A tip-off from a concerned member of the public led to the arrest of a heavily intoxicated driver in Gore early on Sunday morning.

Police received a report of a car seen repeatedly crossing the centre line while travelling from Gore towards Te Anau. Officers located the vehicle shortly after and pulled it over on Main Street in Gore at around 7.30am on Sunday, 21 December.

When officers approached the vehicle, they were met with a strong smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech from the driver. A roadside breath test confirmed the driver was nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit.

It’s understood the 38-year-old woman had been at a hen’s do the night before and had little sleep before getting behind the wheel. She has been issued a 28-day licence suspension and is scheduled to appear in the Gore District Court on 21 January 2026.

Acting Senior Sergeant Christopher Rigby said Police were disappointed to see such dangerous behaviour.

“The driver was seen driving erratically and it’s incredible that no one was hurt on the road. We always encourage people to sort sober drivers, rideshare or taxi if they have plans to drink. There’s no excuse to drinking and driving,” said Senior Sergeant Rigby.

Police are urging anyone who sees dangerous or erratic driving to call 111 immediately.

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