For most of the country's sports stars today is a rare day off. However, there's a select few that still train on Christmas Day.
So who are New Zealand's most dedicated athletes over the festive period?
This is what Christmas morning looks like for the country's hardest working competitors.
A five-hour drive to Dunedin awaits these thoroughbreds for Boxing Day racing at Wingatui.
"We never stop," said trainer Andrew Carston. "It's races every two days from now until the middle of January, so she's all go."
For their harness racing cousins, there's nothing better than spending Christmas Day at the beach - a dip in the ocean well earned after putting in the hard yards.
The Dunn Stable is preparing for their busiest time of the year.
"Back to Westport, Motukarara, Reefton, Auckland, Omakau - it just goes on," said trainer John Dunn.
But all this horsing around over the festive period got me wondering - do they actually know it's Christmas?
"I think so," said Jenna Dunn.
"No, definitely not," insisted John Dunn.
And it's not just a good Christmas for the horses. Those in the industry are well accustomed to working on the day.
"We're quit lucky we've got my mum," notes Dunn. "She'll bring Christmas smoko down, croissants and that, so it's still a good Christmas."
The Christmas and New Year meetings are a hit for punters too.
"It's a good time of the year, you get the crowds, lots of picnics. That's what it's all about."
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