"Before 2007, people could plan ahead. At the moment, and over the last say six years, no one's been able to really plan for more than three to four months ahead," Dr McEwan said.
"People are feeling the threat of 'what could happen'."
Christmas shopping, big family functions and juggling work responsibilities with annual leave could also be a nightmare at this time of year, warned Dr McEwan, who is also known as New Zealand's 'Dr Stress'.
"Things that you have put off all come back to bite you in the backside.
"You might have ignored them [family members] but now they expect everyone to play happy families and they cause mischief around this time," Dr McEwan said.
Poor holiday planning would only lead to increased anxiety if people tried to cram too much into their vacation.
Those over 65 were the least worried group, less than 8 per cent felt stressed in the past year, the survey said.
Stress levels for South Islanders had climbed in the past two years, largely due to the Canterbury earthquakes.
But experts have a few tips for those Northlanders feeling a bit wound up ahead of the holiday season.
"There is so much advertising to 'get this, do that, buy this'," Mrs Mellsop said.
"People almost feel they are obliged to do something when, in fact, they're not."
Financial woes and high living costs had made it difficult for many people, she said.
Travel expenses for simple trips such as going to the doctor or supermarket could be quite costly in a large place like Northland, she added.
Nationally, 17.7 per cent of Kiwis identified as being stressed during the last year, according to the Roy Morgan research.
De-stressing tips
Regular exercise
Avoid too much alcohol
Don't take drugs
Hang out in the outdoors