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.
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.
Silk and Soul
8 August
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Silk and Soul is a premium live theatre experience featuring Jaedyn Randell, Naia and Makayla.
Join us for a soul evening of live music, storytelling and powerful vocal performances.
Bay of Plenty Steamers v Northland
8 August
Rotorua International Stadium
Get behind the Bay of Plenty Steamers as they clash with Northland in a fierce provincial showdown. Expect big hits, fast-paced action, and an unforgettable rugby atmosphere.
alayna | Set Her Free: The Album Experience Tour
15 August
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
alayna brings her Set Her Free tour home to Rotorua for one intimate night in Te Haumako | Black Box Theatre, performing songs from her new album alongside earlier favourites in a tender, immersive show.
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!
Bay of Plenty Steamers v Taranaki
22 August
Rotorua International Stadium
Bay of Plenty Steamers take on Taranaki at Rotorua International Stadium this August. Expect intense rivalry, big moments, and thrilling rugby action.
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.
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.
8 Scott Ave – Night at the Towers
3 – 5 September
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The Smith whānau are back! Jimmy and his sisters are once again bringing a fun filled story to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre this September. Rotorua's iconic Tudor Towers becomes the backdrop as Jimmy enters his sisters into a talent quest hoping for the $100 cash prize .
Jack Grace has brought another story to the stage to showcase Rotorua history. The Tudor Towers Cabaret was the hot spot for night club entertainment in the early 70s. 8 Scott Ave - A Night at the Towers will have you singing, laughing and dancing as the Smith whānau take you back in time.
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.
Abracadabra
29 September
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Get ready for a whirlwind of wonder with Abracadabra — a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud family magic show bursting with energy, surprises and impossible moments!
Starring the electrifying Anthony Street, this 60-minute magical adventure brings big illusions, audience interaction and non-stop fun together in one unforgettable live experience.
NZ Entertainer of the Year
10 October
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
New Zealand Country Music Association presents NZ Entertainer of the Year.
Home Brew presents Last Week
16 October
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Aotearoa hip-hop favourites, Home Brew kick off their Last Week Tour in Rotorua, the first stop of a highly anticipated national tour.
Home Brew are one of Aotearoa’s most beloved hip-hop groups, rising to equal parts greatness and infamy through their extensive run of EPs through the early 2010s and culminating in their now-classic #1 self-titled debut.
Che Fu & The Kratez 25 years of the Navigator
17 October
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
One of Aotearoa’s most influential artists, Che Fu celebrates the 25th anniversary of his landmark album Navigator with a special nationwide tour this October.
An Evening with Che Fu & The Kratez will see the pioneering artist perform songs from Navigator, alongside favourites from across his celebrated career, backed by his powerhouse live band, The Kratez.
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.
