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Corporate revellers are escaping to the islands, the Orient and fantasy lands at the city's most lavish end-of-year parties.
Liquor company 42 Below, known for its outrageous events, re-created a tropical island for its celebration last weekend.
More than three tonnes of sand was loaded into the former Alinghi base at Viaduct Harbour, and a limbo pole, hula hoops and a kava ceremony entertained the 300-plus guests.
A wild night could also be on the cards for the 2000 people expected at Vodafone's Where the Wild Things Are bash tonight.
Details are sketchy but organisers promise themed rooms will progressively open as the night goes on.
Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers got in early for its Geisha Extravaganza, attended by kimono-clad bean-counters.
Guests were lured by invitations fastened to a pair of chopsticks to an inner-city ballroom transformed with table lanterns and bamboo.
Despite the television business often being painted as glamorous, TVNZ's staff Christmas party next weekend would be "low budget".
"There'll be a couple of Christmas trees in the canteen," said TVNZ spokesman Robin Field. "It's a simple affair, yet enjoyable."
TV3 would host its annual gathering for employees and their families at a catered Christmas in the Park event.
Deborah Pead of Pead PR, of which 42 Below is a client, said fewer corporates were holding large-scale parties.
Many corporates were abandoning lavish events in favour of intimate team events and donations to charity.
"The wild excess of the past seems to be just that - a thing of the past," she said.
Cathy Campbell, head of Cathy Campbell Communications, said several clients, including a major bank, had big parties planned but details were under wraps.
She said there was a trend of introducing activities at events in which guests participated.
