Road safety advocates are urging travellers to drive safely as the road toll increases and New Year's Eve approaches.
Since January 1, 372 people have died on the roads so far, and one person has died during the current Christmas road toll period which will end on January 3 next year. That brings the toll to 373.
- This year's road toll approaches 2017's record level
- The devastation of the road toll through the eyes of first responders
- As other countries' road tolls slow down, New Zealand's is on the rise
The AA is warning people to avoid driving tired over the holiday period, saying it's just as bad as driving drunk.
It said over the next few weeks the highways are expected to be at their busiest between 10am and 4pm.
Spokesperson Kiri Coughlan is urging drivers get plenty of sleep before getting behind the wheel.
"Driving tired really can be as dangerous as driving drunk and it does set you up terribly for your journey if you're just not paying it extra attention to what's happening in front of you."
Meanwhile tourist drivers are being urged to think ahead, as they take to the roads.
The rental vehicle industry is being encouraged to sign a code of practice, to inform overseas drivers about New Zealand road rules.
Steve Hanrahan from Tourism Industry Aotearoa told Newshub giving drivers the right driving advice is very important.
"[They should know] that they don't have to travel too far on particular days and... understand about what's different about driving in New Zealand than what it is at home."
Around 75 percent of the country's rental fleet is signed up to the code.
Newshub.
