The Court Theatre is set to reopen next month, nine months after February's earthquake forced it to close.
The theatre had been operating out of the Arts Centre for 35 years, but the building was badly damaged in the quake.
The new purpose-built theatre is in a large shed, formerly a grain store, in the suburb of Addington.
It has 100 more seats than the old theatre and a larger stage.
Chief executive Philip Aldrige says the theatre has relied on fundraising to build the new theatre and he has been overwhelmed by the number of local and international donations.
