Climate

Rotorua has warm summers and crisp, clear days in winter. Rotorua averages more than 2,000 sunshine hours per year and just over 140cm (55 inches) of rain annually. Daytime temperatures in summer (December to February) range from 21°C–29°C (70°F–84°F) and in winter (June to August) drop to between 9°C–16°C (48°F–61°F).

Calendar of Events

In late January, Opera in the Pa (tel. 07/348-9047) presents New Zealand's best young Maori, European, and Polynesian opera voices in Ohinemutu on the Lakefront. It's held every second year (next in 2013; visit www.rotoruaNZ.com/events for information). The Rotorua Festival of Arts Te Ihi Te Wehi (tel. 07/348-9134; www.rotoruaartsfestival.co.nz), presents 16 days of creative events in early March. In April, fishermen compete in the Tagged Trout Tournament (tel. 07/348-5179; www.taggedtrout.co.nz), which presents 2 days of fishing with great prizes. The route of the Rotorua Marathon (tel./fax 07/348-8448; www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz) goes around Lake Rotorua. This very serious competition takes place in late April or early May.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.