Far North police are offering accommodation for New Year's Eve revellers who over-indulge in drink or flout Paihia's liquor ban - but they shouldn't count on much in the way of comfort.
Northland police's preparations for one of the busiest nights of the year include a temporary lock-up made from a converted shipping container.
Paihia Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said extra police from as far away as Whangarei would be rostered on in Paihia, as well as other Far North hotspots such as Taupo Bay.
Paihia's memorial hall would be put to use as a police headquarters for the night and the lock-up would be readied for anyone who was arrested.
Mr Robinson said the aim was to prevent and suppress crime so that law-abiding people could enjoy themselves.
Paihia and most other popular spots for celebrating New Year's Eve were covered by liquor bans, "and there will be zero tolerance on the night," he said.
"We're anticipating an enjoyable event for everyone involved, but we have contingency plans if issues arise."
Policing New Year's Eve had become easier over the years as messages around liquor bans and sensible drinking had got out, he said.
Last New Year's Eve was particularly quiet in Northland due to rain encouraging people to stay inside.
In the Whangarei/Kaipara area, police will be sent to hot spots on the coast as they heat up. Inspector Tracy Phillips said no officers were staying at the popular beach spots this year but if police were told about New Years revellers getting out of control, teams of officers would be sent to the area.
Ms Phillips said records showed there were very few calls to police when police were stationed at the beaches during the festive season.
She said when issues were flagged teams of police would be sent where they were needed.
More staff would be rostered on as they had been previously told not to apply for leave over the busy Christmas period.
Walking the beat in Whangarei with Ms Phillips will be Assistant Police Commissioner Allan Boreham.
"It's good for the staff to see the big bosses out on the frontline," Ms Phillips said.