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.
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.
ABBA: Thank You For The Music
27 June
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Get ready to say 'Thank you for the music'. Join us for a 2-hour spectacular concert that will take you through the songs, life and magic that made ABBA one of the most successful bands of all time. Including all the hits "Waterloo, Mama Mia, Dancing Queen, Money Money, SOS" and more.
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.
Magic Men Australia
7 July
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
The #1 ladies night out! Magic Men delivers Australia’s most talented performers, high-energy choreography, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and cheeky crowd interaction, all packaged into a world-class touring production.
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.
Aronui Matariki Drone Show - Matariki herenga waka: For everyone
9 – 11 July
Rotorua Lakefront | Te Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe
The Aronui Matariki Drone Show 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 on 9-11 July for a free outdoor experience combining 550 synchronised drones, powerful storytelling, sound, narration and stunning visual artistry in honour of Matariki.
Te Puia Matariki Hautapu Ceremony
10 July 5am-7am
Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
Celebrate the Māori New Year at Te Puia with a traditional Hautapu ceremony, held before dawn as the Matariki star cluster rises above Aotearoa. Through karakia, waiata and the offering of kai, this special ceremony honours loved ones who have passed, gives thanks for the year gone by, and sets intentions for the year ahead.
Te Puia Matariki Whānau Day
10 July 9am-3pm
Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
Inspired by the traditions that followed a Hautapu ceremony, Matariki Whānau Day brings people together to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. Enjoy cultural performances, Pā activities (Tītī tōrea & other fun games) artisan market stalls, carving and weaving demonstrations, family activities, and delicious local kai, including a traditional hāngī cooked in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
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.
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!
Burn the Floor
1 September
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Burn the Floor features the world’s finest international champion dancers, showcasing a melting pot of dance styles with infectious, rebellious energy and groundbreaking choreography. The incredible cast fearlessly challenge the boundaries of the ballroom artform, supported by live musicians and vocalists, stunning costumes and dynamic production.
NZ Entertainer of the Year
10 October
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
New Zealand Country Music Association presents NZ Entertainer of the Year.
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!
