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.
Following overwhelming demand, Tērā te Auahi - An Interpretation of the Tarawera Eruption returns for a special summer season from 15 January to 14 February 2027.
Created by performing arts collective Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa, the contemporary production combines theatre, music, movement and kapa haka to tell the story of the 1886 Tarawera eruption, bringing one of Aotearoa's most significant historical events vividly to life through the experiences of those who lived through it.
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.
Hoani Hotene – It’s Getting Hot-ene, So Tell Me All Your Jokes
14 November
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Hoani Hotene (Ngāti Hauā) brings his Billy T Award winning show to Rotorua - It’s getting Hot-ene, so tell me all your jokes. The world's heating up, going wild, and Hoani Hotene is trying to get through it all with what…? Jokes? Yep. Asking big questions about politics, religion, and breakfast. Growing up in a kura kaupapa Hoani comes a different lens of Aotearoa and everything that’s going on.
NZ Trio | He Taonga Wairere
3 December
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Chamber Music Rotorua is delighted to present NZTrio in Rotorua. Acclaimed as an indispensable fixture of Aotearoa’s cultural landscape, NZTrio captivates audiences through daring programming, exceptional artistry, and inviting, genuine charm.
The ensemble dispels formal classical stereotypes by blending adventurous soundscapes with welcoming performance spaces and genuine post-show hospitality.
Giant Legends Enduro Series – Race 2
6 December 2026
Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
Cruise up, race down and enjoy a day on Rotorua’s world-class trails as the Giant Legends Enduro Series returns for round two. Choose a long or short course, tackle the stages in your preferred order and ride at your own pace between timed descents. With food, music and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a chance to get your mates together for some friendly competition in Whakarewarewa Forest.
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.
Giant Legends Enduro Series – Race 3
14 February 2027
Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
Round out your summer riding with the final race of the Giant Legends Enduro Series in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest. Take on the long or short course, choose your stage order and enjoy the mix of timed descents and relaxed riding between stages. Whether you’re chasing the clock or sharing a day on the trails with mates, expect friendly competition, food, music and plenty of good times to finish the series.
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.
Crankworx Rotorua
10 – 14 March 2027
Rotorua
Crankworx Rotorua is a world-class mountain bike festival, bringing five action-packed days of elite competition, community racing and family-friendly experiences to the city’s renowned trails. From thrilling downhill and slopestyle events to Kidsworx racing and opportunities for riders of all ages, the festival celebrates Rotorua’s deep connection to mountain biking, outdoor adventure and its passionate riding community.
The Ten Tenors NZ Tour
12 March 2027
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The TEN Tenors bring their spectacular 30th Anniversary Show to Rotorua in March 2027. Expect soaring 10-part harmonies, operatic favourites, soulful ballads and pop and rock hits, delivered with the energy and showmanship that have won audiences around the world. Celebrate three decades of music with ten extraordinary voices for an unforgettable night at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.
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.
Red Stag 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 which includes a Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and Kids Mini Marathon, celebrates Rotorua's community spirit and status as one of New Zealand’s great outdoor event destinations.
Teeks - Lovers Comet
19 March 2027
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Experience the unmistakable voice of TEEKS live in Rotorua as he brings his new album Lovers Comet to the stage in March 2027. Featuring ‘Headlights’, Lovers Comet marks a deeply personal new chapter for TEEKS.
The Aotearoa soul artist (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) returns five years after his debut album Something To Feel, with new music exploring desire, intimacy, identity and the transformative power of love.
Queen: It's a Kinda Magic
12 November 2027
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Experience the spectacle and energy of Queen with dazzling lighting, flamboyant costumes and Warren Vernon-Driscoll performing live on vocals, guitar and piano. Gather your friends for a night of legendary rock anthems, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You and Don’t Stop Me Now, celebrating the music of Queen and Freddie Mercury.
For Sir Howard Morrison Centre events, please note the following policies:
Conditions of entry: Our team is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment. Please follow all reasonable directions from venue staff. Anyone behaving in an unsafe, disruptive or inappropriate manner may be refused entry or asked to leave.
Bags and prohibited items: To help make entry quick and easy, please bring only essential items. All bags may be inspected on arrival. Large bags and other prohibited items may not be permitted inside the venue.
Food and drinks: Food and drinks purchased outside the venue may not be brought inside. Our foyer bar will be open before the show but will close when the performance begins. Bar reopens for shows with intervals.
Smoke-free and Vape-free venue: To support a comfortable environment for everyone, the Sir Howard Morrison Centre is a smoke-free and vape-free venue. Please refrain from smoking or vaping anywhere inside the building or within the venue grounds.
