Tauranga set for 'stunning' weekend of weather and events

Tauranga is set for a ''stunning'' weekend of weather and will host a huge range of sporting matches and events.

MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said the weather would be fine today, tomorrow and Monday with light winds and a few sea breezes.

Temperatures were expected to be in the low 20Cs and the chance of rain was minimal.

''It's actually going to be pretty stunning ... as there is a blocking high which sits and lingers.''

Tauranga City Council city events manager Gareth Wallis said Labour Weekend traditionally kicked off the busy summer event season which was getting busier ''year on year''.

''Events play a key role in showcasing our city. They help develop vibrancy and contribute to the creation of community pride. They support the local economy by attracting visitors and growing economic prosperity, they showcase to a wider audience some of the amazing places and spaces that make Tauranga unique, and they build social capital by providing a vehicle for meaningful social connection.

''We encourage our residents and visitors to make the most of the long weekend and enjoy all that Tauranga has to offer.''

Millie Newitt, from Downtown Tauranga, said the city centre was "a great place to visit this sunny weekend'' and there were activities at Our Place and new exhibitions on at The Art Gallery.

Meanwhile, the NZ Transport Agency said those heading out of the region needed to be aware Bay of congestion and delays because of holiday traffic.

Journey manager Nigel D'Ath said the busiest areas through Bay of Plenty and Waikato were expected to be the Kaimai Range, State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihī and SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati.