Dome Cinema

If you're looking for the most unique cultural experience in Gisborne, the Dome Cinema is an absolute must-visit. It's not just a movie theater, but an exclusive art-house space located within the majestic historic building of the former Poverty Bay Club billiard room. Instead of standard seats, guests are greeted by soft bean bags and luxurious leather sofas, creating the atmosphere of a private club from years gone by.

Dome Cinema. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The cinema owes its name to the magnificent triple-domed ceiling brought from England, which provides the hall with incredible acoustics. The Dome Cinema is rightfully considered one of the most stylish venues in New Zealand. In 2016, it even earned a prestigious second place in the global ranking of the world's best dine-in theaters.

This spot is perfect for a romantic evening. Here, you can not only watch high-quality films but also visit the atmospheric bar—reminiscent of a treasure cave—where exquisite tapas, cocktails, and homemade pizzas are served. The unique interior and elegant style make every visit a truly special event.

You can contact the venue's management or check details for upcoming screenings using the contact information below. It is recommended to book dinner tables in advance, especially on weekends.

The main reason to visit the Dome Cinema is the unique experience of watching art-house films in an intimate setting. Screenings take place five days a week, and thanks to the limited seating (just 60 spots), it always maintains a sense of privacy. Don't miss the chance to get comfortable on a soft bean bag with a glass of wine—comfort is the top priority here.

Be sure to check out the venue's stylish bar. From Thursday to Saturday, they offer a fine dining format with a seasonal menu, while on other days you can enjoy excellent pizza and original cocktails. In summer, it's particularly pleasant to spend time in the outdoor dining area with its "virtual" waterfall, and in winter, you can relax by the warm fireplace.

Beyond film screenings, this venue is an important cultural hub for the city. It frequently hosts live events, including acoustic concerts, theatrical performances, and poetry evenings. The superb acoustics of the domed hall make every performance unforgettable. If you want to attend a specific event, we recommend checking the schedule on the official website or subscribing to their newsletter in advance.

Finding the Dome Cinema is easy: it is located at 38 Childers Road, right in the heart of Gisborne. The landmark is the majestic two-story colonial mansion of the Poverty Bay Club, situated just steps away from the busy intersection with Customhouse St and the main shopping street, Gladstone Road. Look for the distinctive black door that opens the way into this extraordinary space.

If you are staying in central Gisborne, the walk to the cinema will take no more than 5–10 minutes. For those arriving from further afield or the airport, a taxi ride takes about 10–15 minutes. Drivers can use the parking spaces available on the adjacent streets.

Public transport is also quite accessible, with bus routes passing directly along Childers Road. Despite the building's historic status, access to the cinema is fairly convenient, though visitors should note there are a few steps at the entrance.

The history of this unique venue began about 15 years ago when the vacant billiard hall of the Poverty Bay Club—formerly a prestigious gentleman's club—was transformed into a cozy art-house cinema. The owners managed to achieve the impossible: preserving the building's colonial charm while infusing it with new cultural energy.

One of the most valuable architectural features of the interior is the famous triple-domed ceiling. These exquisite structures were specially brought to Gisborne from England to adorn the main hall. It is because of them that the cinema got its name and its incomparable acoustics.

In 2016, the Dome Cinema made waves globally, taking second place in the prestigious ranking of the world's best dine-in theaters by Jetsetters. This was a recognition of its exceptional nature, not just in Oceania, but on a global level. Later, in 2021, the authoritative publication Stuff officially named it "the coolest cinema in the country."

Notably, the development of the venue has always been supported by the local community. For example, the transition to the modern DCP digital projection format was made possible thanks to active fundraising among city residents who didn't want their favorite spot to lose its relevance in the era of new technology.

To ensure your visit is relaxed and you can fully experience the magic of this place, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to watch a film and visit the bar beforehand to sample appetizers or cocktails.

If your plans include a full fine dining experience or attending one of the live concerts regularly held here, it’s better to allow about 4 hours. Remember that the atmosphere encourages leisure, so you certainly won't want to rush away.

Dome Cinema welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, offering evening screenings and cultural programs. Monday and Tuesday are closing days. Usually, the doors open at 17:00, and the evening concludes around 21:00 or 22:00, depending on the program.

Since the schedule for films and live performances can change weekly, visitors are strongly encouraged to check the current opening hours on the cinema's official website before planning a visit.

Exploring the surroundings of the Dome Cinema will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of the region. Its location in the historic city center provides access to numerous monuments, memorials, and scenic walking areas, many of which are within walking distance.

After a movie or a pleasant dinner, you can stroll to the waterfront or explore iconic Gisborne sites related to its discoverers and the indigenous Maori people. Below is a list of nearby attractions: