Here's a list of all the free stuff you can get on you birthday in NZ

So you're a year older - plenty of businesses want to help you celebrate with a small gift. But there's a catch.

If the number of candles on your cake is getting you down, rejoice in all the freebies your favourite spots dish out on your birthday.

But to claim the goods, be prepared to sign up to a loyalty programme or fork out for a guest.

Dozens of restaurants and businesses give Kiwis freebies on their birthday so we looked at the fine print.

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch and at Valentines restaurant that is certainly the case.

"Dine free on your birthday," the famous sign reads, but don't be fooled. This offer only applies when the birthday person is accompanied by three full paying, adult guests.

Valentines Glenfield manager Afroza Nabi said the business has to enforce these terms and conditions or else they would lose money on the "very popular" deal.

The birthday deals you need to know:

Food

Mexicali:
Cabana Club members get a free Burrito or other menu item on their birthday.

Denny's:
Get a free main meal on your birthday, when you dine with a paying guest.

Muffin Break:
Free muffin for members of the Muffin Break Club.

Columbus Coffee:
A free coffee for you and a friend, if you are signed up to Columbus Rewards.

Esquires:
A free small beverage for members of Esquires eClub.

Valentines:
Eat free on your birthday, when accompanied by three, full-paying, adults.

Subway:
Free cookie and 600ml Coke or 750ml Pump with any sub, salad or wrap purchase. SubCard required.

Gengys:
Dine for $1 on your birthday when accompanied by three, full-paying, adults.

Habitual Fix:
Free smoothie for Habitual Fix Addicts.

Cobb & Co:
Free main meal when accompanied by three paying adults.

Other

Kelly Tarlton's:
Free entry on your birthday.

Optihealth Auckland:
Free one hour massage if you like them on Twitter and Facebook first.

Postie+:
Free $10 voucher for Postie Rewards Members.

Auckland Adventure Jet:
Free ride if you are accompanied by a full-paying adult.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.