Athletes from across the country and internationally will converge for the iconic Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport this weekend.

The renowned event will take place on Saturday, January 18.

It will feature the Tauranga Half Tri, AquaBike and the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon.

In a statement, Tauranga City Council said it showcases Tauranga as a premier sporting destination, offering one of the most scenic courses in the world.

Residents are advised to plan ahead to avoid travel delays in Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui.

Several road closures will be in place and the Pilot Bay Boat Ramp will be closed for most of the day:

-Salisbury Ave (up to Victoria Rd), Salisbury Wharf Carpark, and The Mall (from Prince Ave to Salisbury Ave) closed from 6am Friday, January 17 to 9pm on Saturday.

-The Mall, Adams Ave, Marine Parade, and Pilot Bay Boat Ramp are closed from 4.30am to 5pm, on Saturday.

-Oceanbeach Rd, Yale St, Omanu Way, Maranui St, Pāpāmoa Beach Rd (up to Parton Rd) will be closed from 4.30am to 1pm on Saturday.

-A lane closure on Parton Rd (from Papamoa Beach Rd to Tara Rd) from 5.30am to 1pm on Saturday.

-The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Rd (TEL) eastbound lanes between Domain Rd and the Paengaroa Roundabout will be closed for the cycle leg of the event from 5.30am to 1pm on Saturday. The alternative route for people driving eastbound during this time will be via Te Puke Highway. Westbound lanes will remain open under usual operation.

Road closure map. Photo / Tauranga City Council

Residents and businesses can still access their properties during the event but are asked to consider travelling outside of the event road closure times if possible, said council.

“Traffic congestion and delays of up to 30 minutes on Saturday morning are likely, particularly in Pāpāmoa around Parton and Tara roads as cyclists link up with the Tauranga Eastern Link leg of the event between 7.45am and 11.45am.

“The best place to watch the event is along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Rd in Mount Maunganui.

“For safety reasons, the State Highway 2/TEL and Paengaroa Roundabout will be closed to spectators and traffic management will be in place.”