Bill English and Jacinda Ardern enjoy election day surrounded by loved ones

Bill English and Jacinda Ardern took some time out ahead of tonight's election count.

Labour Party leader Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford donned casual attire to paint the fence and garage at their home in Pt Chevalier, Auckland, today.

Bill English, meanwhile, was at the Pullman Hotel with his wife Mary and their six kids.

In between toots and best wishes from passersby, Ardern took to her high, wooden fence with a brush and tin of stain.

Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern with partner Clarke Gayford painting their fence. Photo / Doug Sherring

"There's not much were allowed to do on election day itself and so a bit of nervous energy, I figure I may as well channel it into some of the jobs we've got at home," said Ardern.

"Very close to when I was first made leader my mum sent me a little message saying 'do you want me to come and finish off painting that fence', so she shamed me a little bit into getting it ready to go for election day."

Painting also featured on Ardern's schedule the day she was made deputy leader of the Labour Party.

"After all the media was done and everything died down I went out and painted the front of the house. So it's a good stress relief," she said.

When Ardern was asked how her painting skills rated on a scale of one to 10, Gayford chimed in with a cheeky "six", before rating his skills six and a half.

"If you're so much better I think I might leave you to it," Ardern joked.

Ardern planned on watching the election at home, while enjoying a BBQ with Gayford, before heading to a Labour Party event at Aotea Centre.

Bill English with his wife Mary and six kids at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland ahead of tonight's election. Photo/Doug Sherring

Across town, Bill English was at the Pullman Hotel with his wife Mary and their six kids.

Seated in the hotel lobby on some couches, the Englishs chatted and joked with one another. The National Party leader also took time to have a photo with some young fans.

English planned on heading to the SkyCity Convention Centre for National Party's election night event later this evening.