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Holiday Traditions of New Zealand

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer, which means many people like to spend their holidays at the beach or at their “baches,” holiday homes. The traditional Christmas colors of red, green, and white take on a different meaning for Kiwis, or the inhabitants of New Zealand. Red symbolizes the bright flowers of the Pōhutukawa tree, green represents the lush tropical foliage that thrives in summer, and white symbolizes the pale sandy beaches where many Christmas celebrations take place.

A Summery Santa

Santa Claus in New Zealand may swap his traditional red coat and boots for “jandals” (flip-flops), sunglasses, and a swimsuit to stay cool. He can often be seen surfing, jet-skiing, or sailing along the coasts. On Christmas Eve, children leave out carrots for his reindeer, along with a beer and some pineapple chunks for Santa himself.

Christmas Parades and Festivities

Cities across New Zealand hold Christmas parades featuring floats decorated by local businesses, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus. The most famous of these is the Auckland Santa Parade, which has attracted thousands of spectators every year since 1934. The Christmas season also brings impressive light shows and carol services throughout the country.

Unique New Zealand Carols

In addition to classic carols like Silent Night and White Christmas, New Zealand has its own special Christmas songs. Some favorites include Te Harinui, Christmas in New Zealand, A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree, Sticky Beak the Kiwi, and A Kiwiana Christmas. One carol, The Southern Cross Looks Down, is based on the Southern Cross constellation, which Kiwis view as their version of the star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem.

Christmas Trees and the Pōhutukawa

Like many Western nations, Kiwis decorate Christmas trees with garlands, ornaments, lights, and stars. An alternative to the traditional pine tree is the Pōhutukawa, New Zealand's own special Christmas tree. This large tree blossoms with bright red flowers from mid-December until mid-January and is a common sight in the North Island. The Kiwi bird, New Zealand's national symbol, is also a popular Christmas decoration.

Christmas Eve and Gift-Giving

On Christmas Eve, many of New Zealand’s Christians attend a midnight mass at cathedrals and churches, which are usually packed. The next morning, families gather around the Christmas tree to open presents. One popular gift is a pair of “jandals,” the local name for flip-flops, which comes from combining the words "Japanese Sandals."

Christmas Lunch: A Kiwi BBQ

The traditional Christmas meal in New Zealand is a barbecue, enjoyed at home, in parks, or at the beach. Popular foods cooked on the “barbie” include ham, turkey, venison, and seafood such as shrimp and whitebait fritters, served alongside fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. Another popular meal is the Hāngī, a traditional Māori feast cooked in an underground pit.

Desserts and Christmas Sweets

Desserts in New Zealand are often served cold due to the warm summer weather. A popular choice is pavlova, a meringue topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and kiwifruit. Other desserts include cold fruit salads and ice cream. However, more traditional Christmas foods such as plum pudding, Christmas cake, and Christmas crackers are also enjoyed, adding to the festive spirit.

Holiday Traditions in New Zealand

Video by Jola Josie

Traditional New Zealand Holiday Recipes

New Zealand’s Christmas celebrations are known for their summer-inspired festive meals, with families often gathering around the barbecue or enjoying seasonal fruits and desserts. These traditional dishes capture the flavors of a Kiwi Christmas, blending local ingredients with international influences. Here are a few authentic New Zealand holiday recipes:

1. Pavlova

Pavlova is New Zealand’s most iconic holiday dessert, made from a crispy meringue shell with a soft, marshmallow-like center. It is traditionally topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwifruit, and passionfruit.

Ingredients:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup caster sugar
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp cornflour
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
  • Fresh fruits for topping (strawberries, kiwifruit, passionfruit)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter as a guide.
  2. In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornflour.
  4. Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, spreading it evenly to form a circle. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely.
  6. Once cooled, top the pavlova with whipped cream and fresh fruits before serving.

2. Whitebait Fritters

Whitebait Fritters are a cherished New Zealand delicacy, especially around Christmas. Whitebait are tiny, tender fish that are fried into light and crispy fritters.

Ingredients:

  • 250g fresh whitebait
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Butter for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the whitebait, flour, salt, and pepper, and stir until combined.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt a knob of butter.
  3. Spoon small portions of the whitebait mixture into the pan to form fritters, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  4. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

3. Hāngī

The traditional Hāngī is a Māori method of cooking food in an underground pit. While not always practical for everyday meals, Hāngī is a popular way to celebrate Christmas. The following is a simplified oven-based recipe that captures the flavors of Hāngī without needing to dig a pit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg lamb or pork (cut into large chunks)
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 2 kumara (sweet potatoes), peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Season the meat and vegetables with salt and pepper.
  3. Wrap the lamb, pork, chicken, and vegetables in banana leaves or aluminum foil, creating individual parcels.
  4. Place the wrapped parcels in a large roasting pan and cover with additional foil.
  5. Bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
  6. Unwrap and serve with your choice of sides, like gravy or steamed greens.

4. Kiwi Fruit Salad

A fresh and vibrant Kiwi Fruit Salad is a simple yet delicious addition to any Kiwi Christmas meal. This salad combines tropical fruits and fresh mint for a refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 kiwifruits, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the kiwifruit, strawberries, mango, and pineapple.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey.
  3. Drizzle the lime and honey mixture over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat.
  4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

These traditional New Zealand holiday recipes reflect the unique blend of local ingredients and summer flavors that make Kiwi Christmas celebrations so special. Whether you're enjoying pavlova by the beach or grilling seafood on the barbecue, these dishes bring a taste of New Zealand to your festive table.