Dangerous waves are set to hit New Zealand's western coastline on New Year's Day and they may be so high fishers and boaties could be in peril.
Beachgoers are being warned to expect increasing large and powerful swells that will rapidly double in height at North and South Island beaches throughout the day.
Metservice said the dangerous swells will suddenly arrive in sets with the potential to catch those near the water by surprise.
Fishing off rocks and crossing West Coast bars by boat may prove too hazardous for the next couple of days.