Paul and Andy Atkinson hosted nine others for a Christmas feast. Photo/Tania Whyte
While Northlanders were busy tucking into Christmas dinners in homes across the region, international yachties were doing the same in Whangarei's Town Basin - with one having a multi-national feast.
Paul and Andy Atkinson invited some fellow sailors aboard their boat Talulah Ruby 3, to enjoy Christmas dinner - a turkey and all the works.
Mrs Atkinson said there were 11 people all up, and they hailed from The Netherlands, America and Scotland.
"It was great fun."
The Atkinsons, are originally from England, but now live in the Canary Islands. This is their third visit to New Zealand. They arrived in Opua at the beginning of November and came down to Whangarei earlier this month.
Once a year they head home to the Canary Islands where their children and grandchildren live.
For now though, they are heading out to Great Barrier Island for a bit.
Town Basin Marina office assistant manager Sharron Beck said yesterday was the day many boats were heading out to enjoy the various bays Northland has to offer.
She said the marina was filled up for Christmas, with some boats doubled up on the berths.
"People like to be out there for New Year's Eve."
Ms Beck estimated around a third of the marina was filled with overseas visitors.
David Irwin is on his fourth visit to Whangarei on his boat, Rewa. A Christmas tree sits atop of his mast - as part of the Marina's Christmas decoration competition.
Mr Irwin, originally from Maine, USA, agreed Whangarei is a wonderful place. He said it's a safe place to come during cyclone season.
"I came in November and leave in May."
Mr Irwin is joining the Atkinsons at Great Barrier Island.
Michael and Debbie Cook have one of the more conspicuous boats around. Their catamaran Andiamo has mastfoils in place of a mainsail. The carbon fibre 'tube' can rotate around the mast, and creates lift like an airplane wing.
Mr Cook said for he and his wife, it is easier than dealing with a big mainsail.
The two mastfoils were wrapped up to look like candy canes for the decorating competition, but had been taken down as the couple prepared to head north.
The Cooks, who are from the US, were on their second visit to Whangarei and are heading to the Bay of Islands. They will be around NZ until May.
"Everyone we've pretty much found in New Zealand is hospitable and warm," he said.