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

Wellington's long-standing source for experimental, sometimes off-the-wall theater hosts a range of performances throughout the year, including stand-up, dance, and theater. There are three performance spaces and a small bar on site.

Catch contemporary New Zealand pieces along with established masterworks from Harold Pinter to Oscar Wilde. It's on the wharf next to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Every year, New Zealand's largest outdoor arts and music festival transforms the capital's cool Cuba Street for a weekend in late March. This free, family-friendly event is packed with an extraordinary variety of programmed entertainment. Quality food stalls from local restaurants also line the streets.

In late May or early June, Māori New Year begins with the first new moon after the appearance of Matariki (Pleiades). To celebrate, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa hosts nine days of music, storytelling, and dance performances; events kick off with a ceremony at dawn.

Named after a former long-standing mayor, this venue regularly hosts shows ranging from the New Zealand Ballet to orchestral and pop concerts.

Wellington's century-old Opera House has plush carpets and tiered seating. As the capital's main mid-size venue, its line-up consists of stage performances, musicals, and international comedy.

The ornate, turn-of-the-20th-century St. James Theatre hosts dance performances, musicals, and opera. This is the official home of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Opera.

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.

Buy tickets for local performances at this spot between the Michael Fowler Center and the Town Hall.

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).

Headlining tours head to this large indoor venue on the waterfront.

Wellington's annual food festival hosts over 100 events, with local and visiting chefs creating special menus and experiences. New Zealand's largest beer festival, Beervana, kicks off the two-week festival in early August. A major component of the festival is Burger Wellington, which sees more than 200 eateries competing to be ruled the Best Burger.