall
  • Standing 380
  • Seated 250 concert style
Supper room
  • 150 
Conditions of hire

You must be over the age of 18 to legally hire a Council facility. No overnight stays are permitted. No candles are to be used.

Conditions of use agreement Hiring a Council Facility [PDF, 915 KB]
Health and safety

As part of the rental agreement the hirer accepts legal responsibilities to meet evacuation plans, health and safety responsibilities and to act as the facility warden.

All users are required to complete a 'pre-use' form before they use The Gaiety. These must then be signed, dated and left in the plastic drop box in the foyer of the centre. The box is cleared once a week.
Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol is permitted in this facility.

A Special Licence may be required if alcohol is part of your event, e.g. if alcohol is being sold, or if your event is ticketed and alcohol will be consumed at the event.

In general BYO is permitted at private functions such as Weddings or Birthdays. A Special Licence generally is not required for these types of events.

For most other events BYO may not be a permitted activity (i.e. is unlawful and prohibited)

Find out more about whether you require a special licence by checking the Alcohol Licencing information and checking with the Alcohol Licencing Team directly.

Please note that a Special Licence does not authorise BYO.

As the venue hirer and/or event host where alcohol is present at the event, regardless of whether your event requires a special licence or not you still have the responsibility to ensure that you are providing a safe drinking environment at your event.

Please read Host Responsibility Guidelines and Tips.You risk having your venue booking cancelled if you do not meet alcohol licencing requirements.

Please note that applications for special licences must be made with the Alcohol Licencing Team at least 20 working days before the date of your event and should where possible be made before you advertise your event.
Hours of hire  8am to midnight daily
Equipment available Main hall and supper room:  
  • 41 seats in the gallery upstairs
  • 70 padded chairs
  • 16 plastic chairs
  • 40 theatre style seats in sets of 5
  • 4 small round tables
  • 10 folding trestle tables (1800 x 760 mm)
  • 1 small square table.
  • Theatre lighting with control board
  • Sound system (please enquire, assistance is required for this)
  • Wooden lectern
  • Stage extensions (please enquire, assistance required with these).

358 people standing can be accommodated in the main hall and up to 160 people seated comfortably around tables. Using the hall and the fixed seating in the gallery, 250 people can be seated concert style.

Supper room:

  • tables and chairs

Kitchen:

  • 2 fridges (one bottle fridge, and regular fridge)
  • Dish steriliser
  • Commercial sized oven
  • Microwave
  • Hot water boiler
  • Large serving trolley
  • 5 serving trays, assorted kitchen utensils, 4 saucepans, 1 frying pan, 2 mixing bowls, 2 sharp knives

Crockery:

  • 16 coffee mugs, 80 large dinner plates, 60 small plates, 40 dessert bowls, 24 glass water bottles, 100 arcoroc cups and saucers, 16 coffee mugs, large jug, 2 large teapots, 2 chopping boards, assorted cutlery, 60 wine glasses, 20 tumblers

Heating: 

  • 12 ceiling heaters in main hall
  • Heat pump in supper room
Catering  No organised catering is offered at this venue.
Wheelchair access Wheelchair access is from the parking area beside the building.
Parking 

There are 40 on-site car parks including 3 accessible parks beside the side door ramp in the  car park.On-street parking available.