Spring has sprung and this Labour Weekend there's no shortage of activities in the Bay for the long weekend.
The familiar red and gold flags would be back out this weekend as surf lifesavers return to patrol Bay of Plenty beaches.
Local clubs starting patrols this weekend included Waihi Beach, Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Papamoa and Whakatane, although Eastern Region lifesaving manager Leigh Sefton said lifeguards have already spent months getting ready.
"Most of our lifeguards spend all winter building up for the next season, whether it be swim or craft training, improving their first aid knowledge or practising and improving their IRB skills," Mr Sefton said in a statement.
MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said Sunday would be the pick of the three days.
"The whole weekend is looking pretty good but there will be a few showers on Friday evening and Saturday morning. But they will clear and we expect fine weather, especially on Sunday which is looking to be a really nice day for Tauranga."
Towards the end of the long weekend the weather would start to deteriorate, Mr Glassey said, with cloud increasing and late showers forecasted for Monday.
Temperatures would be mild all weekend, though Saturday would be a bit cooler at 18C maximum and a bit of wind as a southerly flow made its way across the North Island.
Sunday and Monday would have less wind and a high of 19C.
Labour Weekend was the first long weekend after winter and highways and roads were bound to be busy.
"When you combine the higher number of cars on the road, tiredness and driving on unfamiliar roads it can create stressful driving situations which can in turn lead to mistakes," NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highways manager Niclas Johansson said.
He said the biggest pinch points were on State Highway 29 at the Kaimai Range and SH2 between Paeroa and Tauranga.
"The busiest times start early Friday afternoon to early evening and then again on Saturday morning. Things pick up again for the journey home on Monday where on State Highway 1 at Karapiro for example traffic is at its heaviest from 11.30am until 6.30pm.
"If you can travel outside of these busiest times it will help reduce your chances of being stuck in a queue and help keep traffic moving," Mr Johansson said.
Bay Salsa Festival
Where: Otumoetai College, 105 Windsor Rd, Tauranga
When: Friday 21, 6pm-1am, Saturday 22, 10am-1am, Sunday 23, 10am-2am
At the 10th annual Bay Salsa Festival top Latin teachers and performers from around the country are gathering for two parties, two days of workshops, a dance showcase and a themed ball. Tickets and information at http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/bay-salsa-festival/tauranga.
Wheels on Mainstreet
Where: Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui
When: Saturday 22, 10am-3pm
Classic cars, custom cars, hot rods, trucks and bikes, the Bake Shake Wheels on Mainstreet has it all. Entry fee for people and vehicles is $5.
Night Owl Cinema
Where: Mount Drury, Mt Maunganui
When: Saturday 22, 4pm
Starting with a beach clean-up, food and entertainment from 6pm and the screening of Bella Vita once it gets dark. Gold coin donation for entry.
International Youth Silent Film Festival
Where: Baycourt
When: Saturday, 7pm
A screening of the top silent films from around the country accompanied by tunes from the old Wurlitzer piano, played by festival composer Nathan Avakian. General admission $10, students and children free
Electric Bike Event
Where: Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, 70 Windermere Drive, Tauranga
When: Saturday 22, 10am-3pm
Get to know how an e-bike works, have a go on different models on an obstacle e-course. Free admission.
Checaine Set Us Free Tour
Where: Totara St, Mt Maunganui
When: Saturday 22, 8pm
Checaine are on tour, bringing their two new singles Bring Me Down and Set Us Free to the outer regions of the North Island, including Tauranga. Door tickets $10
Beach volleyball
Where: Mt Maunganui Mainbeach
When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23, 9am-6pm
Beach volleyball teams from across New Zealand will be competing at the base of Mauao.
Hoop Nation
Where: ASB Baypark Arena
When: Saturday 22 to Monday 24
Basketball action with national and international basketball stars. There will also be two official after-parties.