Apart from in Rotorua, the best chance you'll get to sample a Maori concert (and savour a hangi) is here in Christchurch at the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae , 250 Pages Rd ("Marae of the Four Winds"; tel 0800/456 898, fax 03/388 7692, www.nationalmarae.co.nz ), which was set up in 1990 to symbolize the meeting of people from all points of the compass. The meeting house, one of the largest in New Zealand, is named Aoraki after Mount Cook , and the carved posts ( poupou ) depict ancient and contemporary ancestors, acting as memory aids encouraging the continuation of oral tradition. A unique feature is the appearance of two European ancestors (one of which is Captain Cook), intended to symbolize the coming together of the two peoples (for more on Maoritanga ). Provided they get enough advance bookings, there's a choice of two events: the "Night of Maori Magic" (daily 6.45pm; $60) follows pretty much along the lines of the Rotorua-style concert and hangi but includes a detailed look around the marae with a full explanation of the protocol and tribal history; the "Maori Tour and Concert" (daily 7.55pm; $27.50), is the same except that there's no hangi. Free transport is laid on for those with reservations.

The shining star in Christchurch's drama firmament is the Arts Centre's Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard (bookings tel 0800/333100 & 03/366 6992, www.courttheatre.org.nz ), home to one of New Zealand's longest-standing and most highly reputed professional theatre companies. Their current and upcoming performances are well advertised around town and in The Press . Touring shows frequently play in the James Hay Theatre at the Town Hall on Victoria Square (box office tel 03/366 8899), which also has a programme of classical music and ballet in the main auditorium.

Concerts by touring jazz and rock acts take place either at the Arts Centre, or at the Theatre Royal on Gloucester Street (tel 03/366 6326), a fine old Edwardian venue which attracts the glitzier, more mainstream acts. You can catch a host of local jazz and rock performers playing in some of the bars and clubs listed under "Drinking" and "Clubs and gigs" . There is also a varied programme of music events in Hagley Park throughout the summer (tel 03/371 1495, www.summertimes.org.nz ).