Following the success of last year's event, Downtown Tauranga and More FM will once again be running a barbecue and entertainment on the waterfront.

The evening will begin at 5pm, and conclude at 9.30pm with fireworks launched from a barge on the waterfront, courtesy of Tauranga City Council.

Downtown Tauranga spokesperson Sally Cooke says the first 500 people get a free sausage, which could be cooked for you by a city councillor.

'I do know Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout will be doing it, along with some others,” she says.

More FM will be running kids games and music, before the big fireworks show at 9.30pm. There will also be a midnight fireworks show in the city, for those inclined to stay up.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout says he's happy to help out on the barbie.

'We took the difficult decision not to have a concert on the Mount main beach this New Year's Eve. So I think it's important to get out and about in the community and offer a family-friendly atmosphere in downtown Tauranga.

'I was there last year and was pleasantly surprised at how many families came down.”

Sally says the waterfront event will be a family friendly option for younger kids to experience the evening.

'It's just a lovely way to enjoy New Year's Eve early with your kids.”