An Auckland restaurant has opened its outdoor garden space for private picnic bookings - but it is pricey and doesn't include food or drink.
Aucklanders from one bubble, up to 10 people, can rent the outdoor space at the Midnight Gardener on Ponsonby Road for $100 for two hours.
The cost covers the use of the space and bathroom facilities but does not include food, beverages or service.
Customers will have to bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol, or have food delivered. The owner, Luke Dallow, said customers are welcome to bring speakers to play music.
Dallow would open the venue and let guests in but would then leave until it was time to clean the facilities before the next booking.
Humans are social animals, he said, and those cooped up in apartments or wanting a romantic dinner, a lunch with the flatmates or families will be coming for a picnic.
Dallow said it's about giving something back to the community, not the money, despite barely breaking even.
