The Lanes Wellington
Blue lanes and pinball in Te Aro
After 9pm The Lanes turns adults-only, which says a good deal about this bowling bar at 234–238 Wakefield Street in Te Aro. Its 15 automated lanes are lit in blue and use string pinsetters. Every lane can take bumpers or a ramp, and video screens fill entire walls.
Pinball is the other draw. The venue claims one of the largest pinball collections in New Zealand, spread over two lounges with machines dating from 1991 to the present. Shuffleboard, interactive darts, air hockey, foosball and three pool tables add more choice between games. For parties, the High Rollers Lounge takes groups of 10 to 60. The doors open at noon on weekdays and 11am at weekends, closing late.
234–238 Wakefield Street
The Lanes is at 234–238 Wakefield Street in Te Aro, central Wellington.
234-238 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The Lanes in six facts
Adult and youth games at The Lanes
Adult prices apply from age 17. Groups of 20 or more pay a NZ$300 deposit, which comes off the final bill and is refunded only with seven days' written notice.
Source: the venue's official page (thelanes.co.nz), read 11 Nov 2026. Rates change; confirm before you go.
R18 after 9pm and same-day bookings
Under-18s are welcome until 9pm, when the venue becomes R18. For a lane on the same day, phone the venue; other bookings go through the form on its website.
Other Wellington bowling
Pinball lounges, darts and pool
- 15 blue-lit string-pinsetter lanes
- Two pinball lounges
- R18 from 9pm
- High Rollers Lounge for 10–60 people
- Bumpers and ramps on every lane
Sources
- thelanes.co.nz · lane count
- thelanes.co.nz · contact details
- thelanes.co.nz · rate card
Facts checked 11 Nov 2026 against the sources above. Not a live availability check.