Must-see entertainment in New Zealand

The first Friday of every month is club night here; that means a scheduled performance from local and international stars, and even open mic earlier on…

Christchurch's original Court Theatre was an integral part of the city's Arts Centre, but it was forced to relocate to this warehouse after the…

The long-derelict Gaiety has been architecturally redeemed, and exudes gaiety once again! Art-house and mainstream movies on the Wairoa riverside and…

The faux-Tudor motel architecture might have you expecting lutes and folk ballads, but the Sherwood is Queenstown's go-to spot for visiting musos. Many of…

Nightly new-release blockbusters selling out faster than you can say ‘bored Whanganui teenagers’. Arthouse films screen too, plus a new 20-seat boutique…

The city's major concert hall stages regular performances by the NZ Symphony Orchestra (www.nzso.co.nz), Orchestra Wellington (www.orchestrawellington.co…

Not only the city’s largest venue for the likes of rock concerts, dance and drama (1000 seats), but also one of the world’s few working art-deco theatres…

The Novotel's 2½-hour Māori cultural experience includes a performance of traditional song and dance followed by a hāngi. It's held in a separate building…

Tucked away near the top end of Cuba St, this small, stylish cinema throws a range of mainstream, art-house and foreign films up onto the screens in three…

Reopened in 2019 after earthquake strengthening, the versatile, 250-seat Lawson Field Theatre hosts everything from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to…

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…

New Zealand's best indie bands, emerging overseas acts, drum-and-bass DJs and the occasional burlesque show all feature at this versatile upstairs venue…

Built in 1878, this charmingly restored heritage theatre hosts a full roster of local and touring drama, dance and musical productions. Check the website…

This elegant Edwardian venue (1911) hosts the NZ Symphony Orchestra (www.nzso.co.nz) and Auckland Philharmonia (www.apo.co.nz), among others. Also used…

This much-loved, midsize music venue wheels out craft beer and smoky, meaty food to go along with the rock. Dancing is near mandatory, and the balcony…

The ASB Waterfront Theatre is used by the Auckland Theatre Company and also for occasional one-off shows and concerts. A good selection of bars and…

A hip combination of live-music venue and bar, Darkroom has lots of Kiwi beers and great cocktails. Live gigs are frequent – and frequently free.

Stand-up performances most nights, with legendary late-night shows during the annual Comedy Festival.

Opened in 2016, this large, modern theatre presents a wide programme of concerts and performances. Check the website to see what's on.

This delightful two-screen art-house cinema can be found within the long-standing and excellent Alice In Videoland DVD library.