What is there to do in New Zealand during december?

Question

Me and my cousin were planning a trip arriving in Auckland from mid-December to late December if 2008.

We are Female, ages 21 and 22 and students

Want to experience culture and Christmas in New Zealand

Any advice in planning the trip or being there would be helpful too!

Answer 1

New Zealand, in december can be very warm, as it is summer here at christmas... so the traditional NZ christmas, would be either a bbq at the beach, or home with family or a more traditional meal of  a ham, and salad and hot vegetables.

Pavalova is the traditional pudding as well as the english tradition of a steamed pudding.

i would reccomend visiting the lesser populated cities such as Rotorua, like above, Palmerston North, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Taupo, Napier.... not just the main centers....

i think the smaller cities would give you more of an idea on the culture and christmas in new zealand.

it depends on what you want to see...

but here are some websites

www.newzealand.com

www.nz.com

www.tourisim.net.nz

hope u have a good trip

Answer 2

Definitely take a side trip to Rotorua. They call it the geothermal wonderland and rest assured it totally is.  Some trip ideas around Rotorua below:

Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand

News and Articles Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua, New Zealand

News and Articles Waikite Valley Thermal Pool, South of Rotorua

Answer 3

i went to nz last year, late november to late december.  its late spring/early summer there during that period, so the weather is perfect.  its very windy there, which makes even a warm day feel much cooler, plus i'm a wuss for the cold, so make sure to bring a warm jacket.  enjoy, nz is so far my top vacation destination!  would love to go back.

Answer 4

If you're in Auckland from mid-late December then you can go to Christmas in the Park.  This is fabulous with about 200,000 people packed into a park just out of the CDB listening to Christmas carols sung by kids and famous NZ'rs.  The brilliant thing is that it's free!

Like others have said, there are beaches to visit.  Go to Waiheke Island and do a winery tour there.  There are some great beaches there so spend a whole day there or even overnight.

After Christmas Day there are lots of sales in the shops so if you're inclined to search for a bargain then they're there to be had!

If you've got time, go to Goat Island - it's a little further afield and is about 2 hour drive north at most but it's really beautiful there.  Goat Island is in the Leigh Marine Reserve so you can hire snorkelling gear and swim with the fish - really cool!  If you're not into snorkelling, then there is glass bottom boat you can go on.

Answer 5

Hi I'm from the geothermal wonderland Rotorua........Yep come down here as there's enough mud to fill up all your luggage. Christmas in NZ is a summer affair not like USA with all its snow. We're friendly az here as well. Check out www.rotorua.co.nz the website should give you sufficient information about my town......Happy Holidays

Answer 6

BEACHES....BEACHES....BEACHES.....our December is usually pretty hot and sunny with beautiful blue skies.  Lately its been a little muggy and sticky but still beautiful.  Hire a car or a campervan and take a road trip.  Bay of Islands are nice to visit but the place to be around New Years Eve is Bay of Plenty....Definitely try to visit Mt Maunganui.  Like everyone else said for culture go to Rotorua.  GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Well it depends on wether you are going to the south island or the north island.

NORTH ISLAND

rotorua

auckland

wellington

napier/hastings

SOUTH ISLAND

chrisrchurch

nelson

dunedin

queenstown

wanaka

Personally I think these are the best places in NZ!!