Police are urging motorists to take care on the roads as the death toll over the holiday period reaches 11.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Last year, four people died on the roads during this period.
Today, a car driver died after colliding with a truck between Soliders Road and Valley View Road, Lower Kaimai Ranges, on State Highway 29 about 5.15am.
The death brings this holiday season's road toll to 11.
More traffic is expected today as holidaymakers return to their homes, and combined with bad weather across the country recently, drivers are being asked to remain vigilant and focused.
"We know people will be keen to get home and the weather conditions will make driving challenging in many parts of New Zealand," said assistant commissioner Scott Fraser.
"But we don't want to see any more families impacted by tragedy this holiday period and we need all road users to play their part in getting everyone home safely.
"It's very simple - keep your speed down and appropriate to the conditions, watch your following distances, put the phones away, and take a break if you feel fatigued."