A number of restaurants and businesses offer Kiwis freebies on their birthday, but there's a catch. Photo/123RF
A number of restaurants and businesses offer Kiwis freebies on their birthday, but there's a catch. Photo/123RF
So you're a year older - plenty of businesses want to help you celebrate with a small gift. But there's a catch.
If the number of candles on your cake is getting you down, rejoice in all the freebies your favourite spots dish out on your birthday.
But to claim the goods, be prepared to sign up to a loyalty programme or fork out for a guest.
Dozens of restaurants and businesses give Kiwis freebies on their birthday so we looked at the fine print.
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch and at Valentines restaurant that is certainly the case.
"Dine free on your birthday," the famous sign reads, but don't be fooled. This offer only applies when the birthday person is accompanied by three full paying, adult guests.
Valentines Glenfield manager Afroza Nabi said the business has to enforce these terms and conditions or else they would lose money on the "very popular" deal.
"It has to be on your actual birthday as well. We don't do it a day before or a day after."
Nabi said the Glenfield franchise gets at least two people claiming the free-on-your-birthday deal a night, on quieter nights, and between five and 10 people on a busy night.
Valentines Restaurants require you to dine with three full paying guests, to claim your free birthday meal. Photo/Ben Fraser
Denny's diners also offer a free birthday meal, dubbed "our gift to you on your special day". However, you must dine with at least one other paying guest and the terms and conditions require the free meal be the one that "you, the birthday person consumes".
For those looking for a birthday bite for one, be prepared to join the club.
Mexicali Fresh offer Cabana Club members a free burrito or other menu item on their birthday.
Cafes have this deal down pat with Muffin Break giving members of the Muffin Club a free - you guessed it - muffin on their birthday, while Esquires offer a free small drink if you join the Esquires eClub and Columbus Coffee will give you and a friend a free coffee if you're a rewards club member.
Other free stuff that you can't eat or drink, but that sounds equally enjoyable, includes a free one hour massage at Optihealth in Auckland. What's the catch? You have to like them on Twitter and Facebook first.
Thrillseekers can indulge in a free birthday ride on the Auckland Adventure Jet boat, if they are accompanied by a full-paying adult.
You could visit the penguins at Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium for absolutely free on your birthday. Photo/Jason Oxenham
There is a silver lining to all this deal hunting. Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium in Auckland offers free entry as long as you can prove it's your birthday - no strings attached.
"Birthdays are an important milestone and to help our guests celebrate, we're thrilled to offer free entry to Kelly Tarlton's on their special day," said general manager Tim Keeling.
"There are no strings attached to our offer, simply walk up with proof that it's your birthday. We just want to help our guests enjoy a magical day out."
The birthday deals you need to know:
Food:
Mexicali: Cabana Club members get a free Burrito or other menu item on their birthday. Denny's: Get a free main meal on your birthday, when you dine with a paying guest. Muffin Break: Free muffin for members of the Muffin Break Club. Columbus Coffee: A free coffee for you and a friend, if you are signed up to Columbus Rewards. Esquires: A free small beverage for members of Esquires eClub. Valentines: Eat free on your birthday, when accompanied by three, full-paying, adults. Subway: Free cookie and 600ml Coke or 750ml Pump with any sub, salad or wrap purchase. SubCard required. Gengys: Dine for $1 on your birthday when accompanied by three, full-paying, adults. Habitual Fix: Free smoothie for Habitual Fix Addicts. Cobb & Co: Free main meal when accompanied by three paying adults.
Other:
Kelly Tarlton's: Free entry on your birthday. Optihealth Auckland: Free one hour massage if you like them on Twitter and Facebook first. Postie+: Free $10 voucher for Postie Rewards Members. Auckland Adventure Jet: Free ride if you are accompanied by a full-paying adult.
