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.
Avis Magic Netball v Stars Pre Season Match
27 February
Energy Events Centre
Premiership Netball is back, and it's game on in Rotorua as your WBOP Magic hit the court for a thrilling pre-season clash against the Stars! This is your first chance to see the Magic's fresh combinations, rising talent, and trademark flair in action ahead of the new season.
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.
Crankworx Rotorua
11 – 15 March
Skyline Rotorua
Crankworx Rotorua is back, offering a dynamic mix of elite competitions, participatory events, and cultural celebrations. With events ranging from Downhill to Slopestyle, the festival caters to every level of rider. This year, athletes will battle for crucial points in the King & Queen of Crankworx standings while fans cheer on their favourites in Rotorua’s unique, family-friendly atmosphere.
2026 MTB National Championships
11 – 22 March
Whakarewarewa Forest
The 2026 MTB National Championships take over Rotorua across two action-packed weeks, featuring Downhill at Crankworx and Cross Country and Short Track in Whakarewarewa Forest.
Te Arawa Kapa Haka Regionals
13 – 14 March
Rotorua International Stadium
Held biennially, the Regionals select the rōpū to represent Te Arawa at the upcoming Te Matatini national kapa haka festival. Twenty-seven kapa haka rōpū from across the Te Arawa region (from Maketū to Mt Tongariro) will perform over the two days.
Ash Grunwald
20 March
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Renowned for his electrifying live shows, Australian musician, Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old van to ‘surf by day jam by night’. The festival favourite brings a high energy, vibrant live show with stacks of guitars and foot stomping blues.
Secondary School Waka Ama Nationals
23 – 27 March
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
Rotorua is set to welcome hundreds of rangatahi, whānau and supporters from across Aotearoa for the 2026 Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals, taking place 23–27 March at Lake Tikitapu. One of the country’s largest youth sporting events, the championship will bring a significant influx of visitors to Rotorua.
Shimano Volcanic Epic
25 – 29 March
Traverse the volcanic heart of the North Island across five unforgettable stages — from Rotorua’s hero dirt and geothermal valleys to alpine ridgelines and purpose-built flow. This is more than a ride; it’s an immersive journey through landscapes shaped by fire and time.
Menopause the Musical
26 March
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
This global hit, set to parodies of classic hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, is the ultimate ladies’ night out. Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping and quickly bond over memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and more.
Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run – Rotorua
28 March
Whakarewarewa Forest
The Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run takes participants into the heart of the Rotorua Redwoods. With distance options of 7km, 10.3km and 14.5km this event is suitable for walkers and runners of varying abilities.
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.
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.
Mataatua & Beethoven
15 May
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
TA 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.
