Christmas in New Zealand

If you're coming from the northern hemisphere, you'll find Christmas to be rather different in New Zealand. Because of the country's European heritage and roots (especially British) you will see many of the same traditions observed - sort of. With a different climate and time of year altogether, the kiwi Christmas is something unique and it can be a lot of fun.

The most obvious difference to a northern hemisphere Christmas is the weather. It's the middle of summer in New Zealand. Many visitors from the US or Europe can't quite get their heads around having Christmas dinner as a barbeque on the beach! However, Christmas marks the beginning of the summer holidays for most kiwis, so many Christmas activities revolve around summer holidays.

Many towns and cities in New Zealand hold a Christmas Parade. They are usually held on a Sunday and can feature marching bands, floats and an appearance from the grand old gentleman himself, Santa Claus.

The largest and best known parade is the Auckland Santa Parade, which has been a feature of the Auckland Christmas since 1934. It attracts thousands of spectators every year and is a great event for children.

Kiwis maintain the British tradition of having a family dinner during the middle of the day on Christmas Day. This is usually preceded on Christmas morning by exchanging presents which will have been left under the Christmas tree in the home.

The Christmas meal itself is increasingly becoming a casual affair. Often it is a barbeque on the deck or patio. However, the traditional Christmas fare of turkey, ham and roast potatoes are still very popular, along with salads and of course a glass of bubbly.

For dessert, plum pudding and Christmas cake are often served alongside the kiwi icons, pavolova, kiwifruit, strawberries and cream.

New Zealand is an extremely diverse society and many of the cultures represented do not recognize Christmas in the same way as the early European settlers and their descendents. However, Christmas is a special time for all New Zealanders. It's a time to get together with the family and enjoy the great New Zealand summer outdoors.

5 Things to See and Do in Darwin, Australia

Darwin is situated on the edge of Arafura sea, which is at the top end of the Northern territory. It’s one of the greatest beautiful sites in Australia attracts a variety of tourist worldwide. The atmosphere is the kind of place you can enjoy and just explore the scene and adventure walking around its beautiful cool beaches watching the sun set and fall. There are a variety of cool interesting places and sites you cannot afford to miss while there ranging from, sites, beaches, national park museums etc.

Darwin botanic gardens, it’s a beautiful garden a few kilometers north of the city centre which provides beautiful garden display of tropical vegetation e.g. ferns, palm species, figs wetlands, water fountains, a coastal zone and mangrove board walk. The Australia’s new parliament house is also an amazing attractive beautiful architecture you cannot afford to miss; the Nt library is also located there. It’s situated Cnr Bennett Street. The Cullen Bay Marina located a short distance from the city centre and you can take a harbor ferry trip is the Ideal place you can enjoy specialty shopping while at the same time enjoying special sea food from the restaurants there including sea food, cocktail and also cool drinks can be enjoyed there while relaxing.

There include a variety of beaches in Darwin such as Casuarina beach which is just at the doorsteps of the Northern surburb.There is a big play ground, exciting sand all over and also a large area for car parking.Mindil beach which also holds the Mindil beach sunset market is always full of tourist due to its interesting things .It offers great, affordable, cheaper food and items around the market adding to the fact it’s a beach where you can swim on the banks and enjoy boat rides also having large massive grass area along with the cool atmosphere for tourists.

More and more things for you just in Darwin, these parks include Crocodylous park which is full of big cats and monkeys other than the many crocodiles, and it’s just located on the fair way of Darwin city. About some distance from the city is The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre .Many wild animals you cannot even imagine of are there not forgetting the massive bomber around the place. It a great tourist site for both domestic and foreign.Accomodation and delicious food are also provided there at their modern restaurant.

For those who like exploring new culture and learning more about other states past then Darwin is the best place to be. Museum and Art Gallery Of Northern Territory which is not far from Cullen Bay Marina and also Fannie Bay Gaol which is continuous in the same direction and the on east point at the far end of Fannie Bay Gaol is a natural reserve . They have natural historic displays, ancient and contemporary scenes among others. Just try Darwin in Australia and your holidays to Australia will be the most memorable, mate!