Wellington And Around Entertainment

Wellington presents a wide variety of diversions, from high art to high-energy sport. The Wellington i-Site has schedules and information about shows and theaters, and they sell rush tickets for Downstage, Circa, and BATS (see below). Ticketek (☎384 3840), at Queen’s Wharf, sells seats for most events, though rugby tickets are sold through Red Tickets (☎0800 000 575) or at any post shop. Prices for Wellington’s many performances vary drastically and are determined by the theater company using the space. Call ahead for showtimes and prices. Wellington also offers many cinematic options, including Paramount, 25 Courtenay Pl. (☎384 4080), which dishes out arthouse cinema fare and Rialto (☎385 1864), at Cable St. and Jervois Quay. For information on upcoming events in Wellington, the Jason’s What’s On Wellington is a useful guide (www.jasons.com).

• Downstage, 12 Cambridge Terr. (☎801 6946; www.downstage.co.nz), at the corner of Courtenay Pl. and Cambridge Terr. Wellington’s oldest professional theater hosts a wide range of productions, from classic drama to cabaret and comedy.
• Circa, 1 Taranaki St. (☎801 7992; www.circa.co.nz), next to Te Papa. Mainstage plays and a studio with smaller, more experimental shows.
• BATS, 1 Kent Terr. (☎802 4175; www.bats.co.nz). An experimental, on-the-fringe venue, often featuring homegrown productions.
• The Westpac St. James Theatre, 77 Courtenay Pl. (☎384 3840; www.stjames.com). Restored Edwardian lyric theater, home to the Royal Ballet, opera, and musicals.
• The Opera House, 111-113 Manners St. (☎802 4060), is run by the St. James.
• Wellington Convention Centre, (☎801 4231; www.wellingtonconventioncentre.com) stages lectures as well as classical and chamber music concerts (even the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra), mainly at the Michael Fowler Centre and Wellington Town Hall.
• Westpac Stadium, on Waterloo Quay (☎384 3840). This new, $128-million stadium is jokingly called “The Cake Tin” for its metallic outer shell. But don’t let the moniker fool you—Wellington is mighty proud of this tin can, which hosts events like rugby, cricket, soccer, and big-name concerts. Prices vary, but rugby tickets usually cost $30-50.
• Basin Reserve, on Kent Terr. (☎384 3840), a 20min. walk from downtown. This stadium has been home to Wellington cricket for more than 125 years and enjoys National Heritage status. It also houses the National Cricket Museum. Most matches Nov.-Mar., with 1-2 international series every year. Tickets usually $10-30.
• Bodega, 101 Ghuznee St. (☎384 8212; www.bodega.co.nz). Wellington’s top weekend music stop. Impressive selection of quality local ales and imports. Handles $5. Open Su-Th 4pm-late, F-Sa 3pm-late.
• Events Centre Wellington, at Queens Wharf (☎470 0190). The main venue for indoor sporting events (like international basketball and netball), popular music concerts, and various weekend festivals and exhibitions.