Christmas in New Zealand is a relaxed affair, just as likely to be spent outdoors with a barbeque or a trip to the beach as a formal traditional celebration. (newzealand.com)
The festive season coincides with summer holidays so, as well as present buying and enjoying Christmas parties, families are preparing for their annual sojourn to the bach, crib or holiday house.
In the coastal regions of the North Island, pohutukawa trees flower from November to January. Their canopy of brilliant red crimson flowers gives the pohutukawa its nickname as New Zealand's Christmas tree.
Celebrations focus on the outdoors with crowds converging on public domains and beaches to enjoy open air concerts and festivals. In the build up to Christmas, Santa parades are held in towns and cities nationwide - the irony of sleighs and winter suits lost on the jandals-and-shorts-clad people watching in the summer heat.
The Kiwi 'barbie' is a popular option on Christmas Day either at home, on the beach or at the park. Following the BBQ a traditional dessert is the pavlova covered in cream and fresh seasonal fruit such as kiwifruit and strawberries.
For more information about a Kiwi Christmas click here