Takeaways are back on the menu for everyone south of the Auckland border.
Businesses can open, but only for contactless take-aways.
Wellingtonian’s were up early, soaking up the spring sunshine and the Level 3 luxuries.
Top of the takeaway list in the capital was a caffeine hit. Handed out by masked staff...taking orders via text - with no contact.
Customers happy to get their fix.
"I’ve been craving coffee for two weeks, we're absolute coffee fiends," said one customer.
"We've been doing the home stuff which doesn't give the same effect, a plunger and a cappacino are two very different things," said others.
Some choosing to celebrate with breakfast on the beach, under a blue sky with coffe and chocolate cake. ...under a blue sky..pics wide shot oriental then of couple on Oriental Bay beach
Fast food fanatics were also out in force, especially in Porirua at lunch time.
"We’re still in the line, can't wait to eat our food man."
"A cheeseburger, that's it that's all i'm here for."
Lines also forming at Sydenham’s McDonald’s in Christchurch.
"It’s been pretty steady all morning which is great and it's been fun for the team to get back into the store and serve customers again," said Franchisee Owner Michaela Davis.
While other South Islanders opted for more wholesome kai, Smokey T's had almost run out of the goods by 11AM.
Owner Tristin Anderson stoked to see it so busy: “We’ve sold out of the brisket , sold out of the ribs, sold out of burgers, tacos..”
Not all businesses are opening up - about half of all restaurants and cafes in Level 3 regions will stay shut until level 2. Some are unable to offer takeaways and for others it isn't financially viable to operate under Level 3.
Though, opening up under alert level 3 won't make piles of dough. Wellington’s Pickle and Pie co-owner Timothy Tracey happy to be open, but doesn’t expect much of a profit in Level 3.
"Better than four, we're wishing for two and one but we'll do what we need to do to keep going."
And Wellington on a Plate will keep going - through only online through delivery service At Yours. Festival Director Sarah Meikle urging people to use the website.
"So far we've got 150 businesses registered as of right now but that's changing every minute."
