Coinciding with a predicted long, hot summer, three large scale events are returning to the Bay of Plenty next month.   

It’s a busy time of year, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Bay of Plenty journey manager Frankie Evans.   

“There will be more traffic on the roads, and we want everyone to get to where they are going to safely, no matter if you’re going to the beach, to the shops or attending an event. 

“If drivers, especially those who may not have visited Tauranga in a while, know what is happening on the roads, they can better prepare for the trip ahead and allow extra time to get to their destination safely.  

“Please allow extra time when travelling, particularly on the day of the Juicy Fest event. Where possible, we advise drivers to take alternative routes to avoid the Baypark and Bayfair areas while this event takes place.  

“We would also like to remind visitors there have been significant changes to the layout of the road as part of the Bay Link project, especially at the Bayfair and State Highway 29A roundabouts.”

Juicy Fest 2024, which takes place at Mercury Arena (formerly Trustpower Baypark Stadium) on Sunday 7 January 2024, is expected to attract a crowd of between 6000 to 8000 festival goers.

A public drop off point will be available between Mangatawa Link Road and Tāreha Lane and event buses will be available, running from Gordon Spratt Reserve, Blake Park and Tauranga City.  

For this event, there will be a one-way closure between the SH29A roundabout and Mangatawa Link Road for all eastbound traffic from 9am Sunday, January 7, to 1am Monday, January 8.

Access for vehicles to the Mercury Arena and Truman Lane is via Sandhurst Drive and Mangatawa Link Road; access to Te Maunga transfer station will be maintained. 

Later in January, the Calley Homes Tauranga Half Triathlon celebrates 35 years, with the event taking place on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

This forms part of the Mount Festival of Multisport, and the cycle leg of the triathlon travels along the eastbound lanes of the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road.

These lanes will be closed to all other road users between the Domain Road interchange near Pāpāmoa and the Paengaroa roundabout (intersection of SH2 and SH33) from 5.30am until 1pm on the day of the event.

The alternative eastbound route for motorists during this time is via the Te Puke Highway. Westbound lanes on the TELTR will be open to traffic. 

For safety reasons, the Paengaroa roundabout will be closed to spectators and traffic management will be in place.  The best place to watch the event is along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui. 

Event Details 

Juicy Fest 
Sunday 7 January 
Mercury Stadium, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 
2pm – 10pm 
Website: www.juicyfest.co 

Mount Festival of Multisport – Calley Homes Tauranga Half 
Saturday 20 January 
Mount Maunganui – Cycle leg Tauranga Eastern Link SH2 
6.00am – 1.00pm 
Website: https://mountfestival.kiwi/ 

Bay Dreams 
Bay Dreams is also returning to Tauranga this year with a change of venue. 
Wharepai Domain central Tauranga 
Wednesday 3 January 
from 12.00pm 
https://www.baydreams.co.nz/ 

For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, please use the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Journey Planner at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner.