One person is dead and two are seriously hurt following a crash near Piopio in the North Island's Waitomo region.
The crash happened at 6:15am on State Highway 3.
"The road is blocked and diversions are in place," police said.
So far three people have died this official holiday period, which began on December 24 at 4pm and runs until January 3, 6am.
A car was seen driving on the wrong side of the road, caught on camera by a following vehicle, on State Highway 2 near Paeroa just after 6:30pm on Saturday.
Caroline Perry from road safety group Brake says motorists shouldn't rush anywhere.
"Don't be tempted to speed or do risky overtaking manoeuvres. Enjoy the journey and get to your destination safely."
Last year 377 people died on New Zealand roads. This year so far 350 have died.
Nine died in last year's holiday period.
Newshub.
