Big events draw visitors to Rotorua; Flochella, bomb competition and seafood festival

A full schedule in the lead up to Waitangi will see police in force and visitors aplenty. Photo/File

It's shaping up to be another busy weekend in Rotorua with a smorgasbord of events planned for the city.

There is everything from Flochella and the bomb competition at Tikitapu (Blue Lake), wooden boats at Lake Rotoiti, a seafood festival, grand openings and music on dry ground between now and Waitangi Day.

Destination Rotorua's consumer marketing manager, Tom Worsp, said events such as those on this weekend, have a positive effect on Rotorua as a destination.

He said New Zealanders had been encouraged to visit the area more often by a marketing campaign over the past four years.

"The success of this campaign has had flow-on effects and in this case has given event organisers the confidence to bring their events to Rotorua and for already established events to continue to grow and evolve."

Worsp said it had been fantastic to see new events come to Rotorua.

"Having events like these not only attracts domestic visitors from out of town but have a positive effect on the vibrancy and people's perception of the destination."

Police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said police would have a presence at Flochella and the bomb competition and would attend other events if needed.

He said Tikitapu was a "hot location" for police at the moment in terms of vehicle thefts, so they would continue their high visibility there.

The crime prevention unit would be at Flochella. Keenan said the focus would be on traffic management and security, but emphasised the event was alcohol free.

"We encourage people not to preload because you won't be allowed in. Even in the grass reserve area, even though it's not a liquor ban in terms of council, the organisers can enforce one."

He said police would also be focusing on crowd control and having visibility.

"We do want everyone to have a good time and enjoy what Rotorua has to offer. Really respect it's a non-alcoholic event and have a good time and look after themselves and each other.

"We'd like it to continue here and that will depend on good behaviour."