Western Bay of Plenty District Council is helping residents make the most of the festive season with a summer guide covering everything from library hours and rubbish collections to freedom camping, dog walking and cycle trails.

Libraries and service centres at Barkes Corner, Katikati, Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach close from midday on Wednesday, December 24, and reopene on Monday, January 5.

From December 20 to January 10, the statutory timeframe for building consents, code of compliance certificates and resource consents will be paused, with applications submitted during this period not counted.

Digital property file orders received on or after Friday, December 19, face delays, with the normal three-to-five-day turnaround resuming from Monday, January 12.

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections run a day later than usual for Thursday and Friday pickups over the Christmas and New Year weeks.

Extra collections will operate in high-visitor areas, including Waihī Beach, Bowentown, Athenree and Pukehina.

Summer hours apply for Katikati, Athenree and Te Puke recycling centres and the Ōmokoroa greenwaste centre.

Freedom camping patrols take place daily from Friday, December 19, to Friday, February 6, across 46 designated sites.

From December 17 to February 7 dogs are not allowed on the main beach at Waihī Beach between 9am and 7pm.

Off-leash walking is permitted at Bowentown beach between Albacore Ave and Plom Rd, provided owners carried a leash and kept dogs under control.

Dogs have to be on a leash at Island View Reserve until March because of nesting birds.

The summer guide also includes information on walking and cycle trails, public swimming pools, alcohol ban areas, noise complaints, water quality and fire restrictions.