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New Zealand's Top Rated Adventure Tour

AWARD WINNING & UNIQUE NEW ZEALAND TOURS - ENJOY MORE TIME OUTDOORS

✅  Top-rated by National Geographic

✅ You stay in  remote locations other tours can't access

✅  Small groups of like-minded travellers, 

Flying Kiwi  adventure tours are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. Every trip combines optional hiking , cycling and adventure activities with accommodation in stunning locations beside lakes, oceans, mountains and rivers. We get you further off the beaten track and explore New Zealand's best national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you love the outdoors, love adventure and want to travel "beyond the tourist trail" these tours are for you.  You will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Unbeatable value - our tours include more meals, flexibility, hikes, adventure & time in the best places.

Flying Kiwi featured New Zealand tours

Tour Length 16 days

Starts From Auckland

Starting your tour in Auckland? This 2 week adventure experience is the perfect way to fill your time. Try NZ's best great walks, experience cultural highlights and mix mountains with beaches as you head to NZ's adventure capital - Queenstown.

Tour Length 7 days

For those short on time but big on adventure this tour is ideal. Heading from top to bottom you'll experience kiwi culture, golden beaches, outstanding walks and Lord of the rings landscapes.

Tour Length 13 days

Starts From Christchurch

The south island offers the most diverse landscapes and activities. Explore & enjoy the 4 corners of the south with numerous national parks, towering mountains, golden bays, glowworm caves and the best adrenaline experiences in the country.

Tour Length 23 days

The Total Aotearoa tour covers almost all of NZ. You'll see stunning beaches, amazing National parks & the best hikes, bike rides and accommodation NZ has to offer.

Explore New Zealand on a Flying Kiwi tour

I feel really bad as I went on this trip a few years ago however, since the pandemic, I've seen images of NZ and it reminded me of my amazing experience. I really can't praise Flying Kiwi highly enough. Everyone from the staff who helped me with my online booking to everyone throughout the 3 week trip. You really feel like a family, everyone is so nice and welcoming. I have too many highlights to mention. NZ is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. When we are past the Covid-19 pandemic please book a place and go. You won't regret it.

Matthew Gray, Summer Blast South Island Tour, 2018

Tara and Aaron were excellent and worked hard to ensure everyone had a great trip. Nothing was too much for Tara and I appreciated her consistently upbeat attitude while she helped with everyone's needs. A really spectacular trip - thanks Flying Kiwi.

Nina, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

Achieved what I wanted to see, highlights of New Zealand and to do some hiking outside.

Navapreet, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

One of my best trips filled with lots of activities and beautiful hikes. So happy with the Flying Kiwi staff that provided useful information and made my holiday free of stress, and making sure I got to experience everything New Zealand has to offer without planning anything myself!

Benedicte, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

New Zealand is huge and with this trip I saw the best spots

Jan, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Amazing experience and amazing people,it felt like family. I will never forget my awesome experience in New Zealand, wonderful country!

Romina, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

I think it was the best trip I've ever been on

Mats, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Had the most amazing time it was a great way to see New Zealand. Thank you!

Erin, Wild West South Island Tour, 2019

It was exactly what I was looking for and the driver & guide were amazing.

Bert, Total Aotearoa - 23 day New Zealand Tour, 2019

Traveling on my own this has meant, I have not been overwhelmed by the amount of activities there is to do, having a guide to help navigate has been a well needed part of my trip, both Nick and Chrissie have been amazing. I will definitely be joining you again.

Alison, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

I had great 5 days! Sad to leave...

Johanna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

Brooke and Aaron were very patient, enthusiastic and helpful throughout the trip. I would travel with Flying Kiwi again. More than a hop-on hop-off experience. :) fun!!!

Jenna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2020

Had a brilliant time, enjoyed it immensely, meet great people and of course the first days with only 4 people were such a luxury!

Larissa, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2020

The friendly environment makes New Zealand landscape better, with a shared experience that is really awesome and has not equal (for what is my experience) in he rest of the world.

Riccardo, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2018

Flying Kiwi was one of the best travel experiences of my life! I am already planning to book another trip with you guys and will be recommending you to all my friends :)

Anna, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2019

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New Zealand in December

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what is it like to travel new zealand in december.

Want to experience Christmas and New Year’s Eve in summer? Then you’ve come to the right place! That’s right, December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand and one of the most popular times to travel in New Zealand thanks to the long holiday seasons. To travel during December in New Zealand, expect to pay a premium for this “premium” time of year.

In this quick and simple guide to New Zealand in December, we’ll go over the typical weather in December, December events, what activities are best done in December, and some typical prices. What’s more, we’ll give you some travel tips for December in New Zealand.

For more advice on when to travel in New Zealand, take a look at The Best Time to Visit New Zealand .

Travel Tips for New Zealand in December

When travelling in December, here are a few things you need to know…

• Wear high factor sunscreen! The sun is pretty intense in New Zealand and just seven minutes of sun exposure can burn. Even on a cloudy day, slap on some sunscreen.
• If travelling in the South Island, get yourself some insect repellent. Sandflies hang about near water sources and can leave an itchy bite.
• Book accommodation, activities and transport in advance. December is a popular time of the month to travel for both international travellers and Kiwis. Make sure you book things in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Even in the summer, weather can change a lot in New Zealand, so we recommend packing a rain jacket and even a couple of layers for those odd rainy or cooler days.

New Zealand Weather in December

Welcome to New Zealand summer with warm temperatures and long sunny days. That’s not without a few days of rain or the odd drop in temperature as to be expected in a country that has a reputation of experiencing “four seasons in a day”. While you will mostly need to pack light clothing, it’s a good idea to have a rain jacket and a couple of warmer layers just in case.

North Island Temperatures : Highs of around 23ºC (73ºF) or more, and lows of 12ºC (54ºF). South Island Temperatures : Highs of around 23ºC (73ºF) and lows of 7ºC (45ºF).

For a packing list to match the weather in December, see Packing List for Summer in New Zealand .

December Events in New Zealand

The obvious December event in New Zealand is Christmas. On the days leading up to Christmas are a few outdoor Christmas events and festivals, particularly in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. For more Christmas inspiration, take a look at What to do for Christmas in New Zealand . New Zealand really gets into the festival fever, however, for New Year’s Eve . Here are the top NYE events to check out in New Zealand.

New Years Festivals in New Zealand

• Rhythm & Vines, Gisborne
• Rhythm & Alps, Cardrona Valley
• New Years Eve Queenstown
• AUM New Years Eve Festival
• Wellington NYE Celebrations
• Northern Bass, Kaiwaka
• Highlife NYE, Matakana
• New Years Eve Christchurch

Other Festivals in New Zealand

Because it is the beginning of summer, there are a lot of summer-long festivals to enjoy starting in December. Check out the Silo Cinema event happening in Auckland every weekend during summer with a huge free outdoor cinema. There is also the Festival of Lights in New Plymouth, Taranaki where the local park is lit up for this summer festival. Finally, check out the free gigs in the Botanical Garden as part of Wellington Summer City.

Activities Best Done in December

With typically clear weather, you can do just about anything during December in New Zealand, with the exception of winter sports. Days on the beach, sailing, canyoning or any activity with the chance to cool down in the water are particularly popular in summer. Here are a few articles to give you inspiration!

• 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand
• 11 Stunning Cruises in New Zealand
• 5 Best Beaches for Snorkelling in Auckland

Coastal areas, particularly in the North Island, are recommended to see the pohutukawa trees, otherwise known as the New Zealand Christmas trees, in full bloom with red flowers.

Typical Prices in December

Let’s cut to the chase. December is not a cheap time to be travelling New Zealand. As the busy summer season, it’s one of the most expensive time to be travelling New Zealand with car rental prices going up and flight prices at their highest. Nevertheless, if booked enough in advance to get a spot, you may still find some good deals on accommodation. Budget for your trip using the prices mentioned in How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

Flights in December

Pretty much everywhere in the world is more expensive to fly during December due to the holiday season. Same goes for New Zealand. Nevertheless, you can make a few savings through the method you use to book and how far in advance you book. Find out more in How to Book a Cheap Flight to New Zealand . Plus, wise up on the arrival process in our Airport Arrival Guide .

Vehicle rentals in December

With it being the popular season, there tends to be limited availability the closer you leave booking to your travel date so book your rental early. By booking enough in advance, car rentals start as low as NZ$30 per day for a budget car. For more ways to cut costs on your rental, check out the 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

Accommodation in December

There’s no way around it. In December, it’s highly likely that you will need to book accommodation in advance for most places in New Zealand to avoid disappointment. That being said, hostel accommodation still remains at a reasonable price of around NZ$25-35 per bed in a dorm. However, holiday parks up their prices during this time, costing about NZ$25-$50 per powered site for a campervan.

Activities in December

Activities during December will usually be at their normal retail price during December. Some activities you may have to book in advance for peace of mind or if you are on a tight schedule. Otherwise, there is still usually some room to be spontaneous with activities during December.

More About New Zealand Month-by-Month

• 6 Summer Festivals in New Zealand
• 5 Places to Visit in Summer in New Zealand
• 10 NYE Events in New Zealand You Can’t Miss!

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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New Zealand in December: A Summer Holiday

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As summer in New Zealand begins in December, the country is packed with tourists. The weather in New Zealand during this time ranges from pleasant to warm, ideal for exploring this stunning country. Laze in the enticing white-sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy water sports and swimming. Explore the art and culture in Auckland and Wellington. Discover why Queenstown is known as the world’s adventure capital. Traveling to New Zealand in December guarantees a spectacular and unforgettable adventure.

New Zealand Weather in December

New Zealand’s weather in December is generally pleasant all around. The temperatures in the North Island are a few degrees warmer than most parts of the South Island. Overall, the South Island receives more rainfall than its northern counterpart during this time. Snowfall in December is rare, except if you are trekking in the upper reaches of the mountains. In the capital Wellington, the average high temperature in December is 17°C, while the average low is 14°C. Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, sees an average high and low of 20°C and 16°C, respectively. In Queenstown, the average temperatures range from a high of 16°C to a low of 6°C.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand.

Weather in New Zealand in December - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit new zealand in december.

December kicks off the peak tourist season in New Zealand, bringing visitors to the country from all around the world. Here are some reasons why you too should plan a trip to New Zealand in December :

• Warm Christmas: Christmas in New Zealand is less about snow and sleigh bells and more about beaches and backyard barbecues. Experience a warm Christmas with elements of the native Maori culture. The flower of the Pohutukawa tree, held sacred by the Maori people, is an integral part of New Zealand Christmas decorations. The flowers symbolize respect for diversity in New Zealand.
• Events and festivals: December is full of exciting and entertaining festivals and events in New Zealand. Check out the Christmas production, the Santa Claus Show , by the Tim Bray Theater Company, is a family favorite and runs for several days at The PumpHouse Theater, Killarney Park, Takapuna in Auckland. Have fun at the Extravaganza Fair, the country’s largest and most fabulous traveling festival, a community-centered event with music, shows, stalls, rides, food, and more. Usher in the new year with Rhythm and Vines, New Zealand’s top-rated music and camping festival on the East Coast at the beautiful Waiohika Estate.
• Great outdoors: The days are long and beautiful in New Zealand in December, just the weather for outdoor activities. Kaitaia in the North Island offers everything from horse riding, fishing and kayaking to diving, hiking and quad biking. You can also head to Shotover River for a thrilling rafting adventure.
• Beaches beckon: Nothing beats spending a lovely summer day on one of New Zealand’s dreamy beaches. Koekohe Beach in Otago Coast, Maitai Bay in Northland, and Awaroa Beach in Abel Tasman National Park are some of the top picks. Check out more beach tours in New Zealand.

Where to go and what to do

New Zealand in December is all about exploring the great outdoors of this magical land. The splendid Bay of Islands is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand in December. Home to more than 140 islands, the bay is a gorgeous destination for sailing, yachting and kayaking. You can also spot dolphins, whales, and marlin in the waters along the bay.

Another extraordinary place to add to your New Zealand itinerary in December is a trip to Tongariro National Park , just a few kilometers away from Lake Taupo, the country’s largest lake. This Unesco World Heritage Site has remarkable volcanic features, and the park’s mountains have cultural and religious significance for the Maoris.

Visit Rotorua on the Pacific Ring of Fire for an otherworldly experience. The town is known for its steaming mud pools, whistling geysers, striking volcanic craters and boiling thermal springs.

New Zealand in December is a trekkers’ and hikers’ paradise. One of the great walking paths is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a 51-kilometer trail on the South Island. Along the way, you can spot fur seals and penguins, and enjoy magnificent views from the coastal cliffs.

Book a trip to Wellington which is brimming with fascinating things to see and do in December. Enjoy a ride on the Wellington Cable Car and get panoramic views of the city. Walk amongst rare birds like kakariki and takahe, spot prehistoric reptiles like the tuatara, and see 150 kiwis freely roaming at Zealandia Te Mara a Tane, a lush ecosystem in the heart of the city. And do not forget to check out New Zealand’s unique natural environment and Maori art and heritage at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Explore the breathtaking cultural and natural landscapes of New Zealand just as the lovely summer approaches. Stunning outdoors, unique wildlife, urban attractions, adventure and activities, New Zealand has it all. Reach out to our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to New Zealand in December.

Other articles: New Zealand in November New Zealand in January

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Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce: 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How do you get to the South Island?

Getting to the South Island is quite easy and time-efficient with two passenger airports in Christchurch and Queenstown offering several flights per day from popular destinations such as Auckland and Wellington. The price of flights can vary depending on which season you're travelling and which region/city you want to explore. Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than Queenstown, especially during ski season when the sleepy, snowy town comes to life. You can also catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton (located at the tip of the South Island) which takes roughly 3 and a half hours. 

Click to read more about getting to the South Island

Is it easy to get around Queenstown?

It's fairly easy and reliable to get around Queenstown with a heap of different options available including public transport, car rentals, and walking. You can easily hire a car in Queenstown with several companies located in the city centre. There is also lots of parking available in Queenstown making it convenient to drive to different locations. You can also catch public transport via the local bus network with tickets starting at NZ$2. Queenstown is also relatively flat so walking is another good option, especially for taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Read more about getting around Queenstown

What's the weather like in Christchurch?

The climate in Christchurch is fairly even and dry throughout the year but temperatures in summer aren't likely to get hot while the temperatures in winter are quite cold. It's very unlikely to experience extreme heat in summer but relatively common for freezes to happen overnight during the winter months. Christchurch still gets sunny though with 2,100 hours of sunlight every year. 

Read more about the weather in Christchurch

How do you get to the Bay of Islands?

It's relatively easy to get to the Bay of Islands from various locations within New Zealand. While the Bay of Islands region doesn't have an airport, there is an airport at Kerikeri which is only 23km away. It is easy to catch a flight from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, making it the most popular way to travel. You can also drive to the Bay of Islands or catch public transport via the InterCity bus services. 

Click to read more about how to get to the Bay of Islands

What's the best time to visit Wellington?

The weather in Wellington is often unpredictable and can change multiple times throughout the day. The city is also known for being very windy which is something to be aware of when you're planning outdoor activities such as cycling. However, the climate in Wellington is quite mild throughout the year with warm summers and cool winters, making it the perfect year-round destination. 

Click to read more about when's the best time to visit Wellington

Are Intrepid trips in New Zealand accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

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• New Zealand in December – Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

New Zealand in December - Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

Is it your first time in New Zealand and not sure what to do? Check out Best Bits – Things to Do as you sort out the best month to visit New Zealand.

Weather in New Zealand is four seasons in one day . Aotearoa New Zealand is several skinny narrow islands isolated in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Glorious day throughout the year is a promise together with the option of rain throughout the year. 

Seasons are the opposite to Europe, United Kingdom, North America (northern hemisphere) creating a great winter escape for our neighbours in the Far East and beyond. Peak season is summer, December to February.

What a great reason to visit New Zealand during Christmas. Experience a Christmas at the beach in the summer . The party festival season kicks off into high gear after the 26th with many New Year beach parties and major public events. December, at the beginning of the month, is quiet with Australian and New Zealand students in class. By the last week or so of December there is a dramatic change in visitor numbers so plan accordingly.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND IN DECEMBER ?

Visit New Zealand in December and plan for the beginning of the month. Toward the end, you can expect crowded campsites, trails, and plenty of tour buses. Shops are decorated for Christmas with Santa garbed in a red coat and jandels ready for the beach party . For bargain hunters the country collectively on Boxing Day, December 26th discounts heavily excess Christmas goodies.

Visitors will need to book tours and accommodation several months in advance from the 20th December onwards until mid-February with the holiday season crowds dominated by locals and Australians intent on letting their hair down.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND IN DECEMBER ?

North Island NZ, December monthly average temperature:

Average low +11°c

Average high +23°c

South Island NZ December monthly average temperature:

Average low +7°c

Average high +22°c

INTERESTING FACT: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Christmas Tree is not the evergreen rather the native red-flowered pohutukawa tree.

Check out New Zealand average temperatures for the month you are planning to visit either the North or South Island. Or anywhere in between. The most reliable weather forecast service is NZ Met Service .

NEW ZEALAND CLIMATE, WEATHER AND SEASONS ADDS A RICHNESS TO YOUR HOLIDAY

Four seasons, four opportunities to experience what New Zealand has to offer visitors. The climate, the daily weather forecast and the distinct seasons add to the rich palate of attractions from spring festivals to winter ski resort activities.

Find out more

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• NEW ZEALAND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
• Monthly temperature data is sourced from Monthly | NIWA . For visitors fascinated by climate change data NIWA provides a rich publicly available resource to browse
• Source The uniqueness of New Zealand plants an excellent school resource handy for visitors to help understand NZ’s unique biodiversity

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December in New Zealand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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December is one of the best times to visit New Zealand . This month kicks off summer across the incredibly beautiful island nation, which means warm weather accompanies Christmas festivities.

It's a great time to visit whether you're interested in beach-going, trekking, or the countless other outdoor activities that New Zealand has to offer. Luckily, this time of year doesn't yet have the crowds or high rates that come along with peak summer.

New Zealand Weather in December

December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand, so the weather is usually warm (although not as warm as January or February). Some parts of the country experience windy conditions (especially Auckland and north Canterbury in the South Island) although in general December is sunny and settled. An increase in daylight hours makes December a great month for outdoor activities. Temperatures begin to increase across the country, although they remain cool overall, with New Zealand's average December temperature a very pleasant 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). On the North Island, including in Wellington, temperatures will be slightly cooler.

• Average high: 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius)

Be aware of the humidity in the summer months in New Zealand. Being a maritime environment, surrounded by the sea, wet weather can bring humidity, although never unpleasantly so. The other thing to watch out for is the sun. New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world. It's always advisable to cover up with a hat and a high-strength sunscreen of SPF30 or more.

What to Pack

New Zealand's incredible climactic diversity means that weather can change in an instant. It's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in just one day, and your packing list should reflect this wild variability. Overall, summer is a season of mild weather, with warm days and cool nights—and luckily, not a lot of precipitation. Jeans and T-shirts are appropriate clothing for most island activities, but easily layered clothing is recommended as well, especially for cooler nights and mornings. To start, your suitcase should include:

• Tank tops and T-shirts for layering
• Light sweaters or long-sleeve T-shirts
• A pair of non-denim pants, such as linen or cargo
• Shorts, which are useful for wearing on the beach
• Socks for cozy, chilly nights
• A swimsuit, since you know there will be time spent in the ocean!

December Events in New Zealand

In addition to the Christmas holiday, December in New Zealand has a full calendar of other events as well, including unique festivals celebrating music, wine, and more.

• Christmas : Christmas is entirely different to the northern hemisphere as it occurs in the opposite season (summer rather than winter). Nevertheless, it is still an important holiday in New Zealand.
• Festival of Lights, New Plymouth, North Island : This free annual event runs from mid-December to early February. At night, the festival transforms the park into an illuminated wonderland.
• Christchurch Wine and Food Festival, Christchurch, South Island : Held at the beginning of December, this one-day festival includes top New Zealand wine producers, food vendors, and live music.
• Festival of Cycling, Christchurch, South Island: The hallmark of this weekend celebration of all things bike-related is an 80 kilometer ride throughout Christchurch’s iconic Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour. There are also rides for kids and a 35-kilometer mountain bike section.

December Travel Tips

• It's starting to get warm enough for swimming at the beaches (the later in the month, the better). It is also an excellent time for hiking and walking and enjoying the outdoors in general. Beware of New Zealand's unpredictable weather when planning your time spent outdoors. The weather can be a little unsettled, particularly in Auckland, Northland, and parts of the South Island.
• The pohutukawa is known as the "New Zealand Christmas Tree" because of its profusion of red and crimson flowers which appear around Christmas time. It is one of the most beautiful features of coastal regions of the North Island during December.
• There are more tourists about in New Zealand in December, but luckily, accommodation and attractions are still easy to come by this month.
• New Zealand is very safe. You can dial 111 to connect to ambulance services, the fire department, or the police.

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