Jason Tuitama, 24, was sentenced in the High Court at Wellington on Friday. He was granted discounts for several factors, including entering a guilty plea.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and three other charges in March.
Justice Andru Isac said during sentencing that Tuitama had slowed for a speed camera and a police checkpoint, but not pedestrians.
Along with a history of driving disqualification, he said that suggested a pattern of behaviour.
His victim, Casidhe Maguire, was survived by her family and two-year-old son.
Tuitama also pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing injury, failing to stop after a crash and driving while exceeding more than 400 milligrams of alcohol.
Tuitama recorded a breath test of 993 micrograms, almost four times the legal limit.
Maguire died in Wellington Regional Hospital in July last year after being taken to the Intensive Care Unit.
In a statement from the Ministry of Health, it described her as a "really special person" and a valued team member who had many good friends.
In the 28-year-old's obituary, her whanau gave their thanks to the staff in Wellington's ICU.
