Christmas in New Zealand is different from what people, accustomed to winter and snow, can expect in terms of Christmas atmosphere. New Zealand’s climate is warm during the summer time, days are long, and the sceneries are breathtakingly beautiful, hence the celebration of Christmas in this country cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Unlike other countries that may opt to celebrate the New Year indoors by a fire, Kiwis welcome the sunny season with picnic in the sun, barbecues and other outdoor activities, hence it is the best place to celebrate the New Year in a fun way. As the sun sets and twinkle starts to fill the night sky, one cannot help but be mesmerize by the beauty of New Zealand, and what better time than the holiday season to make these memories.
This Christmas if you are lucky enough to be heading towards New Zealand, it’s essential to get the most out of New Zealand. From walking in green woods to having Christmas dinner with a view, travellers can find many ways to expand their holiday checklist. Make your trip even easier by having all the legal requirements for travelling to New Zealand, you need a New Zealand Visa. After that is done, you are ready to go and enjoy the best of New Zealand’s Christmas with a fantastic holiday!
Here are the 6 Must-Do Activities to Celebrate Christmas Day in New Zealand
1. Enjoy a Beach Picnic or Barbecue
New Zealand Christmas Day is in the summer, and therefore, it is a good time for outdoor exploration. Another traditional way most people celebrate is to have a day at the beach with a great picnic or the Australian Barbeque. From the black sand of Piha Beach just north of Auckland to the beautiful bays of the Bay of Islands there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Have a company outing, bring your favorite holiday dishes, and enjoy a leisure day roasting by the sun. As much as it is a different way to celebrate Christmas, it has to be better than being stuck inside the house all day!
2. Take a Scenic Hike in the Outdoors
New Zealand is famous for its stunning scenery and therefore is a perfect place for walking. Christmas Day also presents a good chance to be out in the bush whether in Tongariro National Park or in the stunning views of Abel Tasman Coast Track. Thanks to the long daylight hours, you will have all the time in the world to go trekking through some of the most beautiful rainforests, and pass by some of the clearest lakes and mountain tops with breathtaking views. Later, make a Christmas dinner in a warm cabin or a location outdoors that you can rent for the evening.
3. Experience a Traditional Kiwi Christmas Feast
Any festive season event is incomplete without food and New Zealand does not disappoint with samples of yummy Christmas foods. Even though most New Zealanders like to have Christmas roasts, they do not get too worked up about it. Consider grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and fruit for pudding. Christmas Day is traditionally celebrated with food shared with friends and family, and most often outdoors, due to the Australian summer. Don’t forget to taste a piece of New Zealand traditional cuisine such as green-lipped mussels or seafood assortment to make your Christmas dinner unique.
4. Explore the Christmas Lights in Major Cities
If you are in a city like Auckland or Wellington you will be able to observe beautiful Christmas lights that illuminate the streets and houses. Quite a number of city centers have free light displays, markets, and even entertainment for the entire family. Walk around the main avenue; look at the lights and maybe buy a cup of hot chocolate or wine from any of the food stalls. Even though it is summer where I am from in the southern hemisphere, it instantly puts one in the Christmas mood.
5. Cruise on New Zealand’s Scenic Waters
The best way to spend a Christmas holiday is by taking a boat cruise within one of the beautiful harbors or lakes in New Zealand. From a leisurely boat trip around Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park or a tourist boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, near the town of Queenstown, New Zealand, is a sight to behold. Sail on a boat, enjoy a cocktail and watch the tall mountains, crystal clear lakes and wildlife around. One of the advantages of a Christmas cruise is that it is a calm way to get close to nature though celebrating the holiday.
6. Join a Christmas Day Service or Community Event
Though Christmas is less formal than those in the other parts of the world, New Zealanders celebrate Christmas in various ways. You can go to one of the Christmas Day church services or participate in an event to help people celebrate the holiday. Some towns and cities also organize Christmas parade, outdoor music concerts, and festivals. Whether you choose to attend a carol service or join a local event, you’ll be welcomed with the warm hospitality New Zealand is known for during the festive season.
Conclusion:
Therefore, what New Zealand experiences during the Yuletide season is a rather different experience from the usual stereotypical Christmas celebration, especially when it snows! Whether you’re enjoying a hot sunny day walking on a beautiful sandy beach, barbecuing with loved ones, or hiking New Zealand’s scenic trails, you’re sure to have a memorable Christmas. The friendly people, wonderful weather, and beautiful landscapes make it a perfect place for a holiday, which is different from the traditional Christmas time.
Before embarking on your journey, make sure you have checked on the New Zealand Visa requirements. Once you have the visa issue out of the way, you will be ready to travel around this beautiful country and have the time of your life during Christmas. From beautiful sea shores to beautiful cities, New Zealand is always a beautiful destination to visit during the holiday season.
