You know it must be nearly Christmas when people skip breakfast to que for fresh strawberries from 6am as they did at Kauri Point this morning, just north of Katikati.

Cars lined both sides of the road and a line of locals waited while Kay Thomas and staff frantically prepared punnets of fruit picked at the Kauri Point Strawberry Farm.

Locals form an orderly queue for strawberries early this morning. Photos: Elaine Fisher.

Kay's strawberries have a reputation for size and flavour, and locals were keen to secure their share before Christmas day.

But Kay says dry conditions have affected yields and some customers will miss out.

By 7am the line of those waiting extended out of the gate and continued to grow.

However, those who got there early today went away very happy – and while they waited, they enjoyed a catch up with friends in the queue.

Kay Thomas of Kauri Point Strawberry Farm prepares punnets for waiting customers.

Cynthia and Ed Follington were among this morning's early shoppers at Kauri Point Strawberry Farm.