The holiday road toll was the lowest toll since records for holiday periods began in 1956/57 - the previous lowest was eight in 1959/60, while the highest was 37 in 1972/73.
Last year's holiday road toll was 19.
The holiday period ran from 4pm on Christmas Eve through to 6am today.
"This year's holiday toll shows that drivers have been taking responsibility, and focusing when behind the wheel," Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges said.
"However, every fatality and serious injury on the road is a tragedy for the families and loved ones of those involved.
"It is important we continue to work hard in 2013 to ensure even fewer suffer the consequences of road death or injury."
Superintendent Carey Griffiths, national manager of road policing, was pleased with the low toll. However, she said six deaths were still too many.
"Well done to all drivers who said no to alcohol, wore their seatbelts, stuck to the speed limits and drove attentively. Their decisions impact all of us and have contributed to this result," Mr Griffiths said. "Of course it's fantastic to see the numbers continuing to trend down but as our staff know, that's still six people whose families must be informed of a terrible tragedy."
Last year's preliminary road of 307 was the second lowest in 60 years. The lowest, 284, was recorded in 2011.
With many people expected to drive home this weekend, Mr Griffiths urged people to take care on the roads.
"We can all make sure our friends and whanau wear their seatbelts. We can ask people driving to slow down," he said. "Sober driving is critical to keeping safe. Don't tolerate your mates drinking and driving, and never get into a car with a driver who's been drinking.
"These are basics, but they save people's lives."
- nzherald.co.nz and APNZ
