Rotorua hosts world-class events year round
Events bring communities together, help our city grow, showcase creativity, and often they celebrate our unique treasures such as geothermal wonders, Māori heritage, and gold-level mountain biking trails.
Sporting events are always fun whether you're competing, supporting a loved one who's competing, or cheering from the sidelines. The same goes for performing arts, festivals, concerts and more.
The next time you're looking for something to do, check this page for what's on and join us here in Rotorua.
Mataatua & Beethoven
15 May
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
A powerful evening of orchestral and vocal music, pairing a landmark New Zealand opera by Gillian Karawe Whitehead with one of Beethoven’s most exhilarating works.
Rock Tenors
16 May
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The Anthems Reloaded Tour is a full-throttle celebration of the greatest rock hits of all time, featuring five of Aotearoa's finest. Paying homage to the worlds greatest rock anthems from artists such as Queen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and more.
Highlander Mountain Bike Challenge
31 May
Lake Tikitapu | Blue Lake
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s most iconic mountain biking landscapes.
The challenge culminates on the pristine shores of Lake Tikitapu, with 10km, 30km, and 60km course options available.
Kiwi Yarns with Brodie Kane
5 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Brodie Kane is the host of award-winning podcast Kiwi Yarns, where she chats with Aotearoa’s most interesting people in honest, no-frills conversations. Featuring viral parenting influencer Jordan Watson of 'How to Dad' and NZ open water swimmer Jono Ridler.
Tērā te Auahi
10 – 14 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Tērā te Auahi is a contemporary interpretation of the 1886 eruption of Tarawera, one of New Zealand's most catastrophic natural disasters. Beyond the raw force of nature, the Tarawera eruption also holds a deeper, more complex story, one that intertwines the fate of the people of Te Wairoa and surrounding villages at Tarawera, the early colonial settlers, and the timeless spirit of the land itself.
Te Wehi | I'm Home Album Tour
20 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Te Wehi is bringing his powerful, homegrown sound to Rotorua. Known for his raw storytelling and deep connection to whakapapa, his music hits different in person.
After a huge 2025 dominating the charts and playing the country’s biggest stages, he’s stepping into his debut headline tour off the back of his new album I’m Home.
BANFF Film Festival World Tour
26 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Rotorua this June with the Ruapehu programme. Experience award-winning and audience-favourite outdoor films from around the globe in an inspiring night of adventure and storytelling.
Borderline
18 July
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Hailing from Auckland, Borderline is Ben Glanfield [guitar, vocals, keys], Jackson Boswell [drums, vocals], Matthew McFadden [lead guitar], and Max Harries [bass, sax]. With the band’s debut album set to drop on June 26th, fans can expect to hear a collection of pop, rock and funk, fusing the quartet’s undeniable chemistry to deliver music you can groove to.
Beatlemania On Tour
3 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The world’s best live Beatles tribute is coming to Rotorua for the very first time. Experience the songs that changed pop music forever, performed live and in original key, including Hey Jude, Let It Be, Come Together and more!
