Things to Do This Weekend in Rotorua

Your weekly guide to the best things to do this weekend in Rotorua: what’s on, where to go and where to eat. A mixed, showery one weather-wise, with a blend of indoor picks and outdoor spots for when it clears. Here’s the plan for Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

This weekend’s weather

SatPartly cloudy15°8° 0%

SunLight drizzle14°8° 69%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

SAT5

8 Scott Ave: Night at the TowersArts

Sir Howard Morrison CentreJack Grace's Smith whānau return in a musical comedy set around the Tudor Towers Cabaret of early 1970s Rotorua.

SAT5

Reimagining Rainbow: Moving ForwardArts

The Arts VillageA free community exhibition of artwork submitted for the Arts Village rebrand, open weekdays 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

FRI4

Rotorua District Choir: Songs of BelongingMusic

St Luke's Anglican ChurchGuest conductor William McElwee leads the choir through a programme on place and home, including Felicia Edgecombe's Shaky Places.

SAT5

Kuirau Park MarketMarkets

Kuirau ParkRotary Club of Rotorua North's Saturday market runs 7am to 1pm with produce, plants, honey, baking, coffee and crafts.

FRI4

Friday Night Poker: Texas Hold'em TournamentEvent

Crates n Cues BarWeekly social Texas Hold'em tournament kicking off at 6pm.

See everything on in Rotorua →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Rotorua: a mixed one, so it’s indoor picks for the showers and outdoor spots for when it clears.

Waterfall

Kerosene Creek Rotorua: Free Geothermal Swimming and Waterfall Walk

Have you discovered the hidden gem of Kerosene Creek, where geothermal wonders await to rejuvenate your spirit? Find out how to experience its magic!

Read the guide →

Waterfall

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park Rotorua: Trout, Lions and Native Birds

Journey into a captivating world at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, where vibrant nature and fascinating wildlife await your discovery. What will you uncover next?

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Playground

Rotorua Lakefront Playground: Modern Play Area on Lake Rotorua

Nestled by Lake Rotorua, Lakefront Playground offers thrilling adventures and serene spots—discover what makes this destination a must-visit!

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Walk

Rainbow Mountain (Maunga Kākaramea): Rotorua Geothermal Summit Walk

Navigate the rugged paths of Rainbow Mountain Trails, where breathtaking views await, but what hidden wonders lie just beyond your next step?

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Geothermal And

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Rotorua Geothermal Pools and Lady Knox Geyser

Awaken your senses at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture intertwine—discover what makes this paradise truly unforgettable.

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Museum

Buried Village Te Wairoa Rotorua: 1886 Eruption Site & Museum

Get ready to explore the buried secrets of Te Wairoa, where history and adventure await at every turn. What will you discover?

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Library

Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri: Community Hub & Services

Open the door to Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri, where learning and culture intertwine, inviting you to explore a vibrant community experience waiting to be discovered.

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Māori Cultural

Te Pā Tū Rotorua: Evening Māori Cultural Experience & Seasonal Feast

Harness the spirit of Māori culture at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua; discover the magic that awaits in this unforgettable experience.

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

Skies are hit and miss this weekend, so it’s not the weekend for chasing sunrises or sunsets. We’ll point you to Rotorua’s best spots when the skies clear.

Keep exploring Rotorua

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Rotorua. Tap through below.

What’s On in Rotorua Things to Do in Rotorua

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do this weekend in Rotorua?

This weekend in Rotorua you can pick from weather-matched things to do, the events on this weekend, and the best spots to eat, all rounded up on this page and updated live from the forecast.

What’s on this weekend in Rotorua?

The “What’s on this weekend” section above lists this weekend’s events in Rotorua, concerts, markets, theatre and more, each with its date and venue.

What can I do this weekend in Rotorua if it’s raining?

On wet weekends we lean the picks towards indoor options in Rotorua such as museums, galleries and covered attractions. The weather block at the top shows the weekend forecast so you can plan around it.

Are there markets this weekend in Rotorua?

Any markets running this weekend in Rotorua show up in the events section above, tagged so they’re easy to find alongside the weekend’s other happenings.

Are there free things to do this weekend in Rotorua?

Often, yes. Many of Rotorua’s museums, galleries, parks and markets are free to enter, and the free picks are highlighted in each weekend’s round-up.

What can families do this weekend in Rotorua?

For families this weekend, look to Rotorua’s playgrounds, beaches and daytime community events, and the weekend picks call out the family-friendly options.

How often is the Rotorua weekend guide updated?

Every Friday morning. We rebuild the guide each week for the coming Friday to Sunday, with the latest events, weather-matched things to do, and current picks for eating out.