Picture this: you are soaking in a saltwater pool at the foot of Mauao as the sun begins to set on a perfect New Year's Day.

A local musician is providing your soundtrack, a late dinner down the road is beckoning, and in less than 48 hours you'll be dancing in a field full of people.

Tauranga is the place to be this summer, and it's not only the golden sand beaches calling your name.

Bay Venues has something for everybody. If you are a petrolhead, then Baypark Speedway has you covered.

Take your family along to the North Island Sprintcar Championship on December 10, or the Bay International Midget Superstars on December 28, or the always popular Demo Der-Bay Smackdown and Fredrickson Stockcar Gold Cup on January 7.

If cars aren't your thing but you love a gig, well, there's a bunch of them.

On New Year's Eve – there's a brand new electronic dance music event called Famous Last Words at Trustpower Baypark.

At the same location a few days later, on January 3, Bay Dreams is back. Then you have A Summer's Day Live with UB40 on January 4, and Juicy Fest on January 6.

And for those who crave adrenaline, BayStation at Trustpower Baypark has everything you need to up your heart rate.

Whether you're after a relaxing holiday activity this summer or an action-packed day out, there is more than enough happening at venues across Tauranga to get you out of the house and into the sun.