What to do in Rotorua

Te Arawa on stage

Te Arawa regional cultural festival is being held this Saturday, December 6, with 3000 people expected to fill the Rotorua Sportsdrome for the vibrant biennial event.

Adults $12 and children $6.

Tickets available from Ticketek (service charge may apply).

Ph: 0800 836 837.

Barrel of fun

Champion New Zealand cowboys will come in for some hard knocks at the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo on Boxing Day.

Events include junior barrel-racing, calf-riding, steer-wrestling and bull-riding.

Adults $10, children $2.

Gates open at 9am.

Ph: 07 366 6677.

Free concert

Rotorua's 49th annual Mardi Grass Concert will be held on December 31 from 5pm at the Soundshell on the lakefront.

Take a blanket, cushion and a picnic so you can enjoy the music and live acts right through to the fireworks finale at midnight.

Free to enter.

Ph: 07 348 9134.

Century of tractors

Celebrating 100 years of tractors is the 95th Rotorua A&P show at Riverdale Park, Ngongotaha, on January 24 and 25 from 8.30am daily.

There will be horse and pony competitions, the country's best axemen and shearers, miniature horses and plenty of children's entertainment.

Adults $5, accompanied children free.

Ph: 07 357 2979.