Discover the Hidden Gems of Rotorua, Tauranga, and the Bay of Plenty
Braced for an adventure? From Tauranga to Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty region is bursting with vibrancy and excitement, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a beat of what’s coming up! Everyone is about to experience an array of delightful events that range from the tastily chaotic to the exquisitely entertaining. Grab your calendars, because this is a schedule you’ll want to keep!
Now until Saturday, September 28: The enchanting Lights on Tauranga will dazzle the city centre from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM nightly. A free self-guided light trail, proving that Tauranga can shine even brighter than your most vibrant summer dress. And yes, Saturdays will feature extra sparkle - because who doesn’t like a little weekend glow?
Saturday, September 28: Mark your calendars for the NZ Bridge Congress at Mercury Baypark, from 10 AM to 9:30 PM. Whether you’re a card shark or just someone who thinks “Bridge” is a place to take a walk, it’s time to dive into the thrill of competitive play alongside 600 fellow enthusiasts. Find your inner card ninja or simply prepare to be entertained - either way, it’s going to be a card game extravaganza!
Saturday, September 28 – Thursday, October 10: Hop on over to the Rotorua Mega Fun Spring Carnival at Village Green! With free admission from 1 PM to mid-afternoon and then again from 7 PM, this is the classic fair experience reimagined. Think dodgem cars, hurricane rides, and a cornucopia of fairground food that promises to send you into a sugar haze (the good kind)! Your inner child will thank you.
Sunday, September 29: Get ready to “bowl” over at Cricket’s Back! From 12 PM to 2 PM, Bay Oval will hum with excitement as Northern Districts Cricket welcomes back the cricket season. Fans can meet your favorite Northern Brave players, plus there will be kid-friendly games and a barbecue that smells so good, you'll have to remind yourself to breathe. Cricket truly is a sport for everyone – no wickets necessary for fun!
Monday, September 30 – Sunday, October 6: Join the festivities for the Young at Heart Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating our wise and wonderful elders. Nothing says “we love you” like a week full of Zumba classes and art exhibitions designed to foster connections and provide a serious dose of feel-good vibes. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new friend or two – or at the very least, some great stories!
Tuesday, October 1: Don’t miss the Tauranga SeniorNet Club open day at Building 70 in the Tauranga Historic Village, where seniors can get their hands (and perhaps some tech shenanigans) on the latest digital devices. Whether your smart TV is smarter than you or your iPad needs an attitude adjustment, this club is there to level up your tech game – and yes, cookies are included!
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6: The Car Boot Sale at the college carpark is the perfect opportunity to declutter while supporting Ōtūmoetai Rotary. Sellers, gather at 7:30 AM for pre-sale setups, while buyers step in an hour later. It's like a treasure hunt, where the treasure is someone else’s clutter – but let’s face it, one person’s junk is another’s sparkling gem!
October 5 – 6: Prepare to be wowed by the Wright Rohde Academy of Performing Arts as they present Legally Blonde Jnr! A tale of transformation and tenacity that will make your pom-poms quiver with excitement. There’s something about watching talents blossom on stage that’s remarkably heartwarming, isn’t it? Performances include a junior cast on both days, with a senior cast ready to shine on Saturday evening. Bring your best “Bend and Snap”, and let’s kick start the amazing experience!
Wednesday, October 9: The legendary Tauranga Hot Pink Walk invites everyone to paint the town pink in support of breast cancer awareness! This isn’t just a walk; it’s a festival of love and togetherness, where thousands donned in pretty pink attire will gather for a fun-filled route featuring entertainment galore. And hey, all it takes is a suggested $10 donation for adults and a shiny coin for the kids. Let’s walk, talk, and celebrate, shall we?
Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20: The Escape Festival will transform Tauranga into a haven for readers and writers alike. Ten days full of artistic expressions, and the kind of creativity that makes your neurons tingle with excitement. Bridging gaps between the past, present, and our favorite literary fantasies, there’s a material sufficiency of wordsmithing on offer for all of us who believe every letter counts!
Friday, October 18 – Monday, October 21: Dive into the beautifully diverse Toi Kiri: Indigenous Arts Festival at Whareroa Marae and Reserve. This festival not only celebrates indigenous cultures but also brings together the richness of artistic heritage globally. Events range from body art to culinary showcases, weaving a tapestry of shared cultures that will nourish both your mind and belly.
Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 26: Get your fright on at the Fright Fest: Halloween Festival. From spooky theatre tours to glow-in-the-dark disco bashes, this festival promises fun with a side of fear (but do remember your safety