Summer sunshine is set to return tomorrow as the region celebrates Waitangi Day.
There are celebratory events in Rotorua and a festival in Taupo. The forecasted weather is for sunshine with all showers clearing.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is holding its annual Whakanuia with the day focused on Maori and American cultures. There will be American-themed arts and crafts for children, dance, music and weaving classes.
This is the sixth year Whakanuia will be at Whakarewarewa.
"We do it because not only do we have our Maori culture here in Rotorua, we add in different culture within our community," said Whakarewarewa marketing co-ordinator Renee Raimona.
"Hardly any people know what other cultures we have within Rotorua. It's just a way for us to promote each other."
Entry for locals is a gold coin donation. Whakanuia will run from 10am to 3pm, with a wearable arts show towards the end of the day.
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is also welcoming people wanting to celebrate Waitangi Day.
Visitors can visit the institute from 6.30pm to view New Zealand's largest carving, under construction and ready to be displayed at Te Matatini Kapa Haka 2013.
There would be no charge to visit Te Puia for the presentation.
In Taupo, there is the Waitangi-Taupo Moana 2013 festival, featuring music, performers, games and activities at Riverside Park. The celebrations will be held from noon to 5pm, with funk rock/reggae band Ardijah the headline act. There will also be local musicians, kapa haka performances and arts and culture exhibitions. Along with the live entertainment, there will be children's activities, including bouncy castles, amusements, games, spot prizes and giveaways. People can also become involved in waka ama and other river activities, as well as games of the Maori ball sport, ki-o-rahi.
Free buses will run from Turangi and Mangakino will help the community get to and from the event.
In the event of heavy rain the festival will be moved to the Great Lake Centre.
