New Zealand In December Is Too Much Fun. Pick Your Reasons And Plan A Trip Now!

New Zealand in December gets merrier with Christmas around the corner and sunny days that hail beach bums and adrenaline junkies. The country is blessed with diversity in topography and culture. Mighty peaks or skyscrapers, the landscape here is contrasting, heart-stealing.

If you’re wondering what to do in New Zealand in December 2024, this post gives you all the answers and suggests the best place for each activity. In addition to activities, this piece covers top tourist destinations, weather scenarios, package prices, and suggested stay duration.

Top New Zealand Attractions To Visit In December In 2024

While place a vacation in New Zealand, make sure to not miss out on these famous attractions in December. These places will take you on a voyage to explore the adventurous getaways and heritage treasures of the country.

1. Queenstown – For All The Thrill You Seek

The Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown is a must visit New Newland in December 2022 if you’re an adrenaline junky. Whether you’re looking for just a light adventure or something that plays insanely with your heartbeat, this is the place for you. Here, you have activities such as jet boating, skiing, and bungee jumping. In fact, Queenstown was the place that first introduced a commercial bungee jumping site in the world and many more in New Zealand December travel.

Apart from adventure angle, Queenstown mesmerizes with its stunning landscape and fine dining options!

Attractions in Queenstown:

• Bungee jumping from Kawarau Bridge
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Skydiving
• Wine tours in Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door
• Scintillating lakes like Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakatipu

Best places to stay in Queenstown: Rydges Lakeland Resort, Heritage Queenstown, and Crowne Plaza

 Also Read: Water Parks In New Zealand

2. Wellington – New Zealand’s Scenic Capital

The capital of the country, Wellington is regarded as the coolest little capital in the world by Lonely Planet. The city is renowned for its scenic charm, and rich heritage. Wellington’s glimmering harbour, and rolling green hills weave a soulful landscape that will indeed urge you to travel to visit the best places to visit in christmas holiday in New Zealand
. While in the city, you can get to know about the local culture touring various galleries and theaters, or get indulged in activities like kayaking, and biking.

Attractions in Wellington:

• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
• Wellington Botanic Garden
• Hiking up to Mount Victoria’s peak
• Wellington Cable Car ride
• Wildlife exploration in Zealandia

Best places to stay in Wellington: ibis Wellington, Rydges, and InterContinental

3. Auckland – Flaunting An Iconic Cityscape

The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland’s skyline is dominated by the sky-soaring Sky Tower; and indeed the tower makes the cityscape more iconic. But this city isn’t merely about skyscrapers after all, this is New Zealand’s most diverse city – in terms of culture, landscape, and attractions. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, shopping, hikes, wines, or adventure, Auckland is the place to be.

Attractions in Auckland:

• SkyWalk at Sky Tower
• Private cruise tours
• Kayaking to Rangitoto Island
• Marine mammal eco-safaris with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
• Wine tours at Waiheke Island

Best places to stay in Auckland: Auckland City Hotel, Waldorf Stadium Apartment Hotel, and Hotel Sofitel Auckland

 Related Post: Honeymoon In New Zealand

4. Bay Of Islands – Beautified With The Colors Of The Sea

One of New Zealand’s top attractions, the Bay of Islands consists of 144 islands, and is unmissable if you’re visiting New Zealand in December. The emerald pearl, that is Bay of Islands, is a paradise where you’ll come across various marine creatures while sailing like whale, dolphin, penguin, and marlin. Not just the marine life, you can also witness the ethnic and historic charm of Bay of Islands while interacting with the people of Maori Culture.

Attractions in Bay of Islands:

• Waitangi heritage tour
• Hole in the rock cruise
• Dolphin and whale spotting
• Scuba dive to shipwreck sites

Best places to stay in Bay of Islands: Paihia often serves as a base for people visiting the Bay of Islands. Admiral’s View Lodge & Motel, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, and Paihia Beach Resort & Spa are some of the best places to stay in Paihia.

5. Rotorua – Hot Springs And Culture

The Coolest Hotspot Destination in New Zealand, Rotorua is known for its hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. However, this does not end here. Rotorua also proudly flaunts the Maori culture, which pleases visitors. Feasting on Maori food or getting inked by Ta Moko tattoo experts will get you closer to this enlivening culture.

If you indulge in activities like mountain biking and whitewater rafting on your trip to New Zealand in December, thrills await.

Attractions in Rotorua:

• Geothermal tours to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Hell’s Gate, among others
• Maori heritage and history tour
• Activities such as white water rafting, ziplining, and fly fishing
• Wildlife experience in Paradise Valley Springs
• Rejuvenation in nature’s very own spas like Kerosene Creek

Best places to stay in Rotorua: Rydges Rotorua, Holiday Inn Rotorua, and Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Related Post: New Year Parties In New Zealand 

Things To Do In New Zealand In December

There are many exciting things that one can do in New Zealand in December. Have a look.

1. Hiking

The world knows New Zealand can be utterly lethal and hypnotic with its natural landscape. Losing yourself amidst nature’s escape is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. The country has been bestowed with a stunning contrast of hills, plains, lakes, beaches, and volcanic craters. Just a walk through New Zealand’s countryside will unfold many distinctive sights. One moment you’ll cross waterfalls, only to end up in a grassy field; walk past this, and there will be rolling hills or maybe gambolling turquoise sea waves awaiting you.

Best places in New Zealand for nature trails and hikes: Tongariro National Park, Mount Cook National Park, Mt. Victoria, and Fiordland National Park

2. New Zealand Nightlife

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On your trip to New Zealand in December, you got to enjoy the buzzing nightlife with many amazing people. Nightlife in New Zealand isn’t just about disco balls and loud music; there are many ways to live the night. Apart from pub crawls, fine dining, cruising aboard a yacht, or attending a live show in the night market are other ways to enjoy nightlife in New Zealand.

Best cities in New Zealand to enjoy nightlife: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch

Related Post: Haunted Places In New Zealand

3. Shopping

Of course, pooping tags while on vacation is something no one can resist, especially for someone visiting New Zealand in December. When shopping in this beautiful country, you’ll see a variety in everything from fashion to electronics; and the quality of each product is commendable too. If you’re looking to buy gifts, pounamu (jade) ornament, woodcraft, and possum knitwear and sheepskins are recommended buys.

Best places to visit in New Zealand for shopping: Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown

4. Surfing

The stunning beachscape of New Zealand pleases everyone across the world. Turquoise sea waves kissing the golden/white sands of the shore look like something right out of a dream. Do you want secluded beach spots to unwind and connect with nature? New Zealand has got your back. If you’re going to party all night by the sea, New Zealand will revitalize you. If you want to feel the adrenaline rush, there are many water sports you can indulge in while on a vacation in New Zealand in December.

Best beaches in New Zealand: Awaroa Beach, Wharariki Beach and Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

Related Post:  Zealand’s best beaches

5. Skydiving

Skydiving in New Zealand is something that tops the bucket list of every adrenaline junkie. As mentioned about the nightlife in this country, one can choose to skydive in different ways—tandem, Accelerated Freefall, and Static Line.

Best places in New Zealand for skydiving: Fox Glacier, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and Abel Tasman

6. Christmas And New Year Festivities

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What’s a visit to New Zealand in December if you’re returning without celebrating Christmas and New Year here? The Santa Parades, in many towns, often start in November itself. Sometimes Santa isn’t even dressed traditionally; he adds a New Zealand touch by wearing jandals (New Zealand sandals), and even rugby shirts. Special carol performances, and light shows are held to enhance the festive spirit. The time of New Year, too, gets enlivened with parties, music festivals, and fireworks.

Best places in New Zealand to visit during Xmas and New Year: Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne, and Christchurch

Related Post: Haunted Places In New Zealand

Ideal Trip Duration And Package Cost For A New Zealand Vacation

The ideal duration of stay in New Zealand is 10 nights and 11 days. This will allow you to visit the country’s top tourist destinations and indulge in the best activities.

If you have some more time in hand, you can pair your visit to New Zealand with Australia and experience the best of both worlds.

Weather In New Zealand During December In 2024

December in New Zealand is the summer season. This is among the warmest months in the country, with the average temperature in New Zealand in December ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. In fact for snow-lovers, there are regions of South Island to please you. In most parts of New Zealand, the weather in December is usually sunny, with some rain chances. This climate allows travellers to try out many activities and many things to do in New Zealand in December. You can set aside sunny days for watersports, hikes, and beach hopping. Rainy days are great for nature trails; they’re much greener and waterfalls flourish. One can enjoy many indoor activities during the rain, like shopping in malls and clubbing.

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The average cost of New Zealand tours on a twin-sharing basis is INR 1,00,00 per pax. This cost usually covers the stay, meals, airport transfers, and airport pickup and drop-off. The price of the package varies from season to season. So, plan a trip to New Zealand to experience fun with your loved ones. 

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