Road policing sergeant Kevin Stewart said police at beaches, in particular Waimarama, will be watching for quadbikes, making sure riders obey the rules, which include a 20km/h speed limit on the beach and drink-driving and helmet laws that would apply on the road.
"For the purpose of the law, the beach is regarded as a road," he said.
St John district operations manager Stephen Smith said extra ambulances will be on the road and two medics on bicycles at Marine Parade.
He said people should enjoy themselves and stay safe but he expected staff to be "flat out".
Hawke's Bay Hospital chief medical officer, John Gommans, said the Christmas and New Year holiday period was traditionally busy for the Emergency Department.
On New Year's Day 2013, it dealt with a record 153 patients.
"We really want to encourage people to leave ED for emergencies," he said.
"The public could help reduce the pressure by first checking with either their GP, Accident and Medical Centre or Healthline first to get the right advice and information on where to go for treatment."
Visitors to the region could find their nearest accident and medical centre by calling 0800 33 88 99.
Healthline, a free service where people can talk to a registered nurse who can advise them on the best place to get treatment, is available 24/7 on 0800 611 116.
