What’s on in New Zealand
Rotorua
Rotorua – one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism spots, and historically the home to the beginnings of adventure tourism. From the mid-1800s, visitors would flock from around the globe, and travel for days on end through rugged lands to visit the pink and white sulphur terraces on the edge of Lake Rotomahana. Following their destruction in the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, visitors still came to Rotorua for its warm geothermal waters and their reputation of healing properties.
These days, Rotorua has so many more reasons why visitors travel to the destination, including the geothermal wonders and more – and to add to that, Rotorua has an action-packed event calendar all year-round.
Here is just a glimpse of some of the many events!
Sports galore!
Rotorua is the home of endless sports events. There is literally something for everyone, from kids to seniors, fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a gentle walking event. From the huge (and very competitive) multisport event held at the Blue Lake each January, to the Tarawera Ultra Marathon event in February and a whole lot more after that, runners, walkers and swimmers can rejoice.
Xterra’s Rotorua event is one of the biggest of its kind in the nation, while the Rotorua Ekiden is a non-serious, fun relay event for teams held in October. The most iconic of all is the Rotorua Marathon, held for more than five decades. The tough yet picturesque marathon takes entrants around the beauty of Lake Rotorua (including the challenging hills around the back of the lake) in rain, sun or shine.
Markets
For more than 30 years the Soundshell Market has been a popular way to spend a Sunday afternoon, particularly over the summer months. Local arts and crafts, trinkets, plants, curios and creations of steel and wood are all available at the market, which is a family favourite. Happening most weekends throughout summer, it’s a lovely way to spend time at the Rotorua Lakefront.
But wait, there is more! The Rotorua Night Markets on a Thursday in the central city are great fun, with fantastic food and entertainment on offer – and don’t forget the Sunday morning Farmers’ Market right in the middle of the city on Hinemoa Street where the best local produce can be purchased.
Get on yer bike!
The Rotorua Bike Festival is one like none other – a festival encompassing a myriad of events from the top end of professional mountainbiking (as Rotorua is renowned as the home of some of New Zealand’s best trails and riders!), right through to family fun for all ages. Held each year in October, the festival is fun-filled and includes art installations, a “bow-tie and bike pants” ball, plus lots of on-the-bike events too (even for toddlers!).
A spectacular event – Lakeside
Held each year in March, Lakeside is a fantastic free event for anyone to attend at the Village Green, so bring your picnic hamper, blankets and jackets, and settle in for a few hours. Everyone should be seated by 7pm, with the concert starting shortly after. The night finishes with a big bang by way of a spectacular fireworks display that can be seen around the city. The legendary late Sir Howard Morrison was one of the favourite acts of the show, with many other top New Zealand performers, including Dame Malvina Major and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa also gracing the stage throughout the years.
And the best part of heading to Rotorua? When town is bustling with all these activities, you can easily find a relaxing and peaceful place to stay at All Seasons Holiday Park in Hannah’s Bay, an easy eight-minute from the CBD. The holiday park is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and offers ideal accommodation solutions for moterhomes, campers or those looking for motel style accommodation. All guests are welcome to use the heated pool, barbecue facilities or simply enjoy the idyllic surroundings. Bliss!
For more information on Rotorua visit RotoruaNZ
Photo Credits: All Seasons Holiday Parks Rotorua and Rotorua NZ
