Must-see entertainment in New Zealand

  • Geraldine Cinema

    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,…

  • Matakana Cinemas

    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…

  • Rialto Cinemas

    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…

  • Circa Theatre

    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

    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…

  • Starlight Cinema Centre

    Screens the latest Hollywood blockbusters. No credit cards. Programs available from Simply Kiwi Gifts & Souvenirs (across) the road if cinema is closed.

  • Centrepoint Theatre

    A mainstay of the simmering Palmerston North theatre scene, Centrepoint serves up big-name professional shows, theatre sports and seasonal plays. Dinner…

  • Aotea Centre

    Comprises the small Herald Theatre (drama) and the vast ASB Theatre (used for dance, ballet, opera and musicals). NZ Opera (www.nzopera.com) regularly…

  • Basement Cinema

    Oddly combined with a rock-climbing facility and a hostel, Basement offers offbeat, foreign-language and art-house flicks. Tickets are just $10 on…

  • BATS

    Wildly alternative but accessible BATS presents cutting-edge and experimental NZ theatre – varied, cheap and intimate – in its revamped theatre.

  • Boiler Room

    Open for events only, the large gritty band room at the Whakatane Hotel hosts DJs, live bands and the occasional Kiwi stand-up comic.

  • Event Cinemas

    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).

  • WhakaMax Movies

    Right in the middle of The Strand, WhakaMax screens new-release movies. Cheaper tickets before 5pm and on Tuesdays.

  • Akaroa Cinema & Café

    Grab a beer and settle in to watch an art-house, classic or foreign flick with high-quality sound and projection.

  • DeLuxe Theatre

    Dating from 1926, this beguiling community-run art-deco cinema shows recent movies and hosts the odd concert.

  • Rialto

    Mainly art-house and international films, plus better mainstream fare and regular specialist film festivals.

  • Downtown Cinemas

    The capacious Downtown megaplex (10 screens) shows mainstream new-release flicks. Cheap tickets on Tuesdays.

  • Hollywood Cinema

    Screens art-house and blockbuster flicks in the seaside suburb of Sumner. Cheaper prices on Tuesdays.