What is Christmas like?

Christmas is celebrated in much the same way as in the UK but is much more low key. Many people don't decorate their houses either inside or out and although there are Christmas trees they are not seen anywhere near as much as you would expect.

It isn't just private homes that keeps things simpler either – the retail world doesn't go as Christmas mad as in the UK and it is possible to wander around the shops and not really be aware that it's Christmas time.

Although Christmas at the beach isn't as prevalent in New Zealand as it is in Australia, even though it's summer, it is still quite common and you will generally see more people about on Christmas day than you would back home. Camp sites are often rammed at Christmas.

Many towns and cities will have a Santa parade or some sort of street parade.