From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
February
Wednesday, February 26 to Saturday, March 1: Check out the Stoney Creek One Base Fishing Tournament at the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club. With a shotgun start at 7.30am on Wednesday from Mount Main Beach, anglers of all levels can compete for exciting prizes in various categories over four days of competitive game fishing.
Tuesday, February 25: The Big Bike Film Night celebrates its 11th year, returning to cinemas across New Zealand from 19 February to 12 June 2025. Curated by Brett Cotter, this festival features short films for cycling enthusiasts. Catch it at Tauranga Boys’ College at 6.30pm.
Thursday, February 27:
The Big Bike Film Night will also be shown at Rotorua Equippers Church Auditorium, at 7pm.
Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support and Cassandra Woodhouse bring the powerful one-woman show, Prima Facie, to young people in Aotearoa. Join the fundraiser at the Charthouse, Tauranga from 6pm to 10pm for a Q&A with Cassandra, a live auction, and a three-course meal.
Prima Facie is a one-woman show from Suzie Miller being performed by the New Zealand Theatre Company. Photo / Roxy Photography
Friday, February 28:
Enjoy an enchanting evening at the Gourmet Night Market from 5pm to 9pm at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui. Bring a picnic blanket and your appetite for a memorable, free-entry dining experience.
Otonga Primary School Te Kura o Tihiōtonga Gala returns from 4pm to 7pm at Otonga Road School, Rotorua. Enjoy rides, food stalls, face painting, games, and more.
Start your weekends with good vibes at the Tauranga Night Market from 5pm to 8.30pm at Tauranga Racecourse.
March
Mondays in March: Beginner classes for Scottish Country dancing every Monday evening 6.45pm to 8pm, $10 covers all Mondays in March. Suits all ages from teenagers upwards. Come by yourself or with a friend. Wear soft shoes and light, comfortable clothes. Meet at Lynmore Scout Hall, Lewis Rd, Lynmore (behind the tennis court). E-mail rotorua@dancescottish.org.nz or phone Claire: 021 154 2473
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/.
Saturday, March 1:
Visit the 1st March Book Sale in Kuirau Park - Saturday, from 9am until 1pm. Thousands of great books, old and new, at reasonable prices. The Rotorua Public Library benefits from these sales.
Get ready for Beast of a Feast, the ultimate beer festival from 2pm to 10pm at Soper Reserve Mount Maunganui. Enjoy performances by Drax Project, The Butlers, Fleetmac Wood, and more, along with brews from top breweries and delicious food from local vendors. Tickets range from $55 to $89.
Experience “The Elixir of Love” at Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga, at 4pm. Directed by Jaqueline Coats and conducted by Peter Walls, this family-friendly comic opera features rising Aotearoa opera stars and Bay of Plenty’s Opus Orchestra in an abridged, English language performance.
Get ready for the Apata Have a Go TRY-athlon, hosted by Pahoia School, from 9am to 12.30pm at Omokoroa Domain. Open to kids aged 5 to 13, participants receive a custom t-shirt and medal, with a chance to win a kids' mountain bike. Enjoy raffles, prizes, and delicious food. Early bird registration is $30 (closes 26 February), with late registration at $40 on the day.
Join Claire Delaney Mcleary for a whimsical illustration workshop, “Dress Up Pets,” at The Incubator Creative Hub, The Historic Village, Tauranga from 10am to 3pm. Using fine line pens and watercolours, create unique pet portraits. Suitable for ages 11+, all materials included. Bring photos of your pets and your own lunch. Tickets, $100.
Sunday, March 2:
2025 Opera in the Pā will celebrate Māori, Pasifika, and rangatahi voices alongside renowned stage stars. Held at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, the lineup includes international bass Eddie Muliaumaseali’i, mezzo soprano Sarah Sweeting, and countertenor Austin Haynes, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Celebrate Children’s Day with The Amazingly Sustainable Race, a free family event at Cooney Reserve Ōmokoroa from 10am to 12pm. Hosted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, enjoy eco-friendly activities and a free ice cream or coffee for all participants.
Join us in Tauranga city centre for a free day of adventure and fun at Children’s Day, from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of activities including arts and crafts, performances, a neon disco, and a special construction zone, all thanks to Tauranga City Council.
Music at the Rotunda, Govt Gardens, Rotorua 1pm to 3pm.
Got too much stuff? Join the Otumoetai Rotary Club Car Boot Sale at the Otumoetai College Carpark. Sellers can set up from 7.30am for $10 a space, and buyers are welcome from 8am to 11am. Proceeds support Rotary Projects, and electronic/electrical goods recycling is available for a fee. Contact Brian at 021 1228735 or Bevan at 027 4612127 for details.
Miho’s Jazz Orchestra (MJO) is a 5 piece ensemble led by the vibrant multi instrumentalist and composer Miho Wada.
Enjoy an evening of jazz with Miho’s Jazz Orchestra at the Rotorua Jazz Club from 4.30pm to 8pm at the Rotorua Citizens Club. Tickets are $30 for casual attendees, $20 for members, and $5 for students. Don’t miss this vibrant blend of Afro Cuban flute, J-pop, and Pacific influences.
Monday, March 3: Join Moana Roller Derby’s Learn to Skate course starting at Revolution Skate Centre, Mount Maunganui. Coached by top players Jasmine Cooper and Roni Diamond, this six-week course is open to all over 16 and costs $60 with your own gear or $100 with hire gear. For more details, email moanarollerderby@gmail.com or register here.
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.
Wednesday, March 5: Experience a night of all things Johnny Cash and June Carter with Leaving Jackson. Performed by Jeff Carter Jnr and Narelle Ryan, 7.30pm at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Also playing on Tuesday, March 4 at Tauranga’s Baycourt Theatre.
Tiaki Early Learning Centre (ELC) is hosting the Children’s Holi – Festival of Colours on Sunday, 9 March 2025, from 10am to 12 noon.
Thursday, March 6: Line Dancing beginner classes with Jeanette start today at 9.30am at Parksyde Community Centre, Tarewa Place, Rotorua. For ages 55 and up, it’s a fun and friendly way to exercise your mind, body, and soul. $7 per lesson. Contact Jeanette at 073484845 or 0274712190.
Friday, March 7: Experience Australian pianist Piers Lane performing the complete cycle of Frédéric Chopin’s beloved ‘Nocturnes’ at 7.30pm at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga. Tickets range from $16.38 to $51.20, with accessible seating and facilities available. Presented by Chamber Music NZ.
Sunday, March 9:
Music at the Rotunda, Govt Gardens, Rotorua 1pm to 3pm.
Join us for the Rotorua Off-Road Trail Run/Walk in Whakarewarewa Forest. Runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages welcome. Choose from distances including a 21.1km half marathon, 10km, 5km, and kids’ fun runs of 1.5km and 2.5km.
Tiaki Early Learning Centre is hosting a vibrant Children’s Holi – Festival of Colours from 10am to 12pm. Enjoy a cultural celebration with a karakia, Vedic mantras, non-toxic colour play, music, dance, and interactive activities, with Tāmati Gerald Coffey as MC. All are welcome to join in the fun and create cherished memories.
NZSO Section Principal Timpani Laurence Reese.
Thursday, March 13 and Saturday, March 15: The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform Baroque masterpieces in Rotorua on Thursday, March 13, and Tauranga on Saturday, March 15, 2025, featuring works by Handel, Telemann, and Locke. Tickets range from $36 to $45; more information at nzso.co.nz.
Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16: The Mount Art Group’s annual art exhibition will be held at the Mount Surf Club on 14, 15, and 16 March, from 9am to 5pm. Enjoy a variety of new art and greeting cards created by our talented members. For any queries, contact Merilynn at 0274846874.
Friday, March 14: Get ready for a night of laughter with Comedy Hypnotist Haiming Jiang, as seen on Seven Sharp and going viral on TikTok! Experience a hilarious hypnosis show at 7.30pm, blending comedy and jaw-dropping moments. Tickets are $39.60 each.
Saturday, March 15:
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra presents “Timeless Beauty: Handel & Telemann” from 7.30pm to 8.45pm at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga. Enjoy Baroque masterpieces by Handel, Telemann, and Locke, performed by 26 of Aotearoa’s finest musicians. Tickets range from $18.43 to $48.12.
Friends of the Bush Benefit Gig: Sustainable Backyards Bay of Plenty and Astrolabe Brew Bar present a charity gig supporting Predator Free BOP on Saturday from 4pm to 9pm at Astrolabe Bar, Mount Maunganui. Tickets are $20, which includes a wristband with 20% off food and drink from 4pm till close. Proceeds go towards purchasing traps for Predator Free BOP.
Sunday, March 16:
Music at the Rotunda, Govt Gardens, Rotorua 1pm to 3pm.
Experience an afternoon of cinematic and musical magic at Silver Screens & Serenades at 2pm at Baycourt Addison Theatre. Enjoy live improvised scores by Dr Christopher Hainsworth on Baycourt’s Wurlitzer theatre organ and captivating performances by French opera singer André Heyboer – pay what you can for this unforgettable event.
Tuesday, March 18: Experience the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s cherished regional tour, Tutus on Tour, on Tuesday, 18 March at 7pm. Enjoy timeless classical favourites and stunning ballet technique in Rotorua. Tickets are $20 - $40.
Wednesday, March 19: Get ready for a night of laughter with Kitty Flanagan Live at Baycourt at 8pm. Known for her roles in Fisk and Have You Been Paying Attention?, and as the author of 488 Rules for Life, Kitty’s award-winning stand-up show promises big laughs, clever insights, and even a catchy tune about underpants.
Te Papa o ngā manu Porotakataka (The Place of Circling Birds) by BEMODERN – one of the artists selected for the Tauranga Street Art Festival. Photo / BEMODERN
Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22: Experience the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour 2025 at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga, on Friday at 7pm, and Saturday at 1.30pm and 7pm. Enjoy performances including Grand Pas Classique, Coppélia’s Wedding pas de deux, Limerence, and The Way Alone. Tickets range from $21.50 to $53.25.
Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23: Tauranga Street Art Festival will transform blank walls into breathtaking murals. Enjoy a free, family-friendly event with five prominent artists creating large-scale artworks, interactive artist talks, live music, and more, making it an immersive experience for all ages. Art trail maps will be available, encouraging the community to witness the murals come to life in real-time.
Saturday, March 22:
Don’t miss the Rotorua Lakeside Concert 2025, Funkyside. This iconic outdoor concert features a star-studded line-up of the best artists and performers from around New Zealand, along with rising young talent from Rotorua.
The Mamaku Residents Association is holding a Car Show at Mamaku Reserve from 10am to 2pm. Last year’s event featured more than 200 vehicles, numerous stalls, food, drinks, and plenty of fun. This year promises to be even bigger and better.
Sunday, March 23:
Music at the Rotunda, Govt Gardens, Rotorua 1pm to 3pm.
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.
Boyzlife features Westlife's Brian McFadden and Boyzone's Keith Duffy.
Saturday, March 29: Don’t miss Boyzlife, the musical supergroup featuring Brian McFadden of Westlife and Keith Duffy of Boyzone, live at Addison Theatre at 7.30pm. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of 90s and 2000s hits.
Music at the Rotunda, Govt Gardens, Rotorua 1pm to 3pm.
April
Dion Pride — Sings the Songs of his Father, Napier Municipal Theatre, Tuesday 8 April 2025 7pm. Photo / Supplied
Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4: Experience a night of unforgettable country music with Dion Pride Sings the Songs of his Father at Baycourt at 7pm. Tickets start at $98.03, so don’t miss this chance to hear Dion Pride and original Charley Pride touring musicians bring iconic hits to life.
Friday, April 4: Get ready for an electrifying tribute to The Boss with The Bruce Springsteen Experience at 7.30pm at Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “Born to Run,” this international-level show features a full nine-piece lineup performing the iconic album in its entirety, along with Bruce’s greatest hits, promising a truly unforgettable experience with powerful visuals and live audio.
Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21: The Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival Tauranga returns to Baycourt Community & Arts Centre from April 7 to 21, 2025. Enjoy eight world-class jazz concerts, the National Youth Jazz Competition, and Cocktail Swing at The Cargo Shed. Don’t miss out.
Monday, April 7: Don’t miss your chance to see New Zealand’s legendary Supergroove live on stage at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre at 8pm. Due to extraordinary demand and multiple sold-out shows, they’ve added this new date to their highly anticipated The Phenomenon Tour, promising an electrifying performance for Rotorua fans.
Thursday, May 15 and Saturday May 17: Marlon Williams announces the Te Whare Tīwekaweka album tour of Aotearoa, featuring his first Māori language album. Catch him with The Yarra Benders and special guests on Thursday at Holy Trinity, Tauranga, and Saturday at Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua. Tickets go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday, March 5.
Wednesday, May 21: Fresh off a blockbuster 2024 Europe Tour, The Royal Family Dance Crew brings their electrifying Honour The Crown show to Baycourt on Wednesday, 21 May at 7pm. Witness all their iconic sets from the past 14 years in a performance of precision, power, and pure entertainment. Tickets start at $53.25.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
