The Cargo Shed

About this place

The Cargo Shed is a waterfront event space at 5 Dive Crescent, on the edge of Tauranga's city centre and directly on the harbour. It is a heritage industrial building — one of the original cargo sheds associated with the railway wharf built after land was reclaimed for the rail line in the late 1920s — that has been restored and converted into a multi-purpose events hall.

The building is owned by Tauranga City Council and bookings are handled through Baycourt, the city's performing arts centre, so it operates as a straightforward dry-hire venue rather than a full-service hotel or function centre.

The space

The interior keeps the character of the original shed: high ceilings, exposed structural beams and large sliding doors that open toward the water. It is a single large, open, column-managed hall, which means the layout can be reconfigured extensively for each event.

Capacity

• 250 people overall (plus venue staff)
• 200 people maximum for a seated dinner

Included and available facilities

• Portable stage
• Audio and lighting capability
• Tables and chairs
• Use of a commercial kitchen if required

Meetings and events

The Cargo Shed is designed for medium-sized events, and its flexibility is the main draw. It handles corporate meetings and functions, conferences and seminars, product launches, awards dinners, expos, trade shows and markets, and weddings. The open floor plate and roller doors make it particularly workable for exhibitions and displays where vehicles, large stands or staged builds are involved — a format many purpose-built function rooms cannot accommodate.

Because the hall is a single space, it suits single-stream programmes; concurrent breakout sessions would require partitioning or a second nearby venue.

Food and beverage

There is no in-house restaurant or resident caterer. A commercial kitchen is available for the hirer's chosen caterer, and beverage and bar arrangements are organised as part of the hire. Organisers should confirm licensing requirements with the venue when booking.

History and setting

Dive Crescent takes its name from Bradshaw Dive, Mayor of Tauranga from 1919 to 1929. For many years the shed was known locally as a boutique arts and crafts market, drawing cruise ship passengers and residents to stalls of Bay of Plenty artists working in ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, photography, painting and contemporary Māori art, before its wider redevelopment as an events venue.

Its location on the waterfront, walking distance from central Tauranga accommodation, cafes and the CBD, makes it a practical choice for conference dinners, welcome functions, exhibitions and standalone corporate events for up to 250 guests. See more Tauranga venues.