Police are urging Coromandel holiday makers to act responsibly after more than a dozen arrests in party hotspot Whangamatā last night.

Photo: RNZ / Sarah Robson

Over 100 officers have been redeployed to the district, including five from Counties Manukau, with a focus on problem areas Whangamatā, Whitianga, and Waihī.

They were kept busy last night with up to 400 people gathering at Whangamatā's Surf Club.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cherry said 15 people were arrested for disorder, fighting and breaching the peace and the towns liquor ban.

"Historically Whangamatā is a central area for disorder in the Coromandel around the holiday period.

"...in comparison the other areas of Whitianga and Waihī had no arrests so clearly there's issues around Whangamatā."

He said the main event on New Years Eve was expected to bring in ten times as many people.

Mr Cherry said the main concern for police this year was young people staying with their parents not being properly supervised.

"Especially under-18s who are drinking with their parents and going off and causing disorder around the towns without the parents' knowledge."

Seaside towns along the peninsula have a 24/7 alcohol ban in place until 8 January but Mr Cherry said people had already been caught out.

55 people were issued with alcohol infringements in Whangamatā last night - each carrying a $250 fine.

"For someone that's going to be an expensive night out.

Mr Cherry said the message from police was simple: act peacefully and responsibly.

"Think about people around you and I'd just like to re-emphasise to parents to be aware of what your children are doing - especially when they're under the drinking age - and keep them responsible and keep everyone safe in the area."