Treat your whole family to a short beach vacation. Photo / 123rf
Treat your whole family to a short beach vacation. Photo / 123rf
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
January
Friday, January 24:
Girls’ Day Out at The Incubator Creative Hub, The Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Tauranga from 10am to 2.15pm. For $79, girls aged 9-14 can enjoy a fun-filled creative workshop with Emma Prill, creating mixed media vases and flowers on canvas. All materials supplied; bring your own snack and drink bottle.
Indulge in an enchanting evening at the Gourmet Night Market, Coronation Park, Maunganui Rd, from 5pm to 9pm. Enjoy delectable treats, live music, and a vibrant ambiance – no entry fee, just bring your appetite and a picnic blanket.
Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25: Get ready for the TWS World Invitation Superstock Championship – World 240s at TWS Paradise Valley Speedway in Rotorua on January 24 at 7pm and January 25 at 6.30pm. This thrilling event features top Superstock action with tickets ranging from $20 to $80. Bring your deck chair or book a reserved seat for an extra $5 and enjoy the biggest Superstock meeting of the year.
Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26:
Join the Blue Lake Multisport Festival at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua starting at 8.30am each day. This exciting event offers six different activities, including an Aquathlon, various swim distances, and triathlons for all ages, with the prestigious King and Queen of the Lake titles up for grabs.
Get ready for a big Auckland Anniversary weekend as Tauranga’s One Love Festival returns to Tauranga Domain. Expect large crowds and road closures; plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Saturday, January 25:
Enjoy the Katikati Twilight Concerts with the Shania Twain Tribute Show at Katikati Haiku Pathway from 6pm. Relive Shania Twain hits with Liza Rebecca and her live band – tickets are $25, with children 15 and under free with an adult. Gates open at 5pm; bring a comfy chair and picnic.
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Bay Oval, Tauranga for the Super Smash double-header: Northern Brave (W) vs. Otago Sparks at 2.10pm and Northern Brave (M) vs. Otago Volts at 5.55pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children, $35 for families, and $60 for a mates pack, with free entry for kids wearing their club shirt.
Join us for The Little Big Markets Summer Series at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui, from 9am to 2pm. Enjoy gourmet street food, food trucks, live music, and free activities for kids.
Sunday, January 26:
Looking for a fun day out? The Rotorua Lakefront Car Show, from 10am to 2pm welcomes all cars, bikes, and commercials at the Village Green. Entry is off Whakaue St with a gold coin donation to Rotorua’s St John Ambulance. For more info, email info@rvvcc.org.nz.
Experience the vibrant sounds of local musicians poolside at Mount Hot Pools, 9 Adams Ave, Mt Maunganui, every Sunday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm until April 6, 2025. Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music, stunning views, and the benefits of saltwater hot pools—don’t miss this perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
Monday, January 27:
Catch Sarah Millican’s hilarious new stand-up show Late Bloomer at Sir Owen Glenn Theatre in Rotorua from 8pm to 9.15pm. Tickets are $89.90 for A Reserve and $79.90 for B Reserve. Don’t miss out on her witty exploration of how she transformed from a shy child to the confident comedian she is today, with plenty of laughs about dinners and lady gardens. May contain coarse language and adult themes.
Three-week course for seniors on using LibreOffice. More information on the Tauranga SeniorNet Clubs website www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
Old4New water safety initiative is visiting 74 boating spots across the country. Catch the team at Coastguard Rotorua Lakes, 1 Mataiawhea Street, Ohinemutu from 9am to 3pm to exchange old lifejackets for discounted new ones and get boating safety tips.
Celtic musician Rennie Pearson is set to bring the timeless beauty of Celtic music to audiences in Rotorua and Tauranga. These performances offer an intimate evening of music, storytelling, and connection.
Tuesday, January 28: Android smartphones, two courses. More information on the Tauranga SeniorNet Clubs website www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
Introduction to the iPad a four-week course. More information on the TaurangaSeniorNet Clubs website www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
Using your Computer a five-week course. More information on the TaurangaSeniorNet Clubs website www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
Friday, January 31:
Renowned Celtic musician Rennie Pearson will perform in Rotorua at Shambles Theatre 7.30pm and in Tauranga on February 4 at The Jam Factory (7pm). Enjoy an intimate evening of traditional Celtic music, storytelling, and connection, with tickets available at renniepearsonmusic.com.
Two-hour workshop My Music for My Car. More information on the TaurangaSeniorNet Clubs website www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
February
Saturday, February 1:
Join the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro – Race 3 at Skyline Rotorua from 7am to 4pm. As New Zealand’s largest gravity MTB enduro series, it offers 4 or 6 Stage options and categories for both bikes and ebikes, promoting a fun and inclusive atmosphere for riders of all ages and abilities.
Join the Friends of the Rotorua Library for a book sale at Kuirau Park, Corner of Ranolf St and Lake Rd, Rotorua, from 9am to 1pm. Browse a variety of “as new” items, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, music, jigsaws, and magazines, with funds supporting Rotorua Library projects.
International Buskers Day Out is coming to Tauranga, with free performances of acrobatics, contortion, and magic at Masonic Park from 11am to 6pm. Enjoy international acts from Canada, Taiwan, and Italy, plus face painting, photo booths, and other fun activities – a perfect family-friendly day out.
Everyone had fun in the sun at Ngāi Te Rangi's inaugural Māori in the Moana event earlier this year.
Sunday, February 2: Enjoy free Sunday afternoon concerts at the Band Rotunda in Government Gardens, Rotorua, from 1pm to 3pm, hosted by Rotorua Music Charitable Trust and sponsored by The Rotorua Trust. Performances include Kelly Makiha and Peri Grant on February 2, Max Tuballa and Krissie Knapp on February 16th, and many more throughout February and March; koha appreciated, with cancellations or postponements if wet.
Wednesday, February 5: Experience the vibrant Mundi Trio at St Lukes Anglican Church, 1223 Amohia Street, Rotorua, at 7pm. Tickets are $35 (cash only), and the trio, featuring Ricardo Stuani, Chris Dabinett, and Tamara Smith, promises an evening filled with joy and exuberant energy.
Thursday, February 6:
Māori in the Moana will take place on Waitangi Day from 10am to 3pm at Whareroa Reserve. Bring a picnic and your good vibes to enjoy a day filled with activities, entertainment, and a celebration of Māori culture.
Enjoy more music than ever at the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival from 10am to 3pm at The Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Tauranga. Celebrate with live performances, cultural displays, workshops, and family activities throughout the day.
Celebrate Rotorua Waitangi Day from 10am to 3pm at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Enjoy a day of unity, culture, and celebration with health and wellness activities, performing arts, sports and games, food stalls, environmental workshops, visual arts, and market stalls —perfect for the whole whānau.
Celebrate Waitangi Day at Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotorua, from 9.30am to 3pm. Enjoy cultural festivities, delicious kai, and wānanga with activities for the whole whānau, including stick games, poi and haka lessons, cultural performances, and more; free tickets for locals must be booked in advance.
Experience the Summer Shakespeare Tauranga Trust’s production of Romeo + Juliet at Te Puna Quarry Park, Tauranga, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Enjoy the outdoor amphitheatre setting, with food and drinks available for purchase, and join the Closing Night After Dance Party to celebrate with the cast and crew.
Celebrate Bob Marley’s 80th birthday with live reggae music at The Marley Tribute Show, featuring ‘Tribal Conexionz’ from Auckland, at Cornerstone Bar & Eatery Tauranga at 9pm. Tickets are $20 for early birds and $30 at the door.
Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival. Photo / Supplied
Saturday, February 8:
Katikati Twilight Concert:Enjoy a night of music with Albi and the Wolves, followed by local talent Sarah Spicer and her band, at the Haiku Reserve, Main St, Katikati. Doors open at 5pm, tickets are $25 at the gate, and under-15s enter free with a paying adult—perfect for a family outing.
Catch the Te Puke A&P Show at Te Puke Showgrounds, Paengaroa from 9am to 4pm. Enjoy rides, entertainment, competitions, food, and more, with tickets at $10 for adults, $2 for children, and free for under 5s; family passes are $25.
Experience the enchanting Di Filippo Marionette’s production, Appeso Ad Un Filo (Hanging By a Thread), at Village Cinema, 17th Avenue West, Tauranga, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Tickets are $14, with doors opening at 1pm; enjoy snacks and refreshments available for purchase before the show.
Wednesday, February 12: Don’t miss Josh Wolf’s “High On Life Tour” at Sir Howard Morrison Centre in Rotorua from 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets are $59 each for allocated seating. Known for his relatable and hilarious stories, Josh has captivated millions worldwide and is making his first visit to Rotorua after a sellout tour in 2023.
Friday, February 14:
Ginger’s, a pop-up event series celebrating Lesbians and Sapphic culture, is redefining community and connection for the LGBTQIA+ community in Aotearoa. Join us for Ginger’s Presents Prom on Valentine’s Night in Tauranga Moana, 14 February 2025, for a safe, inclusive space to connect and celebrate together.
Join the Valentine’s Day Battle of the Sexes Standup Comedy Show at Luxe Cinema, 4 Golden Sands Drive, Pāpāmoa at 8pm. Tickets are $16.58 each, and the show promises a hilarious face-off between male and female comics — content is R18.
Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16: Discover fresh ideas and inspiration at the Rotorua Home & Garden Show 2025 at the Energy Events Centre. Open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, this event offers exclusive specials, expert advice, kids’ activities, and a major show prize, all under one roof with free parking.
Saturday, February 15:
Catch the River Sounds Festival at Woodland Road Festival Grounds, Katikati from 1pm to 12am. Enjoy performances by Georgia Lines, Bec Sandridge, King Kapisi, and more, along with activities promoting well-being; tickets range from $85 to $100, with camping available for $15, and all proceeds supporting mental health initiatives in NZ.
Join the Calley Homes Women’s Triathlon at Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui from 7am to 11.30am. This entry-level event is open to women aged 11 and up, featuring a 400m swim, 10km cycle, and 4km run/walk; tickets are $65 for individuals, $90 for teams, and $120 for mother/daughter entries.
Sunday, February 16: Enjoy The Little Big Markets at Tauranga Waterfront, No.1 The Strand from 10am to 2pm. With free admission, you can explore market stalls, live music, free workshops, games, and more—perfect for a fun-filled day out!
From now until February 23: Rotary Tauranga need your donations of books (no encyclopaedias), magazines, jigsaws, sheet music, records (LPs), DVDs, CDs, oil heaters and curtains. Donation drop off between Monday 20 January to Sunday 23 February 2025 to:Farmlands, Tauriko; Farmlands, Te Puna; Super Liquor, Welcome Bay; Wet & Forget, Chapel Street; Z Energy, 11th Avenue; Bunnings Warehouse, Hewletts Rd; Ross, 20 Ririnui Place, Maungatapu; Phillips Garage, Fraser Street; Caltex, Greerton; BP Delta, Cherrywood; Mobil, Brookfield; Bethlehem Pharmacy, 229D SH2, Bethlehem; Caltex, Girven Road, Bayfair; Caltex, Main Road, Katikati; Challenge Service Stn, Omokoroa; The Coffee Club, The Village, Ōmokoroa; Papamoa Community Centre, Gravat Road, Pāpāmoa. Or pick up inquiries phone Ann 07 5435350 / 027 5435350 or Ross 07 5440817/021 1444602, donations of art phone Margaret 027 497 9308 or Joan 021 670044.
Tuesday, February 25: The Big Bike Film Night celebrates its 11th year, returning to cinemas across New Zealand from 19 February to 12 June 2025. Curated by Brett Cotter, this festival features short films for cycling enthusiasts. Catch it at Tauranga Boys’ College at 6.30pm.
Thursday, February 27:
The Big Bike Film Night will also be shown at Rotorua Equippers Church Auditorium, at 7pm.
Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support and Cassandra Woodhouse bring the powerful one-woman show, Prima Facie, to young people in Aotearoa. Join the fundraiser at the Charthouse, Tauranga from 6pm to 10pm for a Q&A with Cassandra, a live auction, and a three-course meal.
Prima Facie is a one-woman show from Suzie Miller being performed by the New Zealand Theatre Company. Photo / Roxy Photography
March
Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2: Rotary Tauranga Book and Art Sale at the Seeka cool store, Harvard Way, Tauranga from 9am to 5.30pm both days. Bring your own bags or boxes. Parking at Classic Flyers for a gold coin donation. For more information: facebook.com/taurangarotary.newzealand/ or taurangarotary.org.nz/.
Tuesday, March 4: Enjoy a musical journey with “From Phantom to Les Mis” at Rotorua Baptist Church from 11am to 12.45pm. Featuring hits from iconic 70s and 80s musicals, this concert includes performances by Russell Dixon, Kate Lineham, and more. Tickets range from $35 to $42, with doors opening at 10am and complimentary morning tea included.
Sunday, March 16: Experience an afternoon of cinematic and musical magic at Silver Screens & Serenades at 2pm at Baycourt Addison Theatre. Enjoy live improvised scores by Dr Christopher Hainsworth on Baycourt’s Wurlitzer theatre organ and captivating performances by French opera singer André Heyboer – pay what you can for this unforgettable event.
Saturday, March 22: Don’t miss the Rotorua Lakeside Concert 2025, ‘Funkyside,’. This iconic outdoor concert features a star-studded line-up of the best artists and performers from around New Zealand, along with rising young talent from Rotorua.
Sunday, March 23: Check out Talofa Papa at 6pm in X Space. Tickets start at $10.75 for an evening steeped in Samoan culture, where Papa weaves audience stories into a magical show filled with fun, laughter, and a touch of playful chaos.
Regular events
Mondays: Harmony A Plenty have been singing for 20 years. Covid has reduced our numbers. We are inviting men to join and enjoy our 7pm-9pm Monday practice, supper and sing-outs in Tauranga. If this appeals to you contact Frank 576 3037 or David 576 0575.
Tuesdays:
Rotorua District Cadet Unit Parades – if you’re Year 9 and up, come along to see if you are the next cadet to join the ranks. Where: 23 Geddes Rd, Rotorua, on Tuesdays during school term, 6.15pm to 9pm.
Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall 12.30pm to 4pm. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
Rotorua Night Market, weekly at Tutānekai St from 5pm until 9pm. Weather dependent.
The Mount Art group meets every Thursday at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall, 15 Victoria Rd at the Mount, from 9am until noon. Call Merilynn on 0274846874 for more information.
Air Training Corp parade during term weeks from 6.15pm at 23 Geddes Rd. Age 13-plus. Come down and have a look or contact cucdr.75sqn@cadetforces.org.nz for more information. You are welcome to come and have a look.
Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall 12.30pm to 4pm. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
Fridays:
Friday Night Fun Night at Baywave – enjoy two hours of racing down the hydroslide, bobbing through the waves in our wave pool and bombing off a special platform to the latest tunes for $6 a person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.
Tauranga Night Market at McKinley Park in Tauranga Racecourse. 5pm-8.30pm. Come along for food, small business stalls and entertainment.
Saturdays:
The Little Big Markets – Summer Series: October 20, Tauranga CBD Waterfront, 9am to 2pm.
Rotary Charity Market at Kuirau Park has been operating for 37 years, every Saturday morning, wet or fine, 7am to 2pm. Stalls selling vegetables, a wide range of takeaway food, popcorn, coffee, meat, jewellery, clothing, gift cards, and more. Proceeds are used for various community undertakings. Sites for stalls cost $30.
Tauranga Farmers’ Market rain or shine, 7.45am to noon at Tauranga Primary School.
Kuirau Park Book Sale on first and third Saturdays, from 9am until 1pm in the kiosk near the playground. All proceeds to Rotorua Library.
The Greerton Hall Market on the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to noon.
Sundays: Waihī Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
Fortnightly:
Pakihi Ora Māori Business Network Māori Business Rōpū focused on bringing together and supporting ngā pakihi Māori. Anchored in Māori values, knowledge and cultural practices, dedicated to creating spaces that are mana enhancing. A place where Māori business owners can come together and feel connected through mātauranga. This is a Wednesday fortnightly kaupapa held at Kai Caff Aye, Fenton St, 7.30am to 9am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.
Muscular Dystrophy Support Group meets the last Sunday of the month at 11am at the Whipped Baker Cafe, Historic Village. Family and friends welcome. Any inquiries to reactn2you@gmail.com.
Sol Markets at Simpson Reserve includes products, services and information from local stallholders that consider sustainability in their business practises. From 9am to 2pm on the first Sunday of the month.
Geyserland Country Music Club meets on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm and the third Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4.30pm at the Rotorua Bowling Club. Non-members $6, children under 13 are free. For more information go to Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page.
Rotorua UkeBox Ukulele Open Mic and Strum Along. Third Sunday of the month, 3pm to 4.30pm at Te Runanga Tea House. Free to strum or sing along or watch.
Western Bay Crop Swap, a free event for backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers to swap and share high-quality local food on the first Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am at SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.
Rotorua Jazz Club meets first Sunday of every month, 4.30pm to 8pm, winter and summer. Rotorua Citizens Club, Arawa St. $20 entry for adults, $2 for juniors. The public is always welcome. For upcoming events and bands go to Rotorua Jazz Club Facebook page or email rotjazzclub@gmail.com.
Historic Village Wellbeing Market on the third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm.
Ōmokoroa Market featuring arts and crafts, produce, plants and car boot, plus more. Held on the last Saturday of the month 9am to noon at Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall.
Maketū Market from 7am at Maketū Village Green on the third and fifth Sunday of the month. Vendor stalls $10. Phone Maureen 021 2671 685.
Improv Comedy with The Honest Liars – 16th Ave Theatre. First Saturday of the month 7.30pm to 9pm, entry $15.
BoP Blues Club Jam, first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Rotorua Citizens Club.
Art By Bike Tours, third Saturday of the month, (finishes April 15) 10am, Te Manawa.
Collective Energies Holistic Wellness Market the fourth Saturday of each month 9am to 2pm at the Mount Community Hall, 345 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui. Collective Energies Facebook/Insta. Contact Melanie 027 286 8268 for more information.
■ To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.
