The Rhythm & Alps festival in the Cardrona Valley, which concluded last night (December 31) was “a good well-run event with limited disorderly behaviour and no arrests”, a police spokesperson told the Wānaka App.

Police were also “overall pleased” with people’s behaviour in Wānaka overnight for New Year’s Eve, Wānaka response manager Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts said.

“While it was busy, there was a good vibe and people were generally well behaved, it was great seeing people out respectfully celebrating, especially families.

“Police enforced the [24 hour] alcohol ban which we know directly impacts on reducing harm in the nights leading up to the NYE and the NYE event itself,” she said.

Senior Sergeant Roberts said it was disappointing to respond to a vehicle crash early this morning (January 1).

“The 19-year-old female driver crashed through a fence and left the scene,” she said.

The woman was apprehended shortly after at a police check point. She will be prosecuted for dangerous driving and driving with excess breath/blood alcohol.

Senior Sergeant Roberts said there is a lot of planning across agencies to ensure New Year’s events are a success.

“We had a fantastic multi-agency response monitoring activity and assisting members of the public across the region. 

She thanked Hone Hato St John, Red Frogs, PG4 Security, Fire and Emergency NZ, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and roading contractors from NZTA’s Transport Operation Centre, “all of which did an outstanding job”.

Senior Sergeant Roberts said police teams will continue to be out and about during the festive season.

The alcohol ban continues until 6am on Monday January 6.

PHOTO: Supplied