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…
Must-see entertainment in North Island
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.
Bay of Plenty
Dating from 1926, this beguiling community-run art-deco cinema shows recent movies and hosts the odd concert.
Palmerston North
The capacious Downtown megaplex (10 screens) shows mainstream new-release flicks. Cheap tickets on Tuesdays.
Parnell & Newmarket
Mainly art-house and international films, plus better mainstream fare and regular specialist film festivals.
Millennium Hotel Feast & Revue
Rotorua
Entertaining poolside shows include a live performance from local Māori performers and a hāngi.
City Centre & Britomart
Foreign and art-house films in the basement of the Central Library. Cheap $5 movies on Wednesdays.
City Centre & Britomart
Rock, indie and alternative sounds from live bands and DJs, washed down with craft beer.
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Midrange venue popular with up-and-coming overseas acts and established Kiwi bands.
Waiheke Island Community Cinema
Waiheke Island
The island's only cinema, screening a mixture of blockbusters and art-house flicks.
Coromandel Peninsula
Latest-release films. A few movies are just $10 each week – check the website.
City Centre & Britomart
Theatre within the casino complex, used for musicals, comedy and the occasional concert.
