New Zealand Police say they are extremely saddened after the four deaths on our roads.

National Manager Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally says this is a truly horrific start to the holiday season.

'We cannot imagine how this will impact the families of those involved at what is supposed to be a happy time of year.

'Our hearts go out to them.”

Steve says the last thing police want is to turn up on a loved one's doorstep in the days before Christmas and tell them someone is dead.

'We need to get the message through – when you're driving, you need to take on board the responsibility that goes with it.

'This means giving driving your full attention, always wearing your seatbelt, and not driving drunk, drugged, or fatigued.

'With more people on the roads over the holiday season, and with the bad weather forecast for a number of regions in the coming days, it's also crucial that you drive to the conditions.

'We want everyone to make it where they're going safely, and to be around to spend the holidays with their loved ones.”