The Kiwi summer family favourite, the Interislander Summer Festival, is returning to Tauranga on Tuesday, 2nd January 2018 with a day of grassroots racing action, live music and all-day kids entertainment.

The year's festival will see more than 30 events taking place across the country during the summer holiday season, from Ruakaka in the north, to Wingatui in the south.

Racing Tauranga spokesperson Abbie Davie says the Interislander Summer Festival has well and truly become a family favourite in Tauranga and she expects this year to be no different.

'Tauranga residents and visitors have come to anticipate this annual Kiwi event at the picturesque Tauranga Racecourse. It's a great tradition enjoyed by all from first time punters and groups of friends to the whole family, there's nothing better than race day fun in the sun.”

So pack your picnic baskets and don't forget the sunscreen, it's time to head to the races. The festival features a full day of fantastic entertainment that's affordable for the whole family, with children under 18 going free and adult tickets are $10.

Back by popular demand is the free to enter, More FM Kids Go Racing area, packed full of activities, competitions and goodie bags to keep the little ones busy while parents enjoy the sun.

It's not just the little ones who have a dedicated space. The popular Teen Sphere is kitted out with free wifi, foosball tables and other entertainment making it the perfect chill out zone for 13 - 16 year olds wanting some time away from adults or pesky siblings.

For a complete list of Interislander Summer Festival dates and locations, visittheraces.co.nz