City Centre & Britomart
Theatre by various companies and intimate live music. Silo Theatre (www.silotheatre.co.nz) often performs here.
Must-see entertainment in New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Hollywood new releases and art-house flicks in an historic 1930s weatherboard building.
Dunedin
Constructed for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this is the only major stadium in NZ with a fully covered roof, and it holds 30,000 spectators. It's the home…
Palmerston North
This theatre was Palmerston North's pride and joy when it opened in 1930, but it closed in the early '90s following a lengthy decline. The council stepped…
Palmerston North
Feeling experimental? Head to Palmy's black-box fringe theatre for something out of the ordinary. Run by Centrepoint Theatre, it hosts local, national and…
New Plymouth
This old theatre has expanded into the adjoining shopfronts to become the Mayfair, a live-music space with a fairly mainstream bar-restaurant focusing on…
Christchurch
After Lancaster Park was irreparably damaged during the 2011 earthquake, Canterbury Rugby Union shifted its home games to this smaller ground in Addington…
Dunedin & Otago
Tucked down an atmospheric alley off a 19th-century street, the Penguin’s unusual location matches its acts: everything from touring Kiwi bands to punky…
Dunedin
The world’s southernmost professional theatre company has been staging dramas, comedies, pantomimes, classics and contemporary NZ productions for over 40…
Napier
This legendary live-music room started in 1958 then died in 1997. But thanks to some forward-thinking rock fans, it’s risen from the grave to save the day…
New Plymouth
Brooklands Park is home to the Bowl of Brooklands, a world-class outdoor sound-shell, which hosts festivals such as WOMAD and old-school rockers like…
Taupo
Hosts performances, exhibitions and conventions. Ask at the Taupo i-SITE for the current program. Look for the intricate red waharoa (entranceway) carved…
Dunedin
Dunedin’s premier live-music venue draws an eclectic mix of genres from noisy-as-hell punk to chilled reggae and gritty dubstep. It’s the venue of choice…
Hastings & Around
Boutiquey cinema screening blockbusters in Hastings city centre, with nifty speakers fitted into the seats ('See it, hear it, feel it!'). Three screens;…
Auckland
Home ground for the Warriors rugby league team (www.warriors.kiwi), Auckland Football Federation (www.aucklandfootball.org.nz) and Athletics Auckland (www…
Wellington
This grand old heritage theatre hosts big-ticket productions such as the Royal NZ Ballet (www.rnzb.org.nz) and NZ Opera (www.nzopera.com), plus the odd…
Fiordland & Southland
Oban's comfy little theatre screens the quirky, cute 40-minute film A Local's Tail, which provides an entertaining overview of Stewart Island/Rakiura…
Auckland
One of the two home courts of the NZ Breakers basketball team (www.nzbreakers.co.nz) and an occasional concert venue. The other home court is at Spark…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Snuggle into an old sofa to watch a Hollywood favourite or an art-house surprise at this ageing dame, built in 1924. There's also occasional live music,…
North Auckland
The fantastical Matakana Cinemas complex has a domed roof reminiscent of an Ottoman bathhouse. Titles tend to the art-house end of the spectrum, but major…
Tauranga
The Rialto is the best spot in town to catch a flick – classic, offbeat, art-house or international. And you can sip a coffee or a glass of wine in the…
Wellington
This black-and-white waterfront theatre, built onto the side of a historic facade, has two auditoriums in which it shows everything from edgy new works to…
Copthorne Hotel Māori Concert & Feast
Rotorua
One of Rotorua's less expensive Māori concert and hāngi options. It only operates when booked by a tour group; call ahead and see whether one is scheduled…
Taupo
Screens the latest Hollywood blockbusters. No credit cards. Programs available from Simply Kiwi Gifts & Souvenirs (across) the road if cinema is closed.
Palmerston North
A mainstay of the simmering Palmerston North theatre scene, Centrepoint serves up big-name professional shows, theatre sports and seasonal plays. Dinner…
City Centre & Britomart
Comprises the small Herald Theatre (drama) and the vast ASB Theatre (used for dance, ballet, opera and musicals). NZ Opera (www.nzopera.com) regularly…
Rotorua
Oddly combined with a rock-climbing facility and a hostel, Basement offers offbeat, foreign-language and art-house flicks. Tickets are just $10 on…
Wellington
Wildly alternative but accessible BATS presents cutting-edge and experimental NZ theatre – varied, cheap and intimate – in its revamped theatre.
Bay of Plenty
Open for events only, the large gritty band room at the Whakatane Hotel hosts DJs, live bands and the occasional Kiwi stand-up comic.
New Plymouth
Mainstream, main-street megaplex, the carpet a sea of popcorn. All 2D tickets $10/9.50 adult/child on Tuesdays ($14/13.50 for 3D).
Bay of Plenty
Right in the middle of The Strand, WhakaMax screens new-release movies. Cheaper tickets before 5pm and on Tuesdays.
Banks Peninsula
Grab a beer and settle in to watch an art-house, classic or foreign flick with high-quality sound and projection.
Bay of Plenty
Dating from 1926, this beguiling community-run art-deco cinema shows recent movies and hosts the odd concert.
Parnell & Newmarket
Mainly art-house and international films, plus better mainstream fare and regular specialist film festivals.
Palmerston North
The capacious Downtown megaplex (10 screens) shows mainstream new-release flicks. Cheap tickets on Tuesdays.
Millennium Hotel Feast & Revue
Rotorua
Entertaining poolside shows include a live performance from local Māori performers and a hāngi.
Christchurch
Screens art-house and blockbuster flicks in the seaside suburb of Sumner. Cheaper prices on Tuesdays.
