Events

how about coming down to Rotorua's fabulous lakefront, and have a stroll around the market, have a bite to each, relax by the lake and best of all grab a few bargains at the same time!

Discover Rotorua and one of the region’s most beautiful lakes - Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake); the world renowned mountain bike tracks in the Whakarewarewa Forest; and sunning forest trails under the magnificent Redwoods.

Now offering 10 stunning events, 99 different entry options, 124 performance prizes, 42 medals, $10,000 cash and over $75,000 in giveaways and spot prizes.

The Bay of Plenty Blues Club's annual Blues festival is presented in downtown Rotorua over Queen's Birthday Weekend. Programme includes the popular Blues Cruise (Saturday and Sunday), youth guitar seminar and workshop, Saturday 'Street Party' and continuous bands playing in various venues around town Friday - Sunday. The festival winds up on Monday with a jam session.

Headline act from Melbourne, Australia is multi award winning guitarist, Jimi Hocking (The Angels, The Screaming Jets). Also included in the lineup is Laura Collins & The Backporch Blues Band, Cadillac Walk (also from Melbourne), The Mike Garner Band featuring Neil Billington, The B-Side Band, Brilleaux, EastSlide Blues, and many more!

Venues include Brew Craft Beer Pub, Seismic Gastrobar, Scotty's Bar, Solace and Ambrosia - all in 'Eat Streat', Rotorua's restaurant precinct.

Entry to bars and cafes free of charge. 
Blues Cruise on the Lakeland Queen (Sat & Sun) = $35. 
See festival website for ticketing details.

The Hot Lakes Craft Market will continue each month. Please note, if the weather is awful, this market can be carried out indoors. Held at the Rotorua Arts Village (RAVE) in central Rotorua, the market features a collection of hand-made makers stalls, pottery from the resident Rotorua Potters, and also includes artists from our local area.

We will have some more yummy food and coffee available, to enjoy inside or out, and our galleries will be open for viewing, as will the Village Craft Shop.

Outside market stall holders are welcome to register, all items for sale must be hand made in NZ. Strictly no imports.

Buskers will be in place, and we are planning on more children's activities, so that parents can meander through the stalls. Buy a beautiful kete, handmade children's clothing, artworks, turned wood items, homemade biscuits or a silk scarf. Christmas presents taken care of!

"We'd love to see you all here"

This is the original home of the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge. The event is located at Lakes Ranch, an outdoor pursuit / equestrian centre 15 minutes east of Rotorua on SH30. Just follow the signs to Hells Gate and Lakes Ranch is located directly opposite. This venue provides a magnificent course with spectacular scenery for the ultimate experience. The course includes water trails, net climb, crawl under barb wire obstacles, swamp crossings, native bush trail, wobbly water bridge, open paddock running, hurdles, wire rope bridge and tunnels. A six kilometre (one lap) or 12 kilometre (two laps) options are available.