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.
Aronui presents: Matariki Drone Show & Night Market
9 – 11 July
Rotorua Lakefront | Te Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe
Aronui Matariki Drone Show & Night Market will light up the Rotorua skies for a third year in a row with one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking Matariki celebrations.
Join us nightly for a free outdoor experience featuring 550 synchronised drones, powerful storytelling, sound, narration, and visual artistry honouring Matariki, alongside the Rotorua Night Market with delicious food, arts, and crafts.
Matariki Soak, Sip & Show at Wai Ariki
9 – 11 July
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
Honour the Māori New Year with an evening of restoration, reflection and connection. Begin your journey with a hosted Restorative Journey, designed to calm the body and ground the wairua. Enjoy a welcome beverage and hangi snack and live local entertainment. Then, take your place to experience the Aronui Matariki Drone Show, a breathtaking celebration of the stars and stories of Matariki.
Te Puia 6-Course Degustation
3 July – 28 August (Every Friday)
Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
After a run of sold-out degustations in 2025, Executive Chef Shane Beattie returns with this immersive dining experience celebrating the unique landscapes of Te Puia. Beginning in the Geothermal Valley, each course in this carefully crafted degustation draws inspiration from seasonal ingredients, cultural connection and culinary creativity, designed to awaken a different sense with every bite.
Aronui presents: Vol.9 Matariki Mixtape
11 July
Terrace Kitchen
Internationally acclaimed DJs Thomas Rose and Ethan James will present Aronui’s Matariki Mixtape- Vol.9 a specially curated sunset-to-nightfall performance that blends soulful R&B, Polynesian rhythms, low-fi textures and reflective soundscapes in honour of the contemplative spirit of Matariki.
Hell’s Gate Twilight Spa Experience
20 June – 30 August (5-8pm every Friday and Saturday)
Hell's Gate
This Matariki, enjoy a geothermal mud bath, sulphur spa and complimentary cool plunge pool experience by night. Relax and unwind beneath the stars while rejuvenating your body, inside and out, in the world-famous mud and waters of Hell's Gate.
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.
Run the Forest
8 August
Redwoods and Government Gardens
Run The Forest is the only reason you need to get up and get going this winter. Three distances, run party vibes, and Rotorua’s unique geothermal and Redwood trails. Get the crew together and sign up for the coolest thing you’ll do this winter.
Rolling in the Deep – Songs of Adele
21 August
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
International vocalist Caitriona Fallon is joined by her 10-piece band to present a selection of your favourite Adele tunes.
Caitriona, former lead singer of Riverdance and Tarnished Frocks and Divas, takes us on a journey of the emotional, exhilarating and vulnerable work that Adele has produced through the years. Passionate lyrics written through experience – relatable to her audience and cementing Adele’s position as one of the best singers of our time.
Sonic Boom!
22 August
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
SONIC BOOM brings the excitement of a real rock concert to young audiences, packed with epic singalongs, huge dance moments, and nonstop fun.
Got a little one who loves to sing, dance, or air guitar? Come and give them an unforgettable first concert experience!
Blue Lake 24hr Challenge
26 – 27 September
Lake Tikitapu
The Blue Lake 24hr Challenge is pure Rotorua, a grassroots endurance event set on the shores of stunning Lake Tikitapu. With runners completing laps of the 6km Blue Lake track over 24 hours, it captures the region’s love of trails, adventure, community, and pushing limits in one of Rotorua’s most iconic outdoor settings.
NZ Entertainer of the Year
10 October
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
New Zealand Country Music Association presents NZ Entertainer of the Year.
Aramex Walk Run Series: Trek the Forest
17 October
Lake Tikitapu
Trek the Forest showcases Rotorua at its best, taking walkers and runners through the stunning surrounds of Lake Tikitapu and into the iconic Whakarewarewa Forest. With beautiful lake views, native forest, and world-class trails right on the city’s doorstep, it’s the perfect way to experience Rotorua’s natural playground.
Whaka100 MTB
23 – 25 October
Whakarewarewa Forest
Ride world-class singletrack through Rotorua’s iconic Whakarewarewa Forest, with distances from 10km to 175km to suit every level. Join more than 3,000 riders for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest MTB events, and soak up a full weekend of riding, atmosphere, and everything Rotorua has to offer.
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!
Tērā Te Auahi - An Interpretation of the Tarawera Eruption
15 January – 14 February 2027
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa presents Tērā te Auahi - a contemporary retelling of the 1886 Tarawera eruption, one of New Zealand’s most devastating natural disasters. Through a powerful blend of theatre, music, movement, and kapa haka, the production shares the stories of the people of Te Wairoa and surrounding villages, while honouring the resilience and enduring spirit of the land itself.
8TH WONDER – A Festival of Sound & Culture
23 January 2027
Te Papa Rēhia | Village Green
LOOP presents 8th Wonder, a one-day festival of Sound & Culture, is set to take over Rotorua for the first time this January. Featuring an eclectic mix of artists combining to create an unmissable day of music including - L.A.B, Te Wehi, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Aaradhna, Betty-Anne (Voice of Ardjiah), Che Fu & The Krates, Corrella, The Elovaters (USA), Ladi6, Son & Water.
Tarawera Ultra Trail
13 – 14 February 2027
Rotorua
Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB brings the world to Rotorua, showcasing the region’s spectacular trails, lakes, waterfalls, native forest, and deep connection to whenua. From the event hub on the Rotorua lakefront to courses that journey through some of the district’s most iconic landscapes, it captures Rotorua’s spirit of adventure, manaakitanga, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Legends of the Lake
27 February 2027
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
Legend of the Lake is a uniquely Rotorua open-water swim experience, set in the clear waters of Lake Tikitapu, one of the region’s most loved natural landmarks. From family-friendly OceanKids swims to longer lake challenges and the magical Swim The Night experience, the event celebrates Rotorua’s deep connection to lakes, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable natural settings.
Volcanic Epic
17 – 21 March 2027
Taupō, Tokoroa, and Rotorua
Ride from the edge of Lake Taupō’s super volcano to Rotorua’s geothermal mountain bike playground, across five unforgettable days of world-famous volcanic singletrack.
Rotorua Marathon
1 May 2027
Lake Rotorua and Lakefront Reserve
The Rotorua Marathon is woven into the city’s identity, with runners and walkers taking on the iconic lap around Lake Rotorua since 1965. The event celebrates Rotorua’s endurance, community spirit, and status as one of New Zealand’s great outdoor event destinations.
