One punter in Ashburton quit his job as soon as he found out he'd won $14.3 million in August, while another in Kumeu couldn't stop laughing when told by the Lotto shop assistant they had won $13.2 million.
In all there were 34 new millionaires in cities and towns across the country, with the most wins (13) in Auckland.
A Takaka couple were so excited about their win they injured themselves jumping energetically when their numbers lined up to claim $7 million with Big Wednesday in April.
From the regional hotspot of Hawkes Bay, where nine people won First Division prizes, one couple travelled to Auckland to collect their $13.2 million winnings and slept at a motel near a car yard so they could buy their dream vehicle the next day.
A retired couple from Blenheim were finally able to buy their own home after winning $1 million in October, and a couple from near Nelson planned to buy a bach after winning $4.5 million with Powerball in August.
A total of 151 Kiwis shared $200 million in First Division prizes this year; in Auckland, 57 players shared more than $88 million.
South Auckland was a particularly lucky area with 19 players winning First Division while in central Auckland there were 10 winning tickets in First Division including a $9 million Big Wednesday prize in November.
That winner was none the wiser until he stopped at a dairy to pick up lunch on the way to work and checked his ticket.
A couple in Papakura, who won $2 million in June, began each Sunday by asking, "Do you feel like a millionaire today?" On that day, they realised they were.
A Pukekohe couple who won $1 million in September, planned to be sensible with their winnings but still swung by a jewellery store on the way home from claiming their prize.
Meanwhile, a young South Auckland family were able to buy the house of their dreams after becoming instant millionaires in October.
A New Plymouth woman didn't find out until February that she had won last year's $1 million Christmas promotion. She bought dozens of Instant Kiwi tickets and put them on the windscreen of every car in the street.
This Christmas, Lotto Triple Dip players have the chance to win one of 200 extra prizes, including $1 million cash.
Winning big brings freedom, security for family
The winner of more than $10 million in a First Division Powerball jackpot this year has spoken about how the money has changed his life.
How did you find out you'd won?
I checked my ticket on Sunday after looking the numbers up online. I couldn't believe my eyes and just kept checking it over and over again. We sat on the ticket for a few days to gather our thoughts.
Who did you share the news with?
We told our immediate family and close friends, who were all thrilled for us. It was really special.
Did you collect the money in person and did you celebrate?
We claimed the prize in person from Lotto's Auckland office. We just headed home and got back into normal life. The ladies at Lotto did give us a bottle of champagne, which we still have sitting at home.
What did the win mean for you?
My wife and I were able to quit our jobs. We also paid off our mortgage and were debt free for the first time in a very long time.
How did the win change your life?
It's given us total freedom. Not needing to work any more has meant we have more time to indulge in our hobbies.
What did you do with the money?
Our biggest purchase was a new, bigger home for our family. We also helped family and close friends and gave a bit to our favourite charities.
Lucky stores: Luckiest Auckland shops selling First Division winners
• Willy Wonka's, CBD ($26.2m Powerball)
•Magazine City & Lotto, Glenfield (3 wins)
• Papatoetoe Plaza Lotto, Papatoetoe (3)
• Eastridge Lotto, Orakei (2)
• Pak N Save, Lincoln Rd, Henderson (2)
• Countdown Pukekohe South ($20.2 million Big Wednesday).
