Aerial view of The PumpHouse Theatre and The PumpHouse Amphitheatre

Nestled perfectly in the heart of Killarney Park is our picturesque Outdoor Amphitheatre. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. And if you have been… you know just how unforgettable it is.

The PumpHouse Theatre’s annual community Christmas Carols

Built in 1995, with its very first show being the hilarious musical Nunsense, the amphitheatre has become a beloved stage under the stars. Since then, it’s seen it all — from dramatic Shakespearean duels to the bright beats of K-pop, from moving Matariki performances to joyful community Christmas carols.

The first ever show to be performed in the Amphitheatre – Nunsense by Dan Goggin

With seating for approximately 200 patrons on tiered bench seats, the space offers an intimate connection between performer and audience. Two charming stage balconies frame the action, adding a richness to every production. And the view? As the sun sets over Lake Pupuke and the stars twinkle into view, it’s pure, delicious theatre magic.

View of the Amphitheatre from the tech booth

Shoreside Theatre’s annual Summer Shakespeare has been a highlight here every year since 1996, with everything from Macbeth to Much Ado gracing the stage. In recent years, groups like The Barden Party have brought a new flair to the classics.

Shoreside Theatre’s annual Summer Shakespeare

But it’s not just Shakespeare! Our stage has welcomed bold new work like Mark Wilson’s ‘.co.nz’ for Matariki, where brave audiences donned raincoats and layers of clothing in the middle of winter to enjoy some spectacular outdoor theatre. The unpredictability of outdoor shows — a sudden breeze or light shower of rain, a chorus of ducks from the lake, or even a cheeky possum making a surprise cameo to steal the spotlight — only adds to the thrill.

Mark Wilson’s Matariki show, .co.nz, performed in the Outdoor Amphitheatre in the middle of Winter!

We’ve had school holiday shows, cultural festivals, live bands, dance showcases, and markets take over the space. And each time, the Amphitheatre transforms!

View of part of the stage, and the stage left balcony

So next time you plan a night out, don’t forget to check if we have anything on outdoors. Grab a blanket, a cosy cushion, and pack a thermos. Experience the enchantment for yourself. Because once you’ve watched a play with the stars above and Pupukemoana in the background… indoor theatres might never feel quite the same again!

View from the stage right balcony

And, if you’d like to add to the magic and bring a show to our Amphitheatre, you are in luck! Expressions of Interest for 2026 are live now – click here to find out more.

A proposed plan of the Amphitheatre from The PumpHouse archives

Aerial view of The PumpHouse Theatre and The PumpHouse Amphitheatre

The Amphitheatre with Lake Pupuke in the background