The Christmas road toll has continued to grow after three people were killed in two overnight crashes around the country.
The first crash occurred in the Coromandel where a person was killed on Te Puru Creek Road, Te Puru at 8:45pm.
Police said officers were called after a car left the road and crashed into the water.
Police confirmed one person died and a second suffered serious injuries.
"Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are underway," a police spokesperson said.
The second fatal crash of the night occurred on Tunnel Road in Christchurch at around 11:58pm.
Police said the crash involved two cars and a motorcycle.
A police spokesperson confirmed two people were killed, two others sustained critical injuries while another person also sustained serious injuries.
Tunnel Road remains closed in both directions, from the intersection with Ferry Road to Bridle Path Road.
"Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are underway," a police spokesperson said.
"Motorists are asked to follow the diversions that are in place."
The Christmas road toll currently sits at 15 after the three deaths overnight. The Christmas/New Year holiday period runs from 4pm on Friday, December 22 to 6am on Wednesday, January 3.
Police put out a warning to drivers on Saturday after the road toll hit double figures.
"During New Year we often see a peak in people driving on the roads, so be patient, keep calm, drive sober and if you are feeling tired - pull over," police said a statement on Saturday.
