From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
June
Throughout June: Courses for Seniors. Digital ScrapBooks, Apple MacBook, Master Your Android Phone plus several workshops. Check out Tauranga SeniorNet Club Inc. at www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
Monday, June 16: Special Q&A screening of KŌKĀ—a new feature film by Kath Akuhata-Brown in Rotorua. Come for a chance to hear from Kath as she shares insights into the film’s kaupapa, her journey as a Māori filmmaker, and the significance of its Matariki-timed release.
Wednesday, June 18 to Sunday, July 13:
Glide into winter magic at the Rotorua Lakefront Ice Rink, open daily from 10am to 10pm at the Village Green. With real ice, no time limits, and fun for all ages, tickets start at $15 — just turn up and skate your heart out.
Thursday, June 19:
Celebrate the progress of young dancers at the Phoenix Mid Year Performance at Tauranga Boys’ College Theatre, with shows at 5pm and 6.30pm. Tickets are $10.25, all ages welcome — come enjoy a relaxed evening of dance, showcasing talent without the pressure of costumes or big production.
Celebrate Māori creative excellence at Ngā Tohu Toi 2025 from 5pm to 9.30pm at The Cargo Shed, Tauranga. This free, all-ages evening honours Tauranga Moana artists with awards, dinner, and live entertainment — full details and RSVP at ngatohutoi.co.nz.
Ōtūmoetai College presents Mamma Mia!— a school production filled with ABBA hits at Baycourt, Tauranga. With a cast, crew, and orchestra of more than 100, tickets range from $19.96 to $34.30.
Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20: Gather at Kouramāwhitiwhiti (Rotorua Lakefront) for the Aronui Arts Festival’s new drone show, starting at 8pm each night. This free event features hundreds of drones creating a stunning blend of light, sound, and narration to honour those who have passed, accompanied by the Rotorua Night Market from 5pm to 9pm.
Thursday, June 19 to Wednesday, June 25: The Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival returns to Event Cinemas Tauranga Central. Enjoy a curated selection of inspiring documentaries for design lovers and curious minds alike.
Celebrate the Māori New Year at Matariki Family Day from 11am to 3pm at Tauranga Racecourse. This free, all-ages event features kai, crafts, music, and cultural activities—perfect for the whole whānau to enjoy a day of reflection, connection, and celebration.
Join the Katikati community for the Matariki Dawn Service on Friday 20 June 2025, from 5.30am to 6.25am at Park Road Reserve. This free, all-ages event welcomes the Māori New Year with reflection, shared stories, and hot kai under the morning sky — park & ride available from Katikati Primary from 5am.
Experience an evening of elegance with John Chen’s Classical Piano Concert from 7pm to 8.30pm at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Rotorua. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for tertiary students — don’t miss this all-French programme by one of New Zealand’s finest pianists, presented by Chamber Music Rotorua.
The Little Big Markets – Winter Series is back at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui from 9am to 2pm. Enjoy a cosy winter market day with local stalls, gourmet street food, live music, games, and free workshops.
Friday, June 13 to June 22:
Rotorua is set to shine bright this Matariki with a week of events celebrating the Māori New Year.
Tohunga Tūmau Dinner: June 13 at the Energy Events Centre
Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show: June 19 & 20 at the Rotorua Lakefront
Rotorua Night Market: June 19 & 20 at the Rotorua Lakefront
Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu: Morning of June 20 at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, Rotorua Lakefront
Matariki Hautapu Ceremony: June 20 at Te Puia
Whānau Fun Day: June 20 at Te Puia
Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814: June 21 at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Matatini champions Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue and rising star Nikau Grace will open our Matariki music celebration with a tribute to Tā Bom Gillies and the 28th Māori Battalion — He aha te aha, from the Waiata Anthems series. Book your tickets now.
Matariki Glow Show: 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners: Every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia
Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22: The Te Puke Kiwicoast Annual Bookfair returns to the Te Puke War Memorial Hall. Open 8am to 6pm Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, and 9am to 3pm Sunday. Come browse a huge range of books and support a great local event.
Saturday, June 21:
Step into a world of wonder at After the Carnival – Two Worlds on Saturday 21 June 2025, from 5pm to 7pm at iKandi, Mount Maunganui. This R18 spectacle blends burlesque, pole, and circus artistry from across the North Island—tickets from $55, doors open at 4.15pm for drinks and prime viewing.
Matariki Saturday Sale of Books at Kuirau Park, in the kiosk by the playground from 9am until 1pm. All proceeds to Rotorua Library, courtesy of Friends of the Library volunteers.
Sunday, June 22:
Internationally acclaimed violinist Anna Lee returns to her hometown for a one-night-only concert at 7pm — Trinity Wharf, Tauranga. Joined by top New Zealand musicians, this special evening blends classical favourites and jazz-inspired gems — tickets available now via Eventfinda.
Create your own pure silver jewellery at the Silver Clay Workshop from 9.30am to 3.30pm at JB Collections, Rotorua. Perfect for beginners and creatives of all levels, this hands-on, all-ages workshop costs $175 (materials and lunch included)—spaces are limited, so email info@jbcollections.co.nz to book.
Speaking at the Business Women’s Speaker Series in Tauranga next month are Robyn Malcolm, centre, Cassie Roma, left, Toni Street, right and Kiri Nathan.
Wednesday, June 25:
Get ready for a night of outrageous fun at Drag B-I-N-G-O Tauranga with the fabulous Anita Wigl’it from 7pm to 9m at Rusty’s, 109 The Strand. Tickets from $34.05 include three rounds of bingo, epic prizes, and a dazzling drag show — VIPs get extra cards and a bingo dabber to keep.
Join four powerhouse women—Robyn Malcolm, Toni Street, Cassie Roma, and Kiri Nathan—for BWN Speaker Series 2025: Unstoppable – Owning Your Story from 12pm to 5pm at Baycourt, Tauranga. Tickets from $166.50 include lunch, a welcome drink, sweet treats, activations, and a goodie bag. R18, limited seats available, so book early for this inspiring afternoon of connection and conversation.
Explore your future at the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus Open Day from 10am to 1pm at 101 Durham Street. This free, all-ages event offers campus tours, course info, staff chats, and a chance to win a PS5 — register now to stay updated.
Wednesday, June 25 to Friday, June 27: Mount Maunganui Intermediate proudly presents Shrek the Musical Jr, running from Wednesday to Friday at the school hall, 21 Lodge Ave. Tickets $16.58, all ages welcome, with performances at 6pm and a 1pm matinee on Friday.
Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29: The Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show returns to the Energy Events Centre, with everything from home builds and renovations to gourmet food and lifestyle products. Open 10am to 5pm (Fri–Sat) and 10am to 4pm (Sun), entry is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors on Friday, and free for kids 12 and under — door sales only.
Don’t miss a rare musical event as the internationally acclaimed Stanford Chamber Chorale joins forces with the Rotorua District Choir for a special concert at St Luke’s Church, Amohau St at 7pm. As part of their Australia/Aotearoa tour, this free performance is a gift to the community, with audience donations supporting the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship.
Get ready for a night of outrageous fun at Drag Queen B-I-N-G-O Rotorua! with Anita Wigl’it from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Pig and Whistle Historic Pub. Tickets from $39.18 include three rounds of bingo, fabulous prizes, and a dazzling drag show — VIPs get extra cards and a bingo dabber to keep (R16, upstairs bar opens at 7pm).
Saturday, June 28:
Catch Devilskin’s Re-Evolution Tour 2025 with special guests Villainy and Midwave Breaks at the Stadium Lounge, Mount Maunganui, on Saturday, 28 June. Tickets available at devilskin.co.nz.
Join the Tauranga Civic Choir at St. Peter’s in the City Church, Spring St, Tauranga for a stirring afternoon of choral music featuring Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, conducted by Challum Poppy with Douglas Mews on organ. Tickets are $20 via Eventbrite or $25 cash at the door.
Parents Night Out Standup Comedy Show hits the stage at 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga at 7.30pm. Tickets are $23.25 for this R18 night of brutally honest, laugh-out-loud comedy about the chaos of parenting — no kids, no filters, just real stories from real parents.
Sunday, June 29: Experience a magical afternoon of music at Stardust & Symphonies with the Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary Band from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Wesley Methodist Church. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children and students. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Holst’s The Planets in this inspiring, family-friendly concert.
July
Tuesday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 15:
International illusionist Anthony Street brings his bold new show to Tauranga on Tuesday 8 July and Rotorua on Tuesday 15 July 2025 — part of his biggest and most personal New Zealand tour yet. Tickets available now for Baycourt (Tauranga) and Sir Howard Morrison Centre (Rotorua).
Saturday, July 26: Get ready for an epic adventure at The Great Forest Rogaine held in Whakarewarewa Forest. Foot or mountain bike, teams of two to four can choose a three or six-hour challenge trails — maps revealed on the day.
Saturday, July 26 to Saturday, August 2: Stage Right Trust presents Legally Blonde – The Musical, a high-energy, feel-good show packed with catchy songs, big laughs, and pink-powered fun. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $27.12 to $56.84 at Baycourt.
All classes are for Rotorua residents 55+ and held at Parksyde Community Centre, 9 Tarewa Place.
Mondays:
Join a run club every Monday evening at 5.30pm, starting outside the EightySix Coffee kiosk at the lakefront (old QE end). Everyone’s welcome.
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.
Thursdays:
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.
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.
Friday to Monday: Have you ever wanted to try your hand at glassblowing? Learn how to blow and shape glass into a design of your choice at Amokura Glass. Make your own Paperweight, Pumpkin or Tumbler to bring home with you, while learning fundamental glass-making skills during one of our hot glass experiences! Prices start from $150- $220 per person, depending on the design choice. Workshops take approximately 45 minutes. Experiences can be booked from Fridays to Mondays. 9.30am to 3.30pm.
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.
Geyserland Country Music Club meets twice monthly at the Rotorua Bowling Club — on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm and the third Sunday from 1pm to 4.30 pm. Entry is $6 for non-members and free for children under 13 — for more information, visit the Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page or contact Dallas at 350 2048 or Bruce at 027 446 5800.
Monthly:
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.
