Seven people were arrested for drink-driving at this year's Kaikoura Seafest, four of them after 6am on Sunday, say police.

Tasman District commander Superintendent Richard Chambers said he was disappointed with the preloading and drink-driving at this year's event.

"People still don't get it, in terms of how dangerous it is," Mr Chambers said.

"There's only one way to describe these people: they're bloody idiots."

More than 1000 people were breath-tested throughout the weekend; however, seven people being over the limit was disappointing, Mr Chambers said.

A good result is nobody driving drunk, he said.

"It's a real worry," he said.

"People get behind the wheel drunk and maybe they're planning a bigger journey, we just don't know."

Mr Chambers, who was on duty in Kaikoura on both Friday and Saturday night, said Seafest is a great event, but he would like to see fewer drunk people around next year.

Every arrest was alcohol-related, Mr Chambers said.

"Some people just couldn't look after themselves.

"They're putting themselves in a situation where they could easily become a victim."

The event was still an improvement from last year, which Mr Chambers puts down in part to the style of policing this year.

Thirty police officers from Blenheim, Picton and the Nelson region attended the event, and focused on high-risk places, such as West End and camping areas.

Issues were dealt with earlier in the night, such as fighting or disorderly behaviour, Mr Chambers said.

"We had a better result this year," he said. "We took the opportunity early to nip it in the bud."

SEAFEST ARRESTS

Disorderly behaviour – 14

Obstruction – 1

Fighting – 2

Offensive behaviour – 2

Assaults police – 2

Resisting arrest, obstruction, possession LSD, possession cannabis, possession utensils – 1

Breach of the liquor ban – 3

Assault – 1

Possession of methamphetamine – 1

EBA (drink driving) – 7 

- The Marlborough Express

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