Aussie comedian coming to town

Heath Franklin's Chopper Read

Comedian Heath Franklin's Chopper is heading to Rotorua with his new show next year.

Repeat Offender will come to Rotorua's Civic Theatre on May 13 as part of the show's international debut in New Zealand.

As seen on TV3's 7 Days, Chopper is a worldwide comedy icon who had sold more than 250,000 tickets in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Meanwhile, the popular show 7 Days Live is not returning to Rotorua as part of the 2013 tour - but organisers say it's not because of a lack of support.

Publicist Kate Simmonds of Elephant Publicity said last year's Rotorua show almost sold out but because of time restraints this year the tour wasn't able to head to Rotorua.

The show features an "all-star rotating cast of the usual suspects" performing shows across New Zealand in the two-week tour.

Ms Simmonds said Rotorua fans would have to head to the Tauranga show this time if they wanted to see Jeremy Corbett, Paul Ego, Dai Henwood and the rest of the team.

"They will be back, just not this time. They are on limited time and they try to share it around but they absolutely love Rotorua and will be back."

7 Days Live will play at the Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga on December 16.