The wait is almost over... 

The moment that gadget geeks have been waiting for is nearly here.

At one minute past midnight on Friday morning, one Kiwi phone fanatic will become the first person in the world to buy 2008's must-have toy, the 3G iPhone.

It's the first time iPhones have been available in New Zealand, but expensive monthly charges to run the phones are putting some people off.

Just three stores nationwide are stocking the iPhone at first, one in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Johnny Gladwell has been in the Auckland queue for more than 50 hours, and says he has had a few stares.

"My friends put me up do a dare and I just decided to go with it. They're putting money together and buying me the phone, and the challenge was to see if I could survive on the streets for two nights and three days," says Gladwell.

Diehard's around the world have been queuing up for the new iPhone.

"The big thing is 3G and that's fast internet over your mobile so that opens up a world of possibilities for things like YouTube, watching video while you're on the go, on the bus," says Scott Bartley from PC World.

A $199 dollar phone will see you tied to a $250 dollar a month contract for the next two years, which could explain why there are still some prime spots available in the queues. 

"For a two year contract, that's six grand, that's ridiculous," says one person.

But many are still prepared to pay, and as staff get ready for the midnight influx, those waiting outside in the queue, know their wait is almost over.