Christmas at the Auckland City Mission was so popular six tables had to be put outside to seat everyone.
Chief executive Diane Robertson said it had been a "strange Christmas" in the community.
"It's been very quiet, donations were low and I think people feel they need to
be with other people," she said.
Nearly 1600 people attended the mission's Christmas lunch, a record number.
They were served ham, turkey, chicken, roast vegetables, trifle and fruit salad and received presents from Father Christmas.
"Today is always a big, big event and we're always exhausted at the end," Ms Robertson said.
But it is not over yet for the many volunteers. During the next week they will be cleaning up and preparing for next year.
Ms Robertson said the volunteers were "fantastic".
"The return volunteers especially, who come year after year and don't expect any gratitude, I really want to thank them."
The Christmas lunch "opens up" the mission for the people who were invited, such as the elderly, and for the general public "to see how important the mission is and what it does".
Ms Robertson said they usually managed to squeeze everyone inside for lunch and she was happy the rain held off with so many people seated outside.
"The lunch and volunteers show the real spirit of giving that we all want," Ms Robertson said.
In Wellington, the Salvation Army held a smaller lunch for 100 people in suburban Newtown.
Major David Noakes said the number of people was up on the past few years.
"Ours is a non-alcoholic event which is a bit of a niche market and is important for some people," he said.
The lunch began with an optional church service, which was followed by a meal of chicken, ham, potatoes, greens, pavlova, fruit and ice cream.
Mr Noakes said the lunch was "very appreciated by people".
"It was wonderful to see people who wouldn't normally celebrate Christmas having somewhere to come and feel wanted."
Mr Noakes also wanted to thank the volunteers who helped prepare and clean up after the lunch.
The lunch was organised by the Salvation Army Hope Centre.
- NZPA
