NZ Police said people were generally well behaved over the Christmas and New Year period in Central Otago.

Area commander inspector Paula Enoka said this behaviour was great to see. 

“Police staff were kept busy with the usual kind of incidents we often see at this time of the year, but for the most part people out celebrating had a good time and stayed safe.”

The holiday road toll stands at 21, an increase of five on 2021-2022 total, and ten more deaths than the holiday period of 2020-2021. 

There were no deaths in Otago, two in Southland and four in Canterbury for the period December 23 until January 4.

Christmas and New Year fatalities on New Zealand roads in recent years

Paula said police will maintain a visible presence on Central Otago roads for the remainder of the summer period.

“Motorists can be stopped anywhere, anytime. We continue to urge motorists to make a conscious decision to not drive after drinking."

If you are on the roads take care and drive safely as you head home from your holidays this year. The police are asking drivers to be patient and treat the people in the cars around you like they are your own family.

Find more on holiday road toll numbers here.