The majority of food outlets will be closed on Christmas Day, despite the scheduled arrival of cruise ship Diamond Princess.
Despite limited options for those on the 2600-passenger vessel who venture into the city, Dunedin iSite visitor centre manager Louise van de Vlierd said visitors would be catered for.
And Hospitality Association of New Zealand Otago branch president Mark Scully said those working at eateries just wanted to be with their families on ‘‘a special day''.
Ms van de Vlierd this week released a list of those who responded to an email asking who would be open for Christmas cruise ship visitors.
That included plenty of options for passengers, including Larnach Castle, the Taieri Gorge Railway, the botanic garden and Olveston.
Shops were open, from pharmacies to gift shops. But only four food outlets responded, three near the Octagon, and the Larnach Castle cafe.
Ms van de Vlierd said passengers would have extra food on the ship on the day, and would not be in the city for dinner, as they would have to be back on the ship by late afternoon.
Mr Scully said he could not speak for all members of his organisation, but people in the industry had worked hard during the year.
The Speight's Ale House operator said ‘‘it's more just a case of Christmas being a pretty special day for everybody''.
‘‘It's a special day for families.''
