If you’re packing the chilly bin, jandals, and a box of fireworks for a summer escape, you might want to rethink that last one.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has confirmed private use of fireworks is now banned across several popular holiday hotspots due to high fire risk, with Coromandel top of the list. 

The ban is already in place and will run until January 30, with around 80,000 people expected to descend on the peninsula.

Central Otago, the Lakes District, and Upper Waitaki are also under a fireworks ban from this morning, with no end date locked in yet. Approved public firework displays are still allowed, but backyard antics are officially off the cards.

FENZ Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim says the conditions are just too risky. “We’ve had consistently warm and windy days which has dried out the vegetation. The vegetation in this area is mainly scrub, which is very quick to burn when dry,” he said.

“It only takes one spark from a firework for a devastating wildfire to start.”

That warning comes after two fires have already broken out across the Coromandel Peninsula, both caused by fireworks. Not exactly the sort of summer memory anyone’s chasing.

“Let’s all do our part to protect this beautiful part of our country,” Trim said.

Down south, Acting FENZ Otago Manager Craig Gold says firefighters are well used to this scenario, and frankly, they’re over it.

“Every year our firefighters have to drop everything and put out fires caused by people letting off fireworks,” he said, especially around New Year’s when old Guy Fawkes stock resurfaces.

“This year we want to send a very clear message to locals and visitors alike, be a good sort,” Gold said. “Leave the fireworks in the box.”

A pretty fair ask, really. No one wants their holiday cut short by a fire truck and a stern telling-off.