Your December 2025 Newsletter

December 2025

Kia Ora

December in New Zealand is a special time. The school year wraps up, summer officially begins, and Christmas arrives in the middle of long, warm days.
For newcomers, this can feel wonderfully unfamiliar - instead of snow and mulled wine, you’ll find beaches, barbecues, and pōhutukawa blossoms marking the festive season.

This month’s edition is all about helping newcomers to NZ (and aspiring migrants) understand how to make the most of Christmas the Kiwi way.

Mobile Advisor Melissa Fletcher shares practical tips for newcomers settling in Auckland, while Mobile Principal Bridget Romanes offers insights on why many investor migrants are choosing New Zealand as their new home.

1. A Kiwi Christmas - What to Expect

Christmas in New Zealand blends traditional celebrations with classic summer living. You’ll notice:

Barbecues Everywhere: Families gather outdoors for relaxed meals of fresh seafood, salads, and roast favourites.

Beach Days: Many people head to the coast on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. While popular spots fill quickly, New Zealand’s extensive coastline means there’s almost always a chance to discover a more secluded stretch of sand.

A Slower Pace: Many workplaces wind down and cities empty out between Christmas and mid-January. In fact, some companies even make it compulsory for employees to take their holiday over this period, so everyone gets a proper Kiwi summer break.

Whether you're heading away or staying local, expect sunshine, relaxed schedules, and plenty of outdoor time.

2. Your Guide to Christmas Day at the Beach

For many families, Christmas Day means opening presents then heading straight to the water. A few tips if this is your first Kiwi beach Christmas:

Arrive early to secure a good spot for your picnic blanket, umbrella, or beach tent

Pack for the sun - sunscreen, rashies for kids, wide-brimmed hats, plenty of water

Swim between the flags if Surf Lifeguards are on duty

Bring jandals - sand on beaches can get extremely hot, as can the pavements

Watch out for tides if you’re exploring rock pools or walking around headlands

It’s relaxed and casual - just turn up, stay sun-safe, and enjoy the day.

3. The Pōhutukawa - New Zealand’s Christmas Tree

Nothing signals the start of a Kiwi Christmas like the bright red bloom of the pōhutukawa. This native tree flowers from late November to January and holds deep cultural significance in New Zealand..

You’ll see it:

Lining coastal roads
Brightening cliff edges
Featured in Christmas cards, decorations, and songs

For Māori, the pōhutukawa also symbolises remembrance and the cycle of life. It’s a beautiful part of the season and a must-see for newcomers.

4. Christmas Food Traditions - What’s on the Table

New Zealand celebrates Christmas with flavours that suit warm weather. Expect:

Fresh seafood such as prawns, salmon, or green-lipped mussels, thanks to New Zealand being surrounded by coastline!

Ham and roast meats, as a nod to the British traditions of many Kiwis, but often served cold so the cooks can avoid sweating over a hot oven
Summer salads with avocado, tomato, and seasonal greens

Strawberries and cherries, at their peak in December
The Pav - the beloved meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. The unofficial Kiwi Christmas mascot

If you’re hosting for the first time, a simple barbecue and pavlova will make you feel right at home.

5. Christmas Lights and New Year Events Around NZ

Across the country, towns and cities celebrate the summer season with family-friendly events. Here are a few favourites:

Franklin Road Christmas Lights - Local households along this Ponsonby street go all-out each year, decorating their homes for the benefit of the whole community. Franklin Road glows with festive magic and is a much-loved Auckland Christmas tradition

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park - A large, free outdoor concert at the Auckland Domain featuring live music, entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly activities

Christmas in the Quarters - A series of free, family-friendly events across Wellington’s city districts, including crafts, live music, circus acts, Santa meet-ups, and more

New Plymouth Festival of Lights - Stunning light installations, illuminated gardens, and day-and-night programming throughout the summer months

Boxing Day Races - Horse racing events around the country, including Auckland Cup Week and the Hawke’s Bay Racing Carnival - a classic Kiwi summer tradition and a fun day out for families and friends

ASB Classic Tennis - New Zealand’s premier tennis tournament, bringing top international players and rising stars to Centre Court in early January 2026

Summer Beach Competitions - Across the coastline, local surf lifesaving clubs run fun sandcastle contests, surf races, and beach games. Many of these competitions have been enjoyed by generations of Kiwi families at their regular holiday destinations, bringing communities together and celebrating the Kiwi love for the outdoors

Rhythm & Vines - One of New Zealand’s iconic New Year music festivals (Bay of Plenty), combining live music, camping, and a strong Kiwi summer‑festival vibe, ideal for welcoming the New Year

These events are a great way to get involved in local life and experience Kiwi summer holiday spirit.

6. Did You Know? Boxing Day Traditions

Boxing Day, 26 December, is a major public holiday in New Zealand. For many families it’s:

A second Christmas celebration - often with family who couldn’t join on Christmas Day, usually enjoying leftovers

A beach or lake day - a chance to enjoy summer and try out new Christmas presents

A time for tramping, camping, or road trips - a way to walk off the Christmas lunch

The biggest shopping day of the year! Boxing Day sales are in full swing

If you’re new here, don’t be surprised if your neighbourhood feels very quiet - many Kiwis hit the road early and leave the city well before Christmas Day.