2 Best Performing Arts in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

The country's major art showcase is held February through March on even-numbered years at venues across the city. A huge array of international talent in music, drama, dance, and visual media descends upon Wellington. Events fill up quickly; check online for program information, and book a month in advance if you can.

Devoted to the hedonist's holy trinity, this festival occurs on the third Sunday of November. Thousands of tickets are typically sold within hours of their first release—you can get yours online through Ticketek ( www.ticketek.co.nz).