Best place to get into the Christmas spirit in New Zealand

"The best way to get into the Christmas spirit is with a face full of pine. These guys sell awesome, lush pine trees that are really full and just begging you to hang up your x-mas decos on. They’re open afternoon and on weekends. Real Christmas trees are the best!"

"This is such a cheery community spirit event. Heaps of people turn up for the party and it’s great to have everyone in one place. I love packing an epic picnic to share with friends while watching the evening’s entertainment. Just make sure you don’t have any alcohol or glass because it’ll get taken off you!"

"Farmers really know how to doll you and your house up for the festive season. They have an awesome selection of affordable Christmas decorations ranging from shiny tinsel to stunning glass baubles. I love getting quirky figurines like flamingos to put on the Christmas tree. They also sell fake Christmas trees if that’s what you’re into."

"A streetfood night market is the ultimate festive marriage. There are lots of yummy nibbley things to eat and it’s just nice being amongst the buzzing community on a warm summer night. Every Friday, except for Christmas day - this is a market not to be missed!"

"This church does a beautiful Christmas eve service which gets you really excited about the next day and also tires you out so you can go home and actually sleep. There’s supper as well and kids can bring soft toys to add to the nativity scene which is so gorgeous."