Bay of Plenty residents have enjoyed the first day of 2019 with a relaxing day in the sun.

SunLive photographer Bruce Barnard took to the streets to capture how locals have spent the day.

Beach goers can be seen enjoying the rays at Mount Maunganui Main Beach and at Pilot Bay.

A number of walkers have also taken to the Mauao summit and base tracks.

Others have enjoyed a day on the water, hitting the streets for some retail therapy and sampling all that the Western Bay of Plenty has to offer.

In Tauranga's CBD a number of people are enjoying a dip at the Strand waterfront, with others enjoying food and shopping.

Throughout the wider region, crowds are also beginning to gather for the coveted Bay Dreams festival, held on January 2.

A pre-party celebration kicks off today from 3.30pm at Trustpower Baypark featuring some of the most notable names in music, including UK dance duo Chase & Status who join NZ summer favourites Shapeshifter, L.A.B and State of Mind.

See the video above to see how the day has been spent in the local area.