Residents of Wanaka are asking young people to not have boozy New Year's Eve celebrations on Ruby Island this year.
Lake Wanaka Photo: 123RF
Last year about 500 people had to be escorted off the island by emergency services, after becoming intoxicated and unable to return to the mainland by themselves.
Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black said there has already been a small party on the island on Wednesday but everyone behaved well.
He said people had lifejackets and there were staff on hand to monitor the situation.
But Mr Black said alcohol and water are a dangerous mix and he'll be watching the area closely.
"Especially in our cold southern lakes that are around 9 to 12 degrees, if you end up in the water and you're inebriated, you haven't got a lifejacket, you haven't got any back up or a float - there's only one thing that's going to happen," he said.
The co-ordinator of the Ruby Island Management Committee, Jude Battson, said it's better not to drink on the island at all.
"Don't bring alcohol, don't light any flame at all ... any type of cigarette," she said.
"Enjoy it for a walk around, it's a great place to have a barbeque [and] go for a swim."
