Culture

Check out our recommendations for great local galleries, museums, artists, theatres and cultural attractions to support, and tell them you found them on the What's Hot New Zealand website.

New Zealand is an increasingly diverse, multicultural nation that in modern times blends up a heady mix of Māori, European, Pacific and Asian cultures and serves up a cultural cocktail that’s not quite like anything else you’ll find in the world. The country’s unique blend of cultural influences makes for a vibrant national identity that values innovation, independence and celebrating diversity, and offers a similarly diverse range of cultural and artistic experiences. New Zealand’s lucky spot in the beautiful blue Pacific lends a distinctive flavour to life in New Zealand – Auckland has a larger Polynesian population than any other city in the world and the influences of Pacific Island culture are clearly evident. Significant migration to New Zealand from Asian countries is also increasingly reflected in the country’s cultural make-up via everything from festivals to cuisine, businesses, and special events. The most significant and unique element of the nation’s cultural make-up though is its indigenous Māori culture – a strong  element of cultural identity for all New Zealanders, Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) included.

This cultural mix makes for a healthy arts scene that includes everything from contemporary visual arts to a thriving performing arts scene, an increasingly renowned local film industry, a strong sense and respect for the country’s heritage, and a fascinating and unique blend of traditional cultural arts.

AMIKI

CHRISTCHURCH | INNER-CITY TOURS

Ngāi Tahu duo Cate Grace and Lou McLeod’s venture AMIKI (from the universal Esperanto language meaning “to make friends”) was inspired by their lead guide, Riwai, who after the Canterbury earthquakes discovered people wanted to create memories and experie ...

Canterbury Museum

CHRISTCHURCH | ATTRACTION

Canterbury Museum is the South Island’s most popular indoor visitor attraction, with displays featuring the natural history of Canterbury, the people who have made it home and the region’s connection to Antarctica.

Christchurch Art Gallery

CHRISTCHURCH | ATTRACTION | DINING | SHOPPING

No trip to Christchurch is complete without a visit to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Experience incredible art, express your creativity through art courses and workshops, attend an artist talk, event or activity and explore your world in a ...

Quake City

CHRISTCHURCH | ATTRACTION

Quake City tells stories of heroism, hope and loss from the Canterbury earthquakes – the devastating series of seismic events that rocked the region in 2010 and 2011.

The Court Theatre

Christchurch | Theatre

Tucked in Addington, you’ll find the South Island’s largest theatre company where a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue awaits you.

Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village

Rotorua | Cultural attraction

Nestled amongst a geothermal wonderland sits the Living Māori Village of Te Whakarewarewa.

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