Police say the Bay of Plenty has seen in the New Year peacefully with just a minority of people preventing the celebrations from being completely trouble-free.

Overnight, 50 arrests were made in the Western Bay, while in Rotorua there were 10 arrests, Taupo saw 15 arrests and Eastern Bay saw five.

Police say last night was a peaceful affair, with only 50 arrest in the Western Bay.

Several well-organised events and the combined efforts of police, volunteers and local councils has resulted in a generally family-friendly atmosphere as thousands descended on holiday hotspots around the region, says prevention inspector Scott Fraser.

Scott says as usual alcohol was the main factor behind most of the arrests, which were mainly for minor disorder. 'Thankfully there were no serious incidents as a direct result of the festivities.

'The Bay of Plenty has proved again to be a fantastic place for families to see in the New Year. Most of the revellers were in great spirits and had an enjoyable trouble free night,” says Scott.

'Arrest numbers were down on previous years across the District. It was however disappointing that there were too many teenagers who had access to alcohol and were intoxicated to the point where they placed themselves at risk.”

The summer policing operation in the Bay of Plenty Police District doesn't finish with New Year's Eve,” says Scott. 'Police activities and operations aimed at preventing crime and disorder and keeping everyone safe in our communities and on our roads will continue throughout the summer.

Police are asking the public to continue to be sensible about their celebrations in the coming days and remember make 2014 a year to remember 'and not one to regret or forget”.