
Where Sex Workers Gather in NZ’s Major Cities: A Look at Key Areas
Where Sex Workers Often Meet: Exploring New Zealand’s Urban Hotspots
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Auckland: The City of Sails
- Wellington: The Capital’s Gathering Spots
- Christchurch: The Garden City
- Other Major Cities and Towns
- Safety and Support for Sex Workers
- Conclusion
Introduction
New Zealand’s approach to sex work is unique, with the industry being decriminalized since 2003. This has led to the creation of specific areas where sex workers gather in NZ’s major cities. These locations have become well-known spots for both workers and clients. In this blog post, we’ll explore where sex workers often meet in New Zealand’s urban centers, focusing on the main hubs in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Auckland: The City of Sails
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, has several areas where sex workers commonly gather. Let’s take a closer look at some of these locations:
Karangahape Road
Karangahape Road, often abbreviated as K Road, is perhaps the most famous area for sex work in Auckland. This vibrant street has a long history of association with the sex industry. Key points about K Road include:
- Numerous strip clubs and massage parlors
- A mix of street-based and indoor sex work
- Close proximity to Auckland’s CBD
- A diverse and accepting community
Sex workers on K Road can often be found near:
- The intersection with Pitt Street
- The area around St Kevin’s Arcade
- Near the Karangahape Road Overbridge
Hunter’s Corner
Hunter’s Corner, located in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, is another well-known area where sex workers gather. This location is characterized by:
- Street-based sex work
- A mix of residential and commercial areas
- Proximity to the Southern Motorway
Sex workers in Hunter’s Corner are often seen around:
- The intersection of Great South Road and Sutton Crescent
- Along Kolmar Road
- Near the Hunters Plaza shopping center
Other Auckland Locations
Beyond K Road and Hunter’s Corner, sex workers in Auckland can also be found in:
- Fort Street in the CBD
- Hobson Street, particularly near the Sky Tower
- Beach Road in the central city
- Northcote on the North Shore
- New North Road in Kingsland

Wellington: The Capital’s Gathering Spots
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has its own areas where sex workers commonly gather. The main spots are centered around three interconnected streets:
Cuba Street
Cuba Street is a well-known bohemian area in Wellington, and it’s also a popular spot for sex workers. Key features include:
- A mix of street-based and indoor sex work
- Numerous bars, cafes, and entertainment venues
- A vibrant and diverse atmosphere
Sex workers on Cuba Street can often be found near:
- The intersection with Vivian Street
- Around the Cuba Street Mall
- Near the bucket fountain
Vivian Street
Vivian Street intersects with both Cuba and Marion Streets, making it a central location for sex work in Wellington. Characteristics of this area include:
- A high concentration of massage parlors and brothels
- Street-based sex work, particularly at night
- Proximity to Wellington’s nightlife districts
Common gathering spots on Vivian Street include:
- The block between Taranaki and Tory Streets
- Near the intersection with Victoria Street
- Around the Wellington High School area
Marion Street
Marion Street, while shorter than Cuba and Vivian Streets, is still a significant location for sex workers in Wellington. Notable aspects include:
- Several well-established brothels
- A quieter atmosphere compared to Cuba and Vivian Streets
- Close proximity to government buildings
Sex workers on Marion Street often gather:
- Near the intersection with Vivian Street
- Around the mid-block area
- Close to Taranaki Street
Christchurch: The Garden City
Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island, has its own areas where sex workers commonly meet:
Manchester Street
Manchester Street has long been associated with sex work in Christchurch. Key points about this area include:
- A history of street-based sex work
- Changes in the area following the 2011 earthquake
- Ongoing efforts to balance sex work with residential development
Sex workers on Manchester Street can often be found:
- Between Bealey Avenue and Moorhouse Avenue
- Near the intersection with Purchas Street
- Around the Manchester Street Car Park
Additional Christchurch Areas
Beyond Manchester Street, sex workers in Christchurch also gather in:
- Bealey Avenue, particularly near the intersection with Manchester Street
- Peterborough Street in the central city
- Around Latimer Square
- Lincoln Road in Addington
- The eastern end of Moorhouse Avenue
Other Major Cities and Towns
While Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are the main centers for sex work in New Zealand, other cities and towns also have areas where sex workers gather. These include:
- Hamilton: Around Hood Street and Anglesea Street
- Tauranga: The Mount Maunganui area and parts of Cameron Road
- Dunedin: In the central city, particularly around Stafford Street
- Napier and Hastings: Certain areas of Marine Parade and Heretaunga Street
- Palmerston North: Parts of Main Street and Rangitikei Street
Safety and Support for Sex Workers
It’s important to note that New Zealand’s decriminalization of sex work has led to improved safety and support for sex workers.
Sex workers in New Zealand have the right to:
- Refuse clients
- Work in safe conditions
- Access health services without discrimination
- Seek help from the police if needed
Best websites to find Sex Workers in New Zealand.