Love, Actually: Christmas is the time for a loving embrace

Auckland Airport welcomes thousands of people that return to or visit New Zealand to spend time with their friends and family at Christmas. We present some of these magic moments.

Spending time with family at Christmas is just as important as having a Christmas tree - without it, Christmas wouldn't be the same.

Having not seen his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren since August, John Beckett was pleased to have them return to Auckland for Christmas.

"We can keep in touch with email and things like that, but actually having them here and enjoying Christmas with us is wonderful," John Beckett said.

His son Peter Beckett and his family - wife Caroline and their two daughters Jessica and Olivia Beckett - arrived in Auckland on Monday after flying over from the United Kingdom where they live.

The family said they were glad to be back in the land of the long white cloud and would visit family members that live here.

"Looking forward to seeing the cousins and aunts and uncles and everyone.

"It's great, really nice to be back," Caroline Beckett said.

Following several weeks of sunny warm weather, Peter Beckett was hoping for the recent weather in Auckland's to stick throughout their visit.

"Hopefully this weather sticks that's been here - looks like it's been amazing," he said.