Festive Five: Things to do on Christmas Day

1. Christmas on the beach  

It wouldn’t be a Welly Christmas without some sun, sand and wind. Pack up a chilly bin and head to your favourite coastal spot for a merry day with family and friends. 

 https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/beaches-and-coast 

2. Volunteer and spread the cheer 

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for many of us, but for some of our community it can be a pretty rough time. Why not give the gift of kindness and donate your time to a local charity this Christmas Day. Organisations like the Compassion Soup Kitchen provide hot meals to those in need and are always looking for volunteers to help out in their dining room.  

https://soupkitchen.org.nz/get-involved/time-volunteer/

3. Enjoy a BBQ at Otari-Wilton’s Bush 

Otari-Wilton’s Bush is the only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, but did you know it also has some of the best picnic spots in Wellington? The Troup Picnic Area is perfect for large groups and has two public electric barbecues. These don’t require booking, but please let the Treehouse Visitor Centre know if you’re a particularly big group planning to visit.  

https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/otari-wiltons-bush/

4. Stop and smell the roses  

The Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is open 365 days a year. Why not invite the whānau for a leisurely stroll through the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Take some time to be mindful, reflect on the year and relax among all the summer roses.  

https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/wellington-botanic-garden/#things-to-see-and-do|e31

5. Sunset at the summit

End your Christmas Day at one of Wellington’s many lookouts and enjoy a summer sunset. Mount Victoria, Mount Kaukau or the Skyline walkway are all great spots to enjoy the view and soak up the last of the sun. 

https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walkways