The holiday road toll now stands at 26, after a man died on Friday from injuries sustained during the holiday period.
The Waikato man was injured in a crash in Matamata, 62km east of Hamilton, on December 30.
The road toll was eight more than the previous year.
The period ran from 4pm on Christmas Eve to 6am January 5.
Police were today reminding motorists to be patient over the weekend as many holiday-makers returned home.
"While we had the lowest road toll in over 50 years last year, the holiday road toll is disappointing," said Superintendent Paula Rose, national manager of road policing.
Speed, alcohol and failure to wear safety belts were factors in the majority of fatal crashes.
"By ensuring that you and your family keep these things in mind, you may well be making the difference between the end of a wonderful break and the beginning of a family tragedy," she said .
