Police are issuing a pre-Winter Festival warning to motorists who drive after a big night out.
Senior Sergeant Paula Enoka, of Queenstown, said a 30-year-old local male was stopped at a police checkpoint on Arthurs Point Rd at 11am yesterday, and allegedly had a breath-alcohol level of 526mcg.
Another driver was charged with drink-driving after being stopped on Sunday morning.
Snr Sgt Enoka said given the influx of people to the area for the ski season and Queenstown Winter Festival, which starts on Friday, police would target areas where many people would drive in the morning.
''It's just reminding people that perhaps if they are going to have a big night the night before to be mindful of their level, which will still be high the next day.
''We do know a lot of people come into town to have a good time - and that's fine.
''You've got to be responsible if you're going to be driving.''
Separately, a 25-year-old Queenstown man has been charged with careless driving after his car ''rear-ended'' another at 5.55pm on Monday, on Kawarau Rd, near Queenstown Airport.
He is due in court next week.
