Hundreds of young people rose before the sun to begin drinking in North Dunedin yesterday, roaming the suburb decked in green outfits or body paint.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said as far as police knew, there had been no couch fires and no people admitted to hospital.
However, he was still concerned about people climbing on roofs.
"Still disappointing that we were educating a number of people around being on roofs, but other than that, we’re quite happy with everyone’s behaviour."
It was possible this year, as St Patrick’s Day fell on a Tuesday, fewer people had travelled to Dunedin for celebrations, Snr Sgt Bond said.
Some party-goers he had spoken to reported drinking from 3am and people appeared to be drinking more wine.
Police had been watching proceedings from 5am, and had followed the crowd through the day, Snr Sgt Bond said.
Celebrating at the Bunker flat in Queen St yesterday were University of Canterbury students Sophie Smith and Lucy Jurlina, both 19, of the Wairarapa.
Miss Smith said they had travelled from Christchurch with six other people.
For some, it was their third year coming to Dunedin to mark St Patrick’s Day.
"On a day like this, Christchurch is so boring — this is just so fun.
"St Paddy’s is quite a good day, it’s quite fun, everyone gets pretty litty.
"We got up this morning, alarm went off at 4am, and we just started drinking from there."
One man promised it would be the "best and biggest" day of his life.
Most people said they had already completed "six before 6" — consuming six alcoholic drinks before 6am.
Others also reported taking part in "wine before 9" and a "goon before noon", referring to boxed wine.
The Otago University Students’ Association and charity Red Frogs NZ held barbecues in Castle St yesterday.
The University of Otago declined to comment on student behaviour yesterday, saying any comment would come today.
