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 14 to Sunday 16 August.

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

This weekend’s weather

FriShowers14°9° 90%

SatShowers16°8° 59%

SunDrizzle10°6° 33%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

FRI14

alayna Album Art ExhibitionArts

Hotpotz StudioA free immersive exhibition of original artworks inspired by alayna's new album, open 10am–5pm each day at 541 Hamurana Road.

FRI14

Reimagining Rainbow Rotorua – Moving ForwardArts

The Arts VillageOpening night of the Rotorua Chamber of Pride exhibition showcasing mahi toi by local Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ artists, on display until 5 September.

FRI14

Being Inspired When Imagining ColoursArts

The Arts VillageSt Chads Charitable Trust opens its annual exhibition of work by tāngata whaikaha artists, running through to 4 September.

SAT15

Bay of Plenty Symphonia presents Strings AttachedArts

St Lukes ChurchConductor Lara Hall leads a string orchestra programme of Vivaldi, Mozart, Dorothy Freed and David Farquhar.

SAT15

alayna | Set Her Free: The Album Experience TourMusic

Sir Howard Morrison Centrealayna brings her Set Her Free tour home to Te Haumako | Black Box Theatre, with music from 7pm.

SUN16

Rotorua UkeBox Open Mic and Strum/SingalongMusic

Te Rūnanga Tea HouseThe Thermaleles host their third-Sunday ukulele open mic and singalong in the Government Gardens tea house from 3pm.

FRI14

Hell's Gate Twilight Spa ExperienceSport

Hell's GateA geothermal mud bath, sulphur spa and cool plunge pool by night, running 5–8pm every Friday and Saturday until 30 August.

FRI14

NZ Fishing, Hunting & 4X4 ExpoFestivals

Energy Events CentreHundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations, a Show 'n Shine competition and a kids zone across the weekend, with one ticket valid for all three days.

SUN16

Big Four Hunting & Fishing CompetitionFestivals

Energy Events CentreTeams of four chase red deer, wild boar, rainbow trout and pheasant, with weigh-in from 12pm Sunday and prize giving in the main Expo arena.

FRI14

Te Puia 6-Course DegustationMarkets

Te PuiaExecutive Chef Shane Beattie's degustation begins in the Geothermal Valley, running every Friday until 28 August.

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

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?

Read the guide →

Waterfall

Mount Ngongotahā Scenic Reserve Rotorua: Jubilee Track and Nature Loop

Journey to Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve for breathtaking views of Rotorua and uncover the hidden treasures that await you.

Read the guide →

Playground

Linton Park West Playground Rotorua: Playground, Dogs and Walking Paths

Step into Linton Park West Playground, where adventure awaits amidst lush greenery and exciting activities for everyone; discover the joys that lie ahead!

Read the guide →

Garden

War Memorial Park Rotorua: Lakefront Heritage Site and Redevelopment

Nestled by the serene lakeside, War Memorial Park honors Rotorua's heritage—discover the hidden gems waiting for you within this remarkable tribute.

Read the guide →

Māori Cultural

Te Puia Rotorua: Geothermal Valley & Māori Cultural Experiences

Te Puia offers an immersive experience of Māori culture, stunning geothermal wonders, and hands-on workshops; discover the secrets waiting to be unveiled.

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 →

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

Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa: Closed for Strengthening Until 2027/2028

Housed in a stunning historic building, Rotorua Museum offers a glimpse into Māori heritage and art—discover what awaits during your next visit!

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.