More Kiwis are choosing to move their Christmas dinner from home to a restaurant. Eateries are responding, with many throwing their doors open for holiday celebrations today.
It looks like your traditional family Christmas – loved ones around the table, bubbles and Christmas crackers. The only thing different is that it's away from the family home.
Diners say eating out is easier than worrying about cooking and less stressful.
The Sugar Club was one of six restaurants at Auckland's SkyCity cooking up Christmas lunch today.
"You don't have to worry if there's one person in the kitchen or the whole family in the kitchen, or everybody; you can just all relax and kick back and enjoy each other's company, which is fantastic," says Neil Brazier, The Sugar Club executive chef. "The only problem is you just don't have any leftovers."
And just like your average family Christmas, all of the trimmings were on the menu.
"We're into lamb," Mr Brazier says. "What would Christmas be without lamb? Then we'll wind up with a peanut butter parfait and wash it down with some mince pies."
Not far from Auckland's CBD, a less traditional Christmas lunch was on offer.
Indian restaurant chain Satya served up holiday cheer, with free meals for those without a place to dine.
Hospitality New Zealand says business is booming for most restaurants open on Christmas Day.
Many have found themselves fully booked weeks in advance, forcing others to also consider opening their doors.
"We saw a period where New Zealand was struggling a little bit and restaurants had to make decisions about opening on days that are very costly to do so," says Adam Cunningham of Hospitality NZ. "Now we're starting to see a slow increase, and I suggest this year will be a really good barometer as to what's decided in the years to come."
Today saw chefs serving up what could be the start of a new tradition.
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