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.
XTERRA Rotorua – 26km MTB
11 April
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
Every year Xterra selects a course that showcases the best trails to encourage great racing and showcase everything Whakarewarewa forest has to offer. This event is perfect for mountain biking and general fitness athletes with mountain bike experience and is set in stunning forest scenery and on world class trails.
Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs
11 April
Rotorua Internation Stadium
See Moana Pasifika take on the Chiefs on 11 April at Rotorua International Stadium, then swap the stadium for forest bathing, spa experiences and family adventures – all just a short drive from Auckland, Waikato, Taupō and the Bay of Plenty.
Tickets on sale now.
Royal NZ Ballet: Dazzlehands
15 April
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Dazzlehands, the award-winning story, bursts from page to stage in a fun-filled ballet for tamariki and whānau. Presented by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, this joyful tale follows Pig – the unstoppable hero who teaches us how important a little sparkle can be.
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.
Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
2 May
Run The Original at the 2026 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon on Saturday 2 May. Since 1965, this iconic event has circled Lake Rotorua’s stunning one-lap course, offering marathon, half, 10km, 5km and kids’ races in a vibrant community weekend.
Aotango Quintet
7 May
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Performing in Piazzolla’s original quintet formation, A Century of Tango traces tango’s evolution from iconic classics to nuevo tango. Enjoy the seamless fusion of world music and tango, in an eclectic mix of styles presented by musicians who call Aotearoa their home.
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.
Kiwi Yarns with Brodie Kane
5 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Brodie Kane is the host of awardwinning podcast Kiwi Yarns, where she chats with Aotearoa’s most interesting people in honest, no-frills conversations. In 2025 she took it nationwide, selling out a live tour. Now she’s back with new yarns and her signature straight-up, funny style.
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.
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!
