What's On in Rotorua
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.
Legend of the Peaks
7–8 November
Whakarewarewa Forest
The Legend of the Peaks festival provides running and walking events for all levels of fitness. Distances range from 2 km for kids to the pinnacle event, the New Zealand Forest Marathon, which covers 42 km of off-road and trail running.
Coombes Johnston BMW New Zealand Aria Competition
8 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The New Zealand Aria Trust warmly welcomes you to one of Australasia’s most prestigious singing competitions - the 76th Festival Weekend of Song, to be held at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.
TINA The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
9 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
7 Days Live
15 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
It’s 7 Days Live! Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood, Hayley Sproull, Paul Ego, Josh Thomson, Ben Hurley, and Justine Smith break all the rules—no cameras, censors, or lawyers.
This November, they hit the best theatres and stadiums in Aotearoa, delivering quick-fire standup comedy, then unleashing a wild 7 Days game, new for your town. Hold onto your pants!
Luke Kidgell: Good Intentions
18 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Luke is known for his viral crowd-work interactions that often lead to some fairly unusual, yet hilarious encounters. You’ve seen him on the internet, now it’s time to see him in real life, as Luke tries to prove that he really does have Good Intentions.
A Celtic Christmas
18 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.
Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean
21 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multi instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition, an entertainer, a performer, a modern Vaudevillian
Blues and BBQ Festival
28-30 November
Blues & BBQ festival featuring renowned blues artists and mouthwatering BBQ delights. Experience the best of blues music and BBQ delights at the NZ Blues and BBQ Festival.
NZSO: Summer Brass
11 December
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Summer Brass, presented by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is a great concert for the whole whānau. The NZSO Brass and Percussion sections bring a bold, majestic style to Christopher Mowat's arrangement of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Samuel Barber's Mutations from Bach and Henri Tomasi's Fanfares Liturgiques.
TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift
12 December
The Unofficial Tribute Show - Taylor: A Tribute to the eras of Taylor Swift music is coming this December. It was the biggest concert tour in history and now you can get amongst the fun, hype and excitement with this world-class tribute, recreating the best moments from the Eras tour, live on stage.
*Fan-sponsored – not endorsed by or affiliated with TAS Rights Management.
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
23 – 24 January
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Jimmy Carr returns for two shows at Sir Howard Morrison Centre with his new show full of edgy one-liners.
Tarawera Ultra-Trail New Zealand
14–15 February
Discover Rotorua’s breathtaking landscapes as runners journey through native forests and past sparkling lakes and waterfalls. Welcoming athletes of all abilities, this iconic event celebrates endurance and connection while showcasing the beauty, manaakitanga and adventure that make Rotorua a truly unforgettable destination.
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
3 March
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
After entertaining 700,000 guests across the UK, USA and Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is kicking off the first ever tour of New Zealand. Prepare for a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy.
Michael Jackson Live Concert Experience
23 April
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The world’s #1 Michael Jackson Live Concert Experience is heading to Rotorua for the very first time.
The King of Pop show has sold out performances across Australia and Asia, bringing the energy and spirit of MJ to life. This is the closest you’ll ever come to experiencing the magic of Michael live.
