If you and your family are leaving town these school holidays to enjoy the New Zealand countryside, Police wish you safe travels.

National Manager for Road Policing, Acting Superintendent Gini Welch said a safe trip depended on several factors that shouldn’t be left to chance.

Planning your journey was a key component, with thought needed about the time of day you were travelling, especially if you were unfamiliar with the route, she said. If planning a long trip, factor in breaks and share the driving.

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“Remember traffic volumes increase on our roads during school holidays, which increases the risk of serious crashes," she said. "So make sure you play your part in staying safe on the road."

Drivers should put their phone away before setting off, and not let other people in the car distract them from what they were doing. 

“Watch your speed and your following distances."

The margin for error was also reduced when road and weather conditions weren’t favourable. 

"When you’re travelling at higher speeds on the open road, if anything goes wrong, the speed you’re travelling at will have the biggest impact on the outcome of the crash. So take care and always drive to the conditions.

“Make sure you’re well rested before you set off. Driving fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving drunk or drugged," she said.

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“Finally, don't be complacent about wearing your seatbelt – everybody in the car should be wearing a seatbelt or a child safety restraint. And if the family dog is coming too, it’s a good idea to have them in a car harness or crate.

Spring weather in New Zealand could also be temperamental with ice, wind and sun strike potential problems.

“So just keep these things at the front of your mind when you’re on the road and enjoy your journey safely.”