Thousands turn out for Good Friday service in Rotorua

Thousands of people have come together to mark Good Friday with a very special service.

After a brief morning shower, the sun came out just in time for the annual Combined Church Good Friday Service, held in the Redwoods this morning.

The occasion began with the procession of the cross, which started at the Redwoods Shopping Centre at 9am and journeyed down Long Mile Rd.

The wooden cross is carried through the Redwoods to the service. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

Thousands of people were already gathered at Under the Sails when the cross arrived, while hundreds more were still arriving as the service began at 10am.

It wasn't just people jostling for space at the service, with plenty of people bringing along their dogs to the Redwoods as well.

This year the public event incorporated up to 30 churches.

For first time attendee Alison Lamberton, of Ngongotaha, the service was about "commemorating what the Lord has done for us".

"It's about acknowledging that it's not just about hot cross buns and chocolate."

Thousands of people gathered for the annual service at the Redwoods. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

She usually went to a service at her own church, but went to the combined service because she could not attend her usual one.

"It's humbling to be part of a community."

Rotorua Association of Christian Churches chairman Reverend Scott Clifford said the service began about 13 years ago, and had been growing ever since.

The weather had also held out this year after several days of rain.

Good Friday service at the Redwoods. Photo/ Ben Fraser

"Praise the Lord," Clifford said.

There are plenty of other services around Rotorua this weekend as well.

St Faith's Anglican Church will hold Holy Communion on Easter Sunday at 9am, while St Mary's Catholic Church is also holding an Easter Vigil at 7pm tomorrow, and Easter Sunday services at 10am and 5pm.

St Michael's Catholic Church is holding a session on Easter Sunday from 8am.

The procession of the cross up Tarawera Rd. Photo/Ben Fraser

C3 Church Rotorua is holding Celebration Sunday from 10am, with entertainment for children including a bouncy castle, skate ramp, face painting and food.

St Luke's Anglican Church is holding 8am Holy Communion and 10am Holy Communion on Easter Sunday.