About Thames Street
Thames Street in Ohakune is the lively bar/restaurant and events space located at 4 Thames Street (Ohakune Junction) in the Ruapehu District. It’s part of the historic Ohakune Junction area where old railway buildings have been repurposed into pubs and lodges (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). For example, Station Lodge (nearby) is set in a beautifully restored 1900s railway building (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). Similarly, the venue at 4 Thames St was built with that rustic charm – think warm timber walls and even an indoor fireplace lounge (thekitchenohakune.nz ) – which gives it an authentic mountain-town character. Cinematreasures notes that decades ago the block housed the Plaza Theatre (at 30 Thames St), which was a large wooden cinema with “280 seats in the stalls, and 50 in the circle” (cinematreasures.org ). (Today’s Thames Street venue is much smaller and more intimate.) In short, Thames Street is a cozy alpine-style eatery and live-music venue at the foot of Mt. Turoa, beloved for its mountain lodge vibe and lively atmosphere.
Events and Programming
Thames Street (the Kitchen at 4 Thames) is best known for nightly entertainment and special events. Regular programming includes DJ and dance nights, themed parties, and live music by local bands – often late into the evening. For example, their own website mentions hosting live music and “mountain missions or local fundraisers” to bring people together (thekitchenohakune.nz ). They even run special nights like “Tapas Thursday” with international street-food style bites (thekitchenohakune.nz ). The venue is a popular stop during Ohakune’s famous “Mardi Gras” winter festival: past festival afterparties have been held at Thames Street venues with line-ups featuring top DJs (e.g. a George FM takeover with UK DJ Danny Byrd (www.ticketfairy.com )) and multi-stage street parties. In fact, media reports say about 8,000 people attended the Junction/Mardi Gras events in 2019 (www.nzherald.co.nz ), many of them flowing through Thames Street. Ticket prices for these large events have been modest – for example, Mardi Gras afterparty tickets were approximately NZD $15–$20 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ), with some venues offering door-sales-only entry. In quieter times, the kitchen simply functions as a busy ski-town pub: customers can walk in most nights without a ticket (just grab a seat or table) and enjoy live DJs or occasional acoustic sets. Overall, the programming ranges from casual weekend DJ nights to one-off festival parties, typically announced via local event sites or the venue’s social media.
Tickets and Booking
Most everyday events at Thames Street are free or have a modest cover charge, payable at the door. For big nights (like festivals or touring acts), tickets are usually sold in advance through authorised outlets. Check the venue’s own website or local event pages for details, and buy early if possible. For example, Mardi Gras street-party tickets sold online went for about $15–$20 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). When an event is “door sales only” (as has happened during Mardi Gras (www.ticketfairy.com )), you simply purchase entry at the venue’s entrance. In general, the kitchen has a small box office area by the door for selling or checking tickets if needed. For non-ticketed nights (most weeknights and casual weekends), there’s no pre-sale — just walk in after opening time. If you plan to dine or hold a private function, it’s best to call or email the venue in advance (their site suggests reservations via phone or online) (thekitchenohakune.nz ).
Seating and Layout
The layout inside Thames Street is intimate and open. There’s a long main room with a bar along one side and tables scattered in front of it. Near the rear you’ll find the cozy fireplace lounge area (thekitchenohakune.nz ), plus a small raised platform that serves as the stage or DJ booth. Seating is mostly at wooden tables and stools, but much of the floor area is open for standing or dancing. Because the space is fairly compact, the viewing experience is good from almost any spot – even the tables off to the side have a clear line to the stage. For the best sound and energy, many regulars gravitate toward the center floor or near the DJ area. If you prefer a cozier view, grabbing a seat by the fireplace or at a corner table is nice and relaxed. One thing to note: when loud music is playing, the front can be quite boomy. Sound-wise the venue recently upgraded its PA – in fact a review commended the new sound system during a DJ night (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ) – so acoustics are quite punchy. Visitors sensitive to volume might stand a couple of metres back from the speakers. Overall, there are no reserved “best seats” or VIP sections here – it’s a casual general-admission space where even the front rows are just normal pub flooring.
Getting There and Parking
Thames Street is located at 4 Thames Street, at the Junction of Thames and Rimu Streets in Ohakune. (This area is often called Ohakune Junction (www.greatjourneysnz.com ).) If you’re visiting by car, the venue has an associated car park on-site (www.eventfinda.co.nz ) and some street parking nearby. In small-town Ohakune, parking is usually free, but watch for any time-limit signs on Thames Street. By public transit, the easiest approach is by train. Ohakune Railway Station (Great Journeys NZ Northern Explorer service) is literally a two-minute walk from 4 Thames St (thekitchenohakune.wordpress.com ). In fact, KiwiRail notes Ohakune Station is “located in Ohakune Junction” right by the venue (www.greatjourneysnz.com ). The Northern Explorer runs a few times per week between Auckland and Wellington; e.g. trains from Auckland arrive on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and from Wellington on other days (www.greatjourneysnz.com ). If you take an intercity bus instead, coaches stop in town (usually near Seddon St or the town centre) and it’s a short walk to Thames St. (No dedicated ride-sharing like Uber operates here, so expect to use local taxis or book a shuttle if needed.) Walking from the station: exit onto Rimu Street, turn onto Thames, and you’ll see #4 on your left within one block (thekitchenohakune.wordpress.com ). In summary, Thames Street is extremely accessible – it’s literally on the corner outside the train station and adjacent to town, so it’s easy to walk or drive to it.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry you’ll find a casual ski-lodge interior. There’s a long polished wooden bar serving drinks along one wall, a few tall tables up front and a lounge area around a real fireplace (thekitchenohakune.nz ). House music or live DJs typically play late at night. Coat hooks or a small rack are usually available (though there’s no formal coat check); guests normally keep jackets and bags with them or in the lounge area. Restrooms are located in the back hallway and are accessible from the main room. Security is light: for R18 events expect an ID check at the door (it’s common to stamp or hand out wristbands). Bags may be cursorily checked but it’s mostly an honest-venue vibe. Inside atmosphere is warm and lively – the wood-clad walls, local ski decor and fireplace give it a pub-with-mountain-vibes feeling. Lighting is dim and clubby at night (with coloured spotlights on the floor/stage) but brightens up to a friendly yellow for dining hours. The kitchen serves full pub fare and bar snacks throughout the night, with the bar open from dinner into late night. You’ll hear local craft beers on tap and cocktail orders from behind the bar; the venue advertises everything from “craft beers to smoky margaritas” (thekitchenohakune.nz ). Free Wi-Fi is usually not advertised, so a phone signal is best if you need connectivity (Ohakune has decent 4G service). In short, expect a relaxed pub-like entry (sliding the menu behind the bar first) and then a social mountain-bar atmosphere inside – nothing fussy, just chatty, music-on vibes with food and drinks flowing.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants and Bars: In the Ohakune Junction area you have many options. La Pizzeria (next door) is a famous local pizza spot, serving wood-fired pies since 1986 (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). For breakfast/brunch, nearby Franks Eatery or the Station Lodge cafe are popular. Across the street is the luxurious Powderhorn Chateau and its own Powderkeg bar/restaurant (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). Also just up the hill is Kings Ohakune Lodge, a historic mountaintop lodge with great views, hearty food and live music (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). On Thames Street itself there’s also Ohakune Tavern (the town pub) and a bottle store. In short, one block from the venue you can hop between pub grub and sit-down meals easily.Hotels and Lodging: Several hotels and hostels line this block. The Station Lodge (at 60 Thames St) is a renovated historic train lodge with rooms, spa tubs and even more dining (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). The Powderhorn Chateau (mentioned above) has guest rooms. Two Rivers Retreat and Alpinerooms are also within 5–10 minutes’ walk. If attending a late event, note that some lodgings are literally next door – you can hear music – but station-street A/C on a winter night is never far away.Other Services: If you arrive early, the Junction has a small grocery store and snow gear shop. There’s a taxi stand just outside the train station and a public toilet block if you walk past the venue towards the station. For new gear or surfing the Old Coach Road, bike shops and gear rental outlets are a 5-min walk away. Given how late events run, it’s wise to grab dinner beforehand – even late-night snacking is easy at places like the Station Lodge cafe or get pizza at La Pizzeria around the corner.Timing and Travel: Ohakune is quiet during the day, so plan your travel accordingly. If you fly in, the closest airport is Palmerston North (~170km south), with shuttle and bus connections. Train and coach schedules are limited at night, so late-night rideshares are scarce; pre-arrange a taxi or be prepared to wait until early morning. In winter, roads can close abruptly, so leave buffer time for weather.
What Makes This Venue Special
Thames Street stands out because it blends cosy Kiwi mountain-pub charm with a surprisingly happening nightlife. It sits in the historic Ohakune Junction (the “southern gateway” to Mt Ruapehu) where century-old railway lodges have been transformed into bars and eateries (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). For example, the venue itself occupies a retrofitted building and boasts a “cozy fireplace lounge” (thekitchenohakune.nz ) that gives it a warm local feel. The Junction’s own history (one nearby theatre boasted “the longest” wooden roof beams in NZ (cinematreasures.org )) seeps into the vibe – you’re drinking craft brews under vintage timber rafters. On top of that architecture, Thames Street’s role in Ohakune’s culture makes it special: it is a focal point each winter during Mardi Gras and other festivals. Media reports noted thousands of visitors flooding this block for those events (www.nzherald.co.nz ), making Thames Street an unexpectedly high-energy hotspot once or twice a year (not something you see in most small towns). Locals appreciate that it’s “proud to be part of Ohakune’s heartbeat” (thekitchenohakune.nz ) – in other words, it’s where neighbours and mountain-goers come together. Finally, it’s special simply because it’s laid-back and unpretentious. The venue may be small, but it consistently brings the party – from live DJ nights to acoustic jam sessions – in a quintessentially Kiwi après-ski setting (thekitchenohakune.nz ) (ohakunejunction.co.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Yes – the venue has wheelchair access and restroom facilities on site (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Paths inside are relatively flat (though watch for a small step at the front door).
What to Bring: Bring valid ID if you’ll be drinking (it’s an R18 license event space on weekends). Dress warmly in winter (it’s an alpine climate), but you can leave your outdoor parka at your table – the fire keeps the bar snug. If you plan to dance in front of the speakers, consider earplugs (some people find the new sound system quite loud (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). On quiet evenings you can wander in casually for dinner.
Don’t Bring: As a licensed bar, no outside alcohol is allowed. Large backpacks or professional camera rigs might get questioned by staff. Leave umbrellas/cameras in your car or check at the rail station if bringing bulky gear.
Age Restrictions: Most night events are strictly 18+. Festival parties at Thames Street venues have advertised “Ages 18+” on tickets (www.ticketfairy.com ). (During daytime dining hours, children accompanied by adults are usually fine, but double-check event age policies beforehand.)
Photography: There’s no prohibition against casual photos for your own use. Just be respectful – flashes can ruin the mood or the performers. If in doubt, ask the performers or staff before snapping.
Arrival Time: Live shows often start late (Jedi DJs spin up after 10pm), so give yourself plenty of time for dinner and parking. Popular party nights can get busy; if a big festival is in town (like Mardi Gras), arrive early (or secure tickets/entry) because the venue can fill up. In general, arriving 30 minutes before showtime is a safe bet.
Local Advice: The staff and regulars are friendly – don’t be shy to strike up a conversation at the bar. Kiwis here often wear even ski jackets indoors (the après-ski vibe is real), so feel free to relax your dress code. If you do hike or ski all day, note that The Kitchen opens only from late afternoon (check hours) (thekitchenohakune.nz ), so plan city exploring or early dinner elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets for Thames Street events?
For most regular nights there are no tickets – you just walk in. For special events (especially Mardi Gras parties), tickets are sold in advance through official outlets or at the door. Past Mardi Gras after-party tickets were around NZ$15–$20 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Keep an eye on local event pages or the venue’s social media for ticket links and sale dates. If tickets go on sale, it’s best to buy early since those parties often sell out.
What are the capacity and seating options at Thames Street?
The venue is fairly small and intimate. It doesn’t list an official capacity publicly. Historically, the old Plaza Theatre on this block held about 330 people (cinematreasures.org ), but the modern bar/restaurant is much more modest – likely accommodating on the order of a hundred people at most. Seating is casual: wooden tables and a bar, plus open floor space. You can either grab a table or stand in front of the stage. There are no fixed “best” seats – it’s all general admission standing/dancing, so arrive early if you want a spot close to the music.
Is Thames Street wheelchair accessible?
Yes. According to venue information, the complex is wheelchair-accessible and has toilets for patrons (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). The entrance and interior are relatively flat. If in doubt, you can phone ahead to confirm parking and restroom details, but generally it’s considered accessible to disabled guests.
What are the address and nearest transit options to reach Thames Street?
Thames Street is at 4 Thames Street, Ohakune Junction, Ohakune 4625 (thekitchenohakune.nz ). It’s literally at the corner of Thames and Rimu streets. The best public transit option is the train – Ohakune Railway Station (Northern Explorer) is right across the road (thekitchenohakune.wordpress.com ). KiwiRail even calls it “Ohakune Junction” because the station is adjacent (www.greatjourneysnz.com ). Intercity buses stop in town a short walk away. By car, use SH4 via Raetihi–Waiouru (north of Bulls). There is an onsite car park and some street parking for the venue (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
What is the dress code at Thames Street?
There is no strict dress code – come as you are. The atmosphere is casual and mountain-style. In winter people often wear ski jackets or beanies indoors (to fit the après-ski vibe (thekitchenohakune.nz )). For nightclub events you can dress up a bit if you like, but jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine. Just bring warm layers in winter, since you may enter from the cold. In short, dress for a friendly pub/bar setting – no formal wear required.
Are children allowed at Thames Street?
Thames Street (The Kitchen) is primarily an adult venue, especially in the evenings. All patrons must be 18+ during nightclub events – tickets explicitly say “Ages 18+” (www.ticketfairy.com ). However, during daytime dining (before 5pm or on quieter nights) children are normally welcome provided an adult is present. Always check the specific event’s age policy. In general: under-18s won’t be allowed at late-night parties due to the bar license.
What food and drinks are available inside Thames Street?
The Kitchen at Thames Street is a full bar-and-eatery. There’s a menu of street-food-style dishes – think tacos, nachos, Asian fusion bites and bar snacks. Their website emphasizes a “flavour-packed Mexican-Asian” menu, tapas nights, and hearty meals (thekitchenohakune.nz ) (thekitchenohakune.nz ). The bar stocks local craft beers, ales, ciders and a range of cocktails (they even advertise “smoky margaritas” (thekitchenohakune.nz )). Expect typical NZ pub/bar pricing (TripAdvisor lists it around $$–$$$ pricing (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). Non-alcohol customers can order sodas, juices or coffee as well. No outside food or drink is allowed, but everything from hearty dinners to late-night finger foods is available at the venue itself.
Are there parking options near Thames Street?
Yes. The Ohakune Junction complex (which includes Thames Street) provides onsite parking, and the venue’s listing explicitly notes a car park amenity (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In front of 4 Thames St (and along Rimu St) you’ll also find street parking. As with most small towns, parking is generally free. During busy festival nights, arrive early to find a spot. The Ohakune train station’s parking lot is also close by if the main lot is full.
Does Thames Street have Wi-Fi or cell coverage?
Wi-Fi is not prominently advertised, so don’t count on free house Wi-Fi. However, Ohakune has good cellular coverage (Vodafone, 2degrees, Spark etc.), and the venue’s walls are not very thick, so mobile data usually works fine inside. If you need internet, plan on using your own mobile data plan.
Does Thames Street have coat check or lockers?
No formal coat check or locker is provided. Guests typically keep personal items at their tables or draped on coat hooks if available. Since space is limited, come with just the essentials. For example, if you have a backpack, it’s common to slip it under a barstool or keep it next to you rather than leaving it unattended.
What time should I arrive at Thames Street for an event?
Shows and parties at Thames Street typically start late (often after 10pm or even midnight). It’s wise to arrive 30–45 minutes early so you can grab a seat or settle in front of the stage. This also gives you time to park and have a drink before the evening heats up. On big event nights (like Mardi Gras), the place fills up, so consider arriving even earlier or securing tickets/entry in advance.
What unique history or character does Thames Street have?
Thames Street’s venue is steeped in Ohakune Junction heritage. It occupies buildings on the old railway precinct, instances of which “have been repurposed into bars, restaurants, and lodges” (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). One block over was the Plaza Theatre (c.1930) with its massive wooden roof beams and 330-seat capacity (cinematreasures.org ). In the modern day, the Junction marketing highlights that the area “blends history with modern attractions” (ohakunejunction.co.nz ). So visiting Thames Street feels like stepping into a piece of local lore – part ski-town pub, part century-old railway lodge. That unique mix of locals’ traditions (farm-to-bar food, Kiwi conviviality) and annual events like the Mardi Gras festival truly sets it apart from a generic venue.
