New Zealand International Arts Festival: 24 February - 12 March
"Over the course of 24 extraordinary days the 2012 Festival will take you from the deserts of the Sahara to the cultural centres of the world, welcoming back favourite artists from past festivals alongside others new to New Zealand – all key in shaping the cultural future of our time. " "... an abundance of stories from fairytales to Shakespearean tragedies, a return of the much loved festival tent, spine-tingling sounds from the Baroque to the 21st century, a heart-pumping season of Town Hall Gigs and plenty more to entertain, excite and savour."