Christmas in New Zealand falls in early summer, so the festive season is spent at the beach, at the bach or on the road. Many families and groups use the break for a holiday together, which makes it one of the busiest times of year for group travel.
Here are some of the best places to spend Christmas, and a few tips for planning group transport over the holidays.
Best Christmas destinations
Bay of Islands
Warm water, island cruises and historic Russell and Paihia make the Bay of Islands a classic summer Christmas spot. It fills up fast, so plan early.
Auckland
The city stays lively over Christmas with the Auckland Domain's Christmas in the Park, Christmas lights and easy day trips to Waiheke Island and the west coast beaches.
Rotorua
Geothermal parks, lakes, mountain biking and Māori cultural experiences keep groups busy, and many attractions stay open through the holidays.
Gisborne and the East Coast
The first city in the world to see the sun each day is known for its beaches, wineries and New Year celebrations.
Marlborough Sounds
Sheltered bays, boat trips and walks on the Queen Charlotte Track, with Marlborough's wineries nearby.
Queenstown
Long summer evenings, lake cruises, wineries in Gibbston and Central Otago, and a free New Year's Eve celebration on the waterfront.
Fiordland
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are spectacular in summer. A coach day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau saves a long drive.
Christmas events
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: free concerts in Christchurch's Hagley Park in late November and the Auckland Domain in mid December.
- TSB Festival of Lights, New Plymouth: Pukekura Park lit up from mid December to late January.
- Christmas parades and carols: most towns run their own events through December.
Planning group travel over Christmas
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and the day after are public holidays, and many businesses close or run reduced hours.
- Coaches and minibuses book out early for the weeks before Christmas because of work functions and school trips.
- If you are travelling between towns, plan longer journeys outside the peak holiday traffic days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas in New Zealand hot?
Christmas is in early summer. Temperatures vary across the country, but many places are warm enough for the beach.
Can you arrange transport over the Christmas holidays?
Yes. Let us know your dates early, as the period from late November to early January is our busiest.
Plan your Christmas group trip
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form, and we will come back with options.