Police say Kiwis right across the country celebrated sensibly throughout New Year's Eve, and they're happy about it - with one exception.
Eight people were arrested at Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines festival after police searched a dozen tents and found ecstasy, party pills, cannabis, hash, methamphetamine pipes, drug utensils and thousands in cash.
All eight arrested were in their 20s, and had connections to a group from Waiheke Island.
"This was a great combined effort by all parties involved in the search, with a fantastic result," said Senior Sergeant Ross Smith.
"There is absolutely no place for this type of illegal activity at these events. Police and event organisers work closely to ensure that festival-goers are safe and this just goes to show how seriously this offending is taken and that it is not worth the risk."
They swooped in after getting a tipoff the men were selling drugs from a tent in the festival's Treble Camp.
Organisers of the festival said in a statement illegal drugs "have no place at Rhythm and Vines".
"We are pleased to have worked with the authorities to ensure this great result, which has helped us achieve a safe and enjoyable festival for all our festival-goers," said Kieran Spillane, CEO.
Only one arrest was made at Queenstown's Rhythm and Alps festival in Cardrona Valley.
Christchurch events at Hagley Park and Cathedral Square were tame as well. Police responded to several minor disorder events across the city, but praised "quiet and well-behaved" partygoers.
Police say there was "nothing unusual" in Auckland or Coromandel either.
Wellington, was moderately busy, with eight arrests made across the district.
Only one arrest was made at Queenstown's Rhythm and Alps festival in Cardrona Valley.
Revellers in Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka didn't stay out long after the midnight fireworks because of the wet weather, and while there were large crowds out in Whangamata and Mt Maunganui they were generally well-behaved, police said.
Nelson had a "handful" of arrests, which police blamed on alcohol - "as always" - but were otherwise happy with how things went.
Newshub.
