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. It’s shaping up wet, so we’ve leaned this weekend’s picks towards indoor options. Here’s the plan for Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.

Updated live from the forecast. Pop back closer to the weekend for the sharpest read.

This weekend’s weather

FriLight rain12°6° 98%

SatDrizzle10°5° 99%

SunDrizzle10°3° 72%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

ALLWKND

Under the Stars 2026 – a Matariki ExhibitionArts

The Arts VillageA contemporary art exhibition honouring Matariki, showing at The Arts Village.

ALLWKND

Ākonga Group Show – Under the Stars 2026Arts

The Arts VillageA group show of work by Arts Village ākonga, running alongside the Under the Stars Matariki exhibition.

SAT25

Meet the Maker – The Bag LadyArts

The Arts VillageA craft and object art session where you can meet local maker The Bag Lady and see her work.

SAT25

Beethoven UnwrappedMusic

St Johns ChurchAn afternoon classical concert unwrapping the music of Beethoven.

SAT25

Sid Diamond LiveMusic

The LincolnNew Zealand hip-hop artist Sid Diamond performs live with DJ Jay, Boogie B and local support acts.

SAT25

Kuirau Park Saturday MarketMarkets

Kuirau ParkThe Rotary-run Saturday morning market with fresh produce, food stalls, crafts and pre-loved goods.

SAT25

Great Forest RogaineSport

Whakarewarewa ForestA navigation-based rogaine event through the trails of Whakarewarewa Forest.

FRI24

Hell's Gate Twilight Spa ExperienceSport

Hell's GateAn evening geothermal mud bath and sulphur spa experience running Friday and Saturday nights through winter.

FRI24

Te Puia 6-Course DegustationFood

Te PuiaExecutive Chef Shane Beattie's six-course dining experience inspired by the Geothermal Valley, held every Friday until late August.

See everything on in Rotorua →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Rotorua: a wet one, so we’ve leaned towards museums, galleries and covered attractions.

Māori Cultural

Kahukiwi Experiences Rotorua: Small-Group Māori Cultural Tour at Lake Rotoiti

Uncover the rich heritage of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe through immersive cultural experiences at Te Takinga Marae that will leave you yearning for more.

Read the guide →

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.

Read the guide →

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?

Read the guide →

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.

Read the guide →

Māori Cultural

Mitai Māori Village Rotorua: Evening Hāngi Dinner & Cultural Show

Learn about authentic Māori traditions at Mitai Māori Village, where vibrant performances and unique culinary experiences await—discover the magic that lies within.

Read the guide →

Museum

Te Amorangi Museum Rotorua: Rural Heritage and Steam History

Take a journey through Rotorua's rich heritage at Te Amorangi Museum, where fascinating stories and interactive exhibits await your exploration.

Read the guide →

Geothermal And

Hamurana Springs Rotorua: Redwood Walk and North Island Spring

Connect with nature and culture at Hamurana Springs Recreation Reserve, where stunning landscapes and rich history await your discovery. What secrets will you uncover?

Read the guide →

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

A wet one 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.