Pizza-by-drone has become a reality in New Zealand, in what’s been claimed as a "world-first" innovation.

Domino’s has announced its first successful drone-delivery, being a peri-peri chicken pizza and chicken and cranberry pizza sent to a customer in Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland.

The pizza chain partnered up with drone manufacturer Flirtey three months ago and has been trialling the service for several months, delivering orders via a tether.

The drone delivery prototype, DRU, was unveiled earlier this year.

Domino’s managing director Don Meij said he hopes the idea will allow more customers to receive the "freshest, hottest pizza".

"We invested in this partnership, and technology, because we believe drone delivery will be an essential component of our pizza deliveries," he said.

According to the company, drone delivery is also expected to be safer and faster.

"They can avoid traffic congestion and traffic lights, and safely reduce the delivery time and distance by travelling directly to customers’ homes," Mr Meij said.

"This is the future."

Drone manufacturer Flirtey has received a certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority, in what CEO Matt Sweeny said was the first instance a drone delivery service had been approved for store-to-door activities.

"The eyes of Silicon Valley and the world are on New Zealand, which has the most forward-thinking aviation regulations," Mr Sweeny said.

The use of the DRU Drone is expected to work alongside Domino’s current delivery fleet.