New Zealand-based Rocket Lab has postponed its space rocket launch from Mahia Peninsula on the east coast of the North Island until the new year.

"Yesterday's power fault has been resolved, but with only one day remaining in the launch window we've decided to preserve crew rest and come back for an attempt in the new year," the company tweeted on Saturday.

A 10-day window for the launch of the 17m space rocket was due to end on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the company came to within two seconds of lift-off, before the countdown was aborted because of "rising liquid oxygen temperatures" not compatible with the afternoon's warm conditions.

The company's inaugural test in May reached space but didn't make it into orbit after a communication fault forced the flight to be aborted.