There are plenty of markets to choose from in the Bay. Photo / 123rf
There are plenty of markets to choose from in the Bay. Photo / 123rf
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
December
Now until December 24: Visit Santa Wonderland at Fraser Cove Shopping Centre, Tauranga, every day from 11am to 4pm until December 24. Enjoy a magical experience with Santa inside Baby City, surrounded by festive decorations, and capture the moment with photos starting at $17 – no booking required.
Now until January 28: Keep kids’ minds active with Tauranga City Libraries’ summer reading challenge, Kia Kaha te Pānui. This free and fun challenge for ages 0-18 encourages tamariki to engage with books, write reviews, enjoy craft activities, and win awesome prizes.
The XMAS Stand-up Comedy Night at 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga is on Friday, December 20, 2024, with shows at 7pm and 9pm. Enjoy hilarious performances from seven comics in the early show and seven different comics in the late show, hosted by Punch Muffin. Tickets are $20, and you can buy for both shows to experience two unique lineups. Warning: R18 Content.
Kick off the Christmas holiday season with Waihī Beach’s Christmas in the Village at Wilson Road Shopping Village, from 4pm to 7pm. This free event features family-friendly activities, delicious food and drinks, late-night shopping, live music, and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.
Check out the Ōmokoroa Night Market from 5pm to 9pm at Ōmokoroa Domain, The Esplanade, Ōmokoroa, Tauranga. Enjoy a magical evening with food trucks, live music, market stalls, and lawn games—perfect for a fun-filled family night out.
Friday, December 20 to February 23: Rotary Tauranga need your books and donations of books (no encyclopaedias), magazines, jigsaws, sheet music, records (LPs), DVDs, CDs, oil heaters and curtains. Donation drop off between Monday 20 January to Sunday 23 February 2025 to: Farmlands, Tauriko; Farmlands, Te Puna; Super Liquor, Welcome Bay; Wet & Forget, Chapel St; Z Energy, 11th Avenue; Bunnings Warehouse, Hewletts Rd; Ross, 20 Ririnui Place, Maungatapu; Phillips Garage, Fraser St; Caltex, Greerton; BP Delta, Cherrywood; Mobil, Brookfield; Bethlehem Pharmacy, 229D SH2, Bethlehem; Caltex, Girven Road, Bayfair; Caltex, Main Road, Katikati; Challenge Service Stn, Ōmokoroa; The Coffee Club, The Village, Ōmokoroa; Papamoa Community Centre, Gravat Road, Pāpāmoa. Or pick up inquiries phone Ann 07 5435350 / 027 5435350 or Ross 07 5440817/021 1444602. Donations of art, phone Margaret 027 497 9308 or Joan 021 670044.
Saturday, December 21:
Join us for the Destination Christmas Market at the Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga, from 9am to 1pm. Enjoy a festive market experience with free admission, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Join The Little Big Markets Pāpāmoa Summer Series at The Pāpāmoa Pony Club, from 9am to 2pm. Enjoy free admission, gourmet street food, food trucks, live music, and plenty of activities for kids.
Join us for Waihī Beach Christmas at the Market at Waihi Beach School, 100 Beach Rd, from 8am to 12pm. Enjoy pony rides, giant inflatable games, a vibrant Farmers Market, live entertainment, and a special visit from Santa at 10am. This free community event is part of the Waihi Beach Christmas Festival.
Check out the free Rotorua Repair Cafe at The Arts Village, Rotorua, from 10am to 12pm. Bring your broken items, such as clothing, bikes, and small appliances, for repair by local volunteer experts.
Join us for the Book Sale at Kuirau Park, Corner of Ranolf St and Lake Rd, Rotorua from 9am to 1pm. Browse a wide selection of books, music, jigsaws, and magazines, with all proceeds supporting Rotorua Library projects.
Sunday, December 22: Enjoy a delightful evening at Matua Park, Hall Rd, Matua, Tauranga from 5pm to 9pm with delicious street food, a few beers, live music, and great vibes.
Tuesday, December 24: Enjoy a festive evening with Carols on the Lawn, accompanied by Tauranga City Brass, at Wesley Church from 8.15pm to 9pm. Bring a chair or rug to sit on, and note that the event will be held inside the church if it rains.
Thursday, December 26 until Sunday, January 5: Experience the Tauranga Summer Carnival 2024 at Memorial Park, 11th Ave, Tauranga from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy nightly family fun with rides, carnival games, fairground food, and the new “Ali Baba” ride – NZ’s No 1 Family Favourite.
Friday, December 27:
Enjoy an exciting Teams Night at TWS Paradise Valley Speedway, Rotorua, from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children/seniors, and $45 for families, available at the door. Experience Superstock and Streetstock Teams Racing, along with Ministocks and other classes, perfect for the whole family during the Christmas holidays.
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the EVES Surfbreaker Triathlon at Main Beach, Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, from 7am to 11am. Choose from Sprint, Super Sprint, and Aquathon races, or watch the exciting 6-legged Elite Triathlon race.
Saturday, December 28: Sublime with Rome will perform at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui , at 6.45pm. “We cannot wait to come down under and play our final shows with Sublime with Rome this summer. New Zealand will officially be our last tour so make sure you come out and sing with us one last time,” says Rome. Tickets via flicket.
Saturday, December 28 and Monday December 30: Experience international cricket at Bay Oval in Tauranga with the Black Caps taking on Sri Lanka in two thrilling T20 internationals on Saturday, 28 December, and Monday, 30 December. Enjoy warm days, blue skies, and the electric atmosphere of live cricket with your whānau at one of New Zealand’s most iconic venues.
Sunday, December 29:
Enjoy live Country Music classics at Mount Maunganui RSA, 1pm to 3.30pm. This free event takes place on the last Sunday of every month.
Meet new friends at the 20s-30s Tribe: Papamoa Cuppa & Catchup at Gather Papamoa, 552 Papamoa Beach Rd, Papamoa Beach, 8.30am. Enjoy a morning cuppa, great food, and stellar company, with the option to head off for a walk together afterward.
Enjoy The Little Big Markets Mount Maunganui Summer Series at Coronation Park 9am to 2pm. With gourmet street food, food truck vendors, live music, and free activities for the kids, there’s something for everyone.
Monday, December 30: Don’t miss Summer Haze 2024 featuring The Roots at Wharepai Domain, Cnr Cameron and Hamilton Sts, Tauranga, starting at 2pm. Enjoy performances by The Roots, Chali 2na, KORA, Home Brew, Aaradhna, Jujulipps, and Soraya LaPread in this premier hip-hop, soul and roots music festival. Tickets via Summerhazenz.com.
MOnday, December 30 to Wednesday, January 1: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Extravaganza Fair at Waihi Beach Community Centre, Beach Rd, Waihi Beach from 9am to 5pm. Enjoy a family-friendly event with market stalls, arts and crafts, food, musical entertainment, and unique shows, all powered by solar energy.
Tuesday, December 31:
BANGERZ New Year’s Eve Bash Under the Stars will be held at The Rising Tide, Mount Maunganui, from 8.30pm to 1am. Tickets are $59.68 each, featuring nostalgic music, local craft brews, and a view of the Blake Park fireworks at midnight.
Famous Last Words NYE Ft. Pendulum, Mozey & More will be held at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui, 6.30pm to 1am. Early bird tickets are $99 each, featuring a line-up of DnB artists including Pendulum, Mozey, and more.
Celebrate the New Year with an extended pottery workshop at The Pottery Studio, 109 Devonport Rd, Tauranga, from 8pm until midnight. Tickets are $55 for adults and $40 for children/students.
New Year’s Eve Community Celebration – Tauranga City Centre will be held at The Waterfront, The Strand, Tauranga, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free, featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks at 9.30pm. This family-friendly event is alcohol and smoke-free, with free parking in the city centre from 5pm.
New Year’s Eve Community Celebration – Mount Maunganui will be held at Blake Park, Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free, featuring live music, entertainment, and fireworks. This family-friendly event is alcohol and smoke-free.
New Year’s Eve Community Celebration – Pāpāmoa will be held at Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free, featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks. This family-friendly event is alcohol and smoke-free, with a new location next to Pāpāmoa College.
New Year’s Eve Community Celebration – Matua will be held at Fergusson Park, Matua, Tauranga, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free, featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks. A sensory-friendly celebration with reduced sound will take place from 5pm to 6pm.
New Year’s Eve Community Celebration – Greerton will be held at Tauranga Racecourse, Greerton, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free, featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and a laser light show at 9.30pm. This family-friendly event is alcohol and smoke-free.
January
Thursday, December 26 to Sunday, January 5: Enjoy the Tauranga Summer Carnival 2024 at Memorial Park, Tauranga, from 6pm to 10pm. Experience nightly family fun with rides, carnival games, and fairground food, with a Night Super Pass available for unlimited rides (excluding Turbo Boost, food, and games).
Monday, December 30 to Wednesday, January 1: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Extravaganza Fair at Waihī Beach Community Centre, Beach Road, Waihī Beach, from 9am to 5pm. Enjoy free admission, unique market stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at this sustainable, community-centred event.
Wednesday, January 1 to Thursday January 2: Discover treasures at the Waihi Beach Antique Collectable and Retro Fair 2025 at Waihi Beach Community Centre, from 9am to 5pm and 9am to 4pm on Thursday. Browse a wide selection of vintage and retro items, enjoy food and coffee onsite, and support the maintenance of the Community Centre with a $4 entry fee for adults (children under 14 free).
Sunday, January 5: The Wiggles Sound System Festival: Mount Maunganui will be held at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui, from 1pm to 7pm. Early bird tickets on sale now, featuring The Wiggles with original members and special guest Lenny Pearce.
Friday, January 10: American Stand-up Comedy Night will be held at Luxe Cinema, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, at 8pm. General admission tickets are $16.58 each, featuring American comics like Jimmy Pete, Kathy Wilson, and more. Content is R18.
Saturday, January 18: Classic Flyers Aero Day is on Saturday, January 18, from 9.30am to 3pm. Enjoy awesome air displays, food, and drink with tickets priced at $85 for families, $35 for adults, $15 for children, and free for kids under 5. For more information, email enquire@classicflyersnz.com.
The Cat in the Hat Live Show is coming to Tauranga.
Looking for a fun family activity this summer? Bring everyone to Baycourt for The Cat in the Hat show at 11am, 2pm, or 6pm. Join us for this lively adaptation of the beloved classic.
Kick off the new year with “Thistle & The Shamrock” at Rotorua Baptist Church from 11am to 12.45pm. Enjoy a lively performance of Irish and Scottish ballads, jigs, and jokes by talented artists like Susan Boland and Marian Burns. Tickets range from $35 to $42, with doors opening at 10am.
Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25: Get ready for the TWS World Invitation Superstock Championship – World 240s at TWS Paradise Valley Speedway in Rotorua on January 24 at 7pm and January 25 at 6.30pm. This thrilling event features top Superstock action with tickets ranging from $20 to $80. Bring your deck chair or book a reserved seat for an extra $5 and enjoy the biggest Superstock meeting of the year.
Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26: Join the Blue Lake Multisport Festival at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua starting at 8.30am each day. This exciting event offers six different activities, including an Aquathlon, various swim distances, and triathlons for all ages, with the prestigious King and Queen of the Lake titles up for grabs.
Monday, January 27: Catch Sarah Millican’s hilarious new stand-up show Late Bloomer at Sir Owen Glenn Theatre in Rotorua from 8pm to 9.15pm. Tickets are $89.90 for A Reserve and $79.90 for B Reserve. Don’t miss out on her witty exploration of how she transformed from a shy child to the confident comedian she is today, with plenty of laughs about dinners and lady gardens. May contain coarse language and adult themes.
February
Saturday, February 1: Join the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro – Race 3 at Skyline Rotorua from 7am to 4pm. As New Zealand’s largest gravity MTB enduro series, it offers 4 or 6 Stage options and categories for both bikes and ebikes, promoting a fun and inclusive atmosphere for riders of all ages and abilities.
Everyone had fun in the sun at Ngāi Te Rangi's inaugural Māori in the Moana event earlier this year.
Thursday, February 6: Māori in the Moana will take place on Waitangi Day from 10am to 3pm at Whareroa Reserve. Bring a picnic and your good vibes to enjoy a day filled with activities, entertainment, and a celebration of Māori culture.
Sunday, February 9: Get ready for a night of laughs with the DOWN UNDER BUNKER LIVE stand-up comedy extravaganza at Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga. Book your tickets with Eventfinda and catch the stellar line-up of local and international comedians showcasing their unique comedic flair.
Wednesday, February 12: Don’t miss Josh Wolf’s “High On Life Tour” at Sir Howard Morrison Centre in Rotorua from 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets are $59 each for allocated seating. Known for his relatable and hilarious stories, Josh has captivated millions worldwide and is making his first visit to Rotorua after a sellout tour in 2023.
Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16: Discover fresh ideas and inspiration at the Rotorua Home & Garden Show 2025 at the Energy Events Centre. Open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, this event offers exclusive specials, expert advice, kids’ activities, and a major show prize, all under one roof with free parking.
March
Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2: Rotary Tauranga Book and Art Sale at the Seeka cool store, Harvard Way, Tauranga from 9am to 5.30pm both days. Bring your own bags or boxes. Parking at Classic Flyers for a gold coin donation. For more information: facebook.com/taurangarotary.newzealand/ or taurangarotary.org.nz/.
Tuesday, March 4: Enjoy a musical journey with “From Phantom to Les Mis” at Rotorua Baptist Church from 11am to 12.45pm. Featuring hits from iconic 70s and 80s musicals, this concert includes performances by Russell Dixon, Kate Lineham, and more. Tickets range from $35 to $42, with doors opening at 10am and complimentary morning tea included.
Sunday, March 23: Check out Talofa Papa at 6pm in X Space. Tickets start at $10.75 for an evening steeped in Samoan culture, where Papa weaves audience stories into a magical show filled with fun, laughter, and a touch of playful chaos.
Regular events
Mondays: 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.
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.
Fridays:
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.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
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.
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.
