Rotorua sponsors a number of events throughout the year that cater for visitors and locals alike. There are numerous concerts and open marketplaces that bring in sizable crowds throughout the year. Also popular are the athletic competitions testing the skills of mountain bikers, triathletes and endurance runners. Local Maori groups also host a number of annual cultural events that promote education and mutual understanding between cultures.

Jambalaya: this festival features dancing and music in a carnival-style atmosphere. Theatre troupes, circus acts and street performers vie for the attention of visitors, and there are also several kids programmes and workshops on the agenda.

Opera in the Pa: held in the historic Ohinemutu Geothermal Village, this event features internationally-renown performers and consistently sells-out. The lakeside location in the Rotowhio Marae is the perfect setting for this event.

Rotorua Arts, Crafts and Produce Fair: held from late January through March, this event takes place on several Sundays throughout these months. It is Rotorua’s only fair to specialise in crafts and handmade goods, and patrons have the added bonus of watching the artisans at work. Live music and refreshments are also featured.

Capoeira Mandinga Aotearoa: capoeira, an elegant form of martial arts that blends dance-like performance with fluid combat, comes to Rotorua for one weekend in late March. This relatively new event gains in popularity each year, and it’s an excellent opportunity for veterans of the sport and curious spectators to come together. A free concert is also held during this event.

Xterra Rotorua Festival: this multi-sport event is open both to solo competitors and small teams. The triathlon begins as competitors dive into Blue Lake upon the completion of a one kilometre lap, after which they gear up and begin a 35km mountain-biking race across New Zealand’s finest course. Finally, an 11km trail run wraps up the race day. Anyone is welcome to compete in this event, whether qualifying for the annual Xterra Championship or simply pitting their skills against the course.

Tagged Trout Tournament: 20 tagged trout are released into Lake Rotorua, and anglers vie to catch one of these special fish. Substantial prizes are awarded to everyone who brings in one of these trout, with a grand-prize of NZ$10,000 for the competitor who brings in the champion trout.

Cateye Moonride: this mountain biking event is held in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa forest. The competition is open to solo competitors or teams of four or five, and there are two different events—one lasting 24 hours and the other lasting 12. The race features live entertainment, and numerous prizes are handed out during the event.

Women’s Lifestyle Expo: held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, this event caters specifically for women in Rotorua—whether they are visitors or long-term residents. Expo planners aim to entice all the senses, through massage, makeovers and spiritual healings. This is a great opportunity for visiting ladies to take some well-deserved timeout and enjoy life to its fullest.

Rhapsody Rotorua: orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs, and concert bands come together from various schools across the nation to compete and participate in music workshops. Competing students have the opportunity to hone their skills and learn from well-established professionals while visitors can observe the next generation’s blossoming musical talent. This event is held at the Rotorua Convention Centre.

Tough Guy and Gal Challenge: sponsored by Waikato Draught, this event is open to anyone over the age of 14 years. Entrants compete in an off-road running challenge that includes navigating barbed wire, rope-climbing, swamp crossing and lots of mud. This down-and-dirty obstacle course is a lot of fun, but don’t expect to wear the same clothes again after you’re through.

Rotorua Trout Festival: this event marks the annual opening of the lakes, when trout fishing comes into season. After a rest from June to September, trout populations are strong and local anglers are anxious to get back into the sport. The event lasts for one day.

Soundshell Market: held on the last Sunday of every month, the Soundshell Marketplace is located along Lakefront drive, directly on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to go shopping for locally-made handicrafts, woollens and sheepskin items, antiques and collectibles, and every kind of souvenir imaginable.