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.

Te Tangi a Te Tūī


10-11 August


This captivating performance explores love, loss and hope, blending te reo Māori with stunning circus theatre at Sir Howard Morrison Centre.


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Best of the Bee Gees: Saturday Night Fever


12 August


Endorsed by members of the Gibb family and original Bee Gees musicians, the Best of the Bee Gees opens with the Greatest Hits followed by a high-energy Saturday Night Fever second act, which have garnered standing ovations and 10 out of 10 reviews.


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The Morning Shift: IS THAT US?!


22 August


After humble beginnings in a garage, to a record-breaking rise to the top of the podcast charts, Aotearoa’s favourite trio — Jordan Vaha'akolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard — are taking The Morning Shift to the people.


Real people, real talk and now real life. Expect all the stuff you love from the podcast: deep kōrero, big laughs, a few tears, spontaneous/questionable singing, plus whatever Jordan decides to overshare that night.

The live show brings the podcast to life, with that signature Morning Shift energy that turns commutes into therapy sessions and takes gym workouts to another level.



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Creedence Clearwater Collective


24 August


We invite you to join us for a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as we celebrate the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others.


The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound. You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this fun, hit-packed live concert.



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Dancing in the Shadows of Motown


5 September


Don’t miss this 11 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas,  The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, and many more MOTOWN Legends.


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Manu Samoa vs Flying Fijians


6 September


Rotorua will come alive this September as Manu Samoa take on the Flying Fijians at Rotorua International Stadium. On 6 September, the two Pacific giants will clash in a powerful celebration of pride, passion and culture – right here in Rotorua, Samoa’s home away from home.


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Atua Wahine By Wairea Company ft. NZSO


11-13 September


Wairea Company proudly presents Atua Wahine - a powerful musical activation and installation performance honouring the revitalisation of ancient Māori goddess narratives.


This work brings together female performers of all ages to embody the energy of Atua Wahine through Māori contemporary dance, classical orchestration, and taonga puoro.



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Whetūrangihia


1 October


Whetūrangihia returns with a powerful theatrical work tracing a whānau’s journey through loss, memory, and renewal as they prepare for te umu kohukohu whetū, a traditional ritual conducted at the rise of the Matariki star cluster. Reo Māori, performance, music, and storytelling are all woven to create a powerful cultural and artistic experience.


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Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience


16 October


Step inside the iconic Fawlty Towers for a night of interactive comedy and chaos all served with a delicious 3-course meal. Highly improvised, highly interactive, and fully immersive, join the action for an unforgettable night where guests are not just audience members, but highly esteemed guests of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel!


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Queen: Its A Kinda Magic


26 October


Immerse yourself in the spectacle, grandeur and energy of the world’s greatest Rock band with Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, celebrating the legacy of Queen and Freddie Mercury. Bringing big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes, this is the REAL ROCK EXPERIENCE!


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TINA The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll


9 November


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.


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7 Days Live


15 November


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!


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Luke Kidgell: Good Intentions


18 November


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.


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A Celtic Christmas


18 November


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.


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Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean


21 November


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


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Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny


23 – 24 January 2026


Jimmy Carr returns for two shows at Sir Howard Morrison Centre with his new show full of edgy one-liners.


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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight


3 March 2026


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.


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in Rotorua?


Visit Mai Rotorua, your guide to local Rotorua events.

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