WellingtonNZ.com,
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A scene from the Meridian Season of Carmen. Photo: Ross Brown

From ballet to basketball and high tea to Tea for Toot, Wellington’s list of things to do won’t be taking a holiday over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

The Meridian Season of Carmen launches at the gorgeous St James Theatre and promises electrifying contemporary ballet set against a backdrop of modern-day Rio de Janeiro. Carmen’s allure is the stuff of legend and the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s performance, set to George Bizet’s famous score, is guaranteed to heat up the winter months.

Also in the cultural capital, you can catch The Nero Show or some theatresports at Circa Theatre. Downstage Theatre has Le Sud on, a provocative new comedy which pokes fun at three cultures, two islands and one country. And Bats is playing Tea for Toot, a cautionary tale of unlikely guests and sibling survivalry.

All good sports will be heading to the TSB Arena on the Friday night to watch the Wellington Saints take on the OceanaGold Nuggets. iPhone owners keen to stretch their own legs should download the free Welly Walks application from iTunes – it’ll help you discover all the best tourist spots and hidden Wellington gems.

All that exercise will likely make you hungry. If you feel like some tasty treats, there’s plenty of spots offering High Tea in the capital of cool. Try Hippopotamus at the Museum Hotel, Finc, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor or the very cute Martha's Pantry.