Event Cinemas New Plymouth: Showtimes, Parking, Food Policy & More

Forget circling the block for parking or guessing the food policy. This guide pulls together everything you actually need to know about Event Cinemas New Plymouth, from where to park on Devon Street to what the food policy really means for your popcorn plans. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect before you step through the doors.

Address: 119-125 Devon Street East, New Plymouth ·
Phone: +64 6-759 9077 ·
Parking: Yes, on-site parking available ·
Website: www.eventcinemas.co.nz

Here is a quick-reference table of the essentials. Six key points, one pattern: the cinema is easy to access and straightforward for anyone visiting.

What movies are showing at Event Cinemas New Plymouth?

Current movie lineup

Event Cinemas New Plymouth typically screens the latest major releases alongside one or two holdovers from recent weeks. The lineup changes every Thursday, with new titles often arriving on that day. A quick glance at the Event Cinemas official site reveals current sessions sorted by time and format — standard 2D, 3D when available, and V-Max for bigger screens.

Upcoming releases

If you are planning ahead, the official site lists upcoming films up to two weeks in advance. Booking early online — especially for opening weekend blockbusters — locks in your preferred session and seat.

How to find showtimes

• Check Event Cinemas official site for the most up-to-date list
• Use third-party aggregators like Flicks movie showtimes and listings for all sessions in one place
• Search your movie title directly — many showtimes appear in Google results

The pattern: if you arrive without checking, you might find the 7:30 p.m. session full and have to wait 90 minutes for the next one. A 30-second website check saves you that wait.

Does Event Cinemas New Plymouth have parking?

Parking options

Event Cinemas has its own on-site parking, which is free for cinema patrons — a clear benefit for drivers. If that lot is full, the New Plymouth District Council says the Lower Courtenay Street car park is undercover and “good parking for Event Cinemas”.

Parking fees

Council-managed CBD parking costs $3 per hour on weekdays at sites including Gill Street, Powderham car park, Central car park, Molesworth car park, and Downtown car park, according to New Plymouth District Council rates. Parking is free after 5 p.m. and all day Sundays and public holidays (New Plymouth District Council). RNZ reported in 2025 that charges remain $3 per hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday (RNZ).

Accessibility

The cinema and its direct parking area are wheelchair accessible. The Lower Courtenay Street car park also offers accessible spaces near the lift. New Plymouth District Council notes that SuperGold cardholders can park free up to 11 a.m. Monday to Saturday in council paid-parking spaces (two-hour time limit on Devon Street still applies).

The implication: plan to arrive 15 minutes early if you are driving, or you will circle the block while the previews start.

Can I bring my own food into Event Cinemas New Plymouth?

Outside food policy

Event Cinemas has a clear policy: outside food and drinks are generally not allowed inside the auditoriums. This is standard for New Zealand cinema chains — the business model depends on concession sales. If you arrive with a backpack of snacks, staff at the ticket check may ask you to leave them at the counter.

What is allowed

• Sealed water bottles (typically permitted, but check at the counter)
• Special dietary food for medical reasons (call ahead and confirm with cinema staff)
• Baby formula or baby food for infants

Concessions available

The on-site concession stand offers standard movie snacks: popcorn (salted or sweet), soft drinks, candy bars, and hot dogs. Prices are comparable to other New Zealand cinemas. If you are a Cinebuzz member, you earn points on every purchase (Event Cinemas Cinebuzz).

The pattern: the policy is enforced inconsistently depending on staff — but risking a $15 ticket over a $3 sandwich is not worth it. Best to leave outside snacks in the car.

What are the opening hours and ticket prices?

Opening hours

Event Cinemas New Plymouth typically opens around 9:30 a.m. daily and closes after the last session ends (usually 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., depending on the movie length). Weekend hours shift slightly earlier for morning children’s sessions.

Ticket prices

• Adult (standard 2D): Approximately $18–$22 depending on session time
• Child (2–12 years): Approximately $12–$14
• Senior (65+): Approximately $13–$15
• Student (with ID): Approximately $15–$17
• V-Max (big screen, premium seating): Additional $3–$5 per ticket

Prices vary by session time (evening sessions cost more) and day of week. Check Event Cinemas pricing page for exact numbers.

Discounts and promotions

• Cinebuzz membership: Free to join; earn points on tickets and concessions for discounts (Event Cinemas Cinebuzz)
• Discount Tuesdays: Some cinemas offer cheaper tickets on Tuesdays (check local availability)
• Group bookings: Contact the cinema for birthday parties or corporate events

The implication: the cheapest way to go is a Tuesday afternoon matinee with a Cinebuzz membership — that cuts the adult ticket to roughly $14 each.

How to get to Event Cinemas New Plymouth?

By car

From the north (via State Highway 3): follow Devon Street east from the city center; the cinema is on the left at 119-125. From the south: take State Highway 3 into New Plymouth, turn onto Courtenay Street, then right onto Devon Street East. The cinema’s own parking lot is on the side street just past the building.

Public transport

New Plymouth District Council transport authority runs bus routes that stop within a 3-minute walk. The nearest stops are on Devon Street and Courtenay Street. Check NPDC bus timetables for route 2 (CBD loop) and route 1 (Fitzroy to City).

Walking directions

From the i-SITE Visitor Centre on Devon Street, walk east for about 400 meters (5 minutes). The cinema is on the left-hand side, just past the Countdown supermarket. From the waterfront (Puke Ariki Museum), walk north across the park to Devon Street and turn right.

The pattern: for most locals, driving is the fastest option (5–10 minutes from the suburbs), but the walk from the CBD is pleasant and avoids parking stress entirely.

Confirmed facts

• Address: 119-125 Devon Street East, New Plymouth (Event Cinemas official site)
• Phone: +64 6-759 9077 (Event Cinemas official site)
• Parking available on-site, free for patrons (Event Cinemas official site)
• Council-managed CBD parking: $3/hour weekdays, free after 5 p.m. and Sundays (New Plymouth District Council)
• Parking meters upgrading to cash, card, and touch-and-go in 2025 (RNZ)
• Lower Courtenay Street car park is undercover and close to cinema (New Plymouth District Council)

What’s unclear

• Exact outside food policy for special dietary needs — contact cinema directly
• Specific ticket prices by date (varies by session, season, and promotions)
• Whether the cinema still accepts cash at concessions (after meter upgrades, check on arrival)

Summary

For a New Plymouth local or visitor, the choice is straightforward: drive and park free on-site if you arrive early; take a bus or walk if you live near the CBD. Skip the outside food — it is not worth the hassle — and join Cinebuzz before your first ticket purchase. The cinema itself is standard, well-maintained, and centrally located. For a local visitor without a car, the walk from the i-SITE is 5 minutes and the free parking after 5 p.m. means a Friday night movie costs nothing extra for parking.

Frequently asked questions