The Tarawera Ultramarathon on Saturday had also helped boost numbers.
Rotorua Lakes Council's i-Site and Visitor Centre manager Graham Brownrigg said having Waitangi Day falling on a Friday was beneficial, as domestic visitors were more likely to come for a long weekend.
"It's also a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to get out and about, and enjoy Rotorua's amazing array of activities and attractions."
He said Destination Rotorua's Famously Rotorua marketing campaign, which targeted domestic visitors in partnership with local tourism operators, had been hugely influential in promoting the city to people in the greater Auckland area.
"This summer our i-Site has been consistently busier than last year and we expect this to continue through the long weekend."
Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said he thought the city was well placed for a great weekend, on the back of a solid summer.
It was the last long weekend for a while and he expected Rotorua to be a popular destination, especially with Aucklanders.
MetService meteorologist John Law said Rotorua looked like a good place to spend the long weekend.
He said tomorrow might see a few showers and some blustery winds, which people would need to keep an eye on if they were heading out on the lakes, but it was all sunshine come Saturday and Sunday.
There are a range of activities on offer, including Whakarewarewa Thermal Village's Waitangi Day celebrations, which are expected to attract more than 3000 people. The Ngongotaha Railway Park is also hosting a Waitangi Day celebration from 10am-3pm.
On Saturday, more than 1000 runners will line up for the Tarawera Ultramarathon, starting at the Redwoods.
