The national museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington said it was expecting Christmas Day to be just as busy as any other, and possibly busier.
The museum was open from 10 until 6 and likely to be visited by those who do not mark Christmas Day as wel as by those who do but are looking for something different to do.
Museum spokesperson Jane Keig said they are expecting Boxing Day to be even busier.
She said the display of the giant squid fished from the Southern Ocean in 2007 has boosted visitor numbers.
About 2000 people visit Te Papa on an average day.
