As athletes train for this week's Lion Foundation NZ Surf League event, a team of more than 100 personnel are changing the face of Mount Maunganui's Main Beach.

They are preparing the beach for the thousands of spectators expected to descend on it for the annual surf life saving event.

Final preparations are underway to transform Mount Maunganui Main Beach for the four-day Lion Foundation Surf League competition this week.

For the last two weeks a team of Surf Life Saving New Zealand logistics personnel and volunteers have transformed the beach.

They have erected grandstands, dug trenches and brought in mobile media and administration hubs.

SLSNZ equipment logistics officer Alan Coates was first on the scene more than 10 days ago to oversee the arrival of the grandstands, which arrived on the beach before dawn to limit the impact on people using the beach.

He, and event manager Haley McMahon, are coordinating a team of volunteers, surf lifeguards, water safety experts, electricians, crane operators, bobcat drivers and support staff.

All are directly involved in setting up the arena and Haley says good planning and strong support from local authorities are key to ensuring the event runs smoothly.

'It's a massive event, but a lot of our staff and work party members have been doing this for a number of years and know exactly what needs doing and when.

'It really is hugely satisfying to see it all come together each year.”

With the grandstands and commentary tower erected at the beach last week, organisers are entering the final days of preparation.

The VIP corporate tent and mobile administration and media hubs were put in place on Tuesday, while scaffolding, an elaborate sprint track and timing gates are being finalised.

Trenches are still being dug for cabling with more than 300 metres of wire laid to cater for electrical needs.

Haley says SLSNZ erects barriers and signage to protect the fragile dune eco-system behind the beach to keep the public off the pingao and maram grasses.

Security personnel have been commissioned to patrol the area at night and will be continuing throughout the four-day event.

Hotels and apartments along the Mount Maunganui strip will be packed this weekend with competitors and visitors.

Most are staying at the Oceanside, Atlas and Atrium hotels and apartments.

The Lion Foundation NZ Surf League has been running for 17 years and attracts 34 provincial teams, including some from Australia.

Competition on Thursday and Friday is among the junior age-groups and the Saturday and Sunday events are the adult contests.