Kia ora and Merry Christmas Eve! đłđż
New Zealand offers a plethora of exciting Christmas Eve parties and cozy accommodations to make your holiday unforgettable. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Parties:
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: This free, annual event in Auckland and Christchurch is a massive Christmas bash with live music, fireworks, and festive cheer. Imagine thousands of people singing carols under the stars!
- Jingle Beats Latin Party: Get your salsa on at this vibrant Christchurch party with Latin beats and a festive atmosphere. Dance the night away and celebrate Christmas with a twist!
- Christmas Eve Singles Party: Mingle and mingle at this fun event in Auckland, designed specifically for singles looking for love under the mistletoe. Who knows, you might just meet your special someone!
- Local Pubs and Bars: Many pubs and bars throughout New Zealand host Christmas Eve celebrations with live music, DJs, and special holiday menus. Check out your local listings for festive fun.
Accommodations:
- Luxury Lodges: Treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas Eve stay at a lodge with stunning scenery, gourmet meals,and pampering spa treatments. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views on Christmas morning!
- Quirky Baches: For a unique experience, book a stay in a charming bach (beach house) by the coast. Imagine cozying up by the fireplace with a glass of wine, listening to the waves crash, and watching the sunset on Christmas Eve.
- Eco-friendly Retreats: Immerse yourself in nature at an eco-friendly retreat, complete with sustainable practices and stunning natural surroundings. Enjoy a peaceful Christmas Eve surrounded by the beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness.
- Camping under the stars: For the adventurous souls, consider camping under the starlit Christmas Eve sky. Pitch your tent in a scenic location, build a bonfire, and share stories with your loved ones. It’ll be a Christmas Eve you’ll never forget!
Remember, Christmas Eve is a popular time to celebrate in New Zealand, so book your accommodations and party tickets well in advance. No matter what you choose to do, I hope you have a Merry Christmas Eve filled with joy, laughter, and festive spirit!
Feel free to ask for specific recommendations based on your preferences and location in New Zealand. I’m here to help you plan your perfect Christmas Eve!
- Media Insider: Scott Robertsonâs axing – inside the All Blacks coaching storm; âNothing made in Chinaâ advertising controversy; Magazine editors step down
‘Superpower in decline’ – world media reacts to AB coach sacking; Mag editors step down.http://dlvr.it/TQNhSk - NZ sharemarket plunges 0.7% – Market close
The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,659.79, down 97.92 points or 0.71%.http://dlvr.it/TQMbMR - NZ sharemarket ends volatile day up 0.7% â Market close
Craigs investment director Mark Lister says it was a solid day amid a good start to 2026.http://dlvr.it/TQLSvF - Griffin’s – Wine Biscuits
Commercial, 1986, (Full Length) It’s smoko time at the sawmill and a plate of Griffin’s Super Wines inspires Harold (veteran actor and writer Ian Mune) to take the role of ‘biscuit connoisseur’, critiquing his snack whilst confusing a slow-moving workmate (Lani Tupu from popular drama Country GP). Veteran actor Martyn Sanderson (The Governor, Lord of⊠Read more: Griffin’s – Wine Biscuits - The business of the All Blacks â Richie McCaw on building the brand, the state of the game and his frustrations over TMO, kicking
Inside the All Blacks’ mystique: NZR brings out its trump card in US to help build brand.http://dlvr.it/TQKLrX - Inside: Investigation escalates Trumpâs long-running feud with Powell over interest rate levels
NY Times: Trump has attacked Powell for resisting his demands to slash interest rates.http://dlvr.it/TQJFzV - As sure as Night ân Day: Family-run business that rose from a corner dairy to 54 franchise stores â can it disrupt supermarket duopoly?
How a world-famous shop for Otago students became NZâs third-biggest grocery retailer.http://dlvr.it/TQHJsg - Five New Yearâs resolutions we should make as a country â Cecilia Robinson
OPINION: Why we should choose optimism over cynicism.http://dlvr.it/TQGZHV - NZ sharemarket ends first week up over 1% â Market close
The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 20.61 points or 0.15%.http://dlvr.it/TQFgJQ - Lunch with … Anna Mowbray â the rich-list high-flyer on the keys to business success, raising a blended family with an ex-All Black and her values: âIâm definitely a Scrooge!â‘[Ali is] such an incredible person; a big softie – heâs so open, so vulnerable, so real.’http://dlvr.it/TQDYkd
- NZ stocks edge higher after Wall St powers ahead â Market close
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare climbed 3%, doing most of the local heavy lifting.http://dlvr.it/TQCSYn - NZ sharemarket continues upwards trajectory – Market close
US oil companies buoyant on Trump plan for them to rebuild Venezuelaâs oil industry.http://dlvr.it/TQBLgv - ManageMyHealth informing GP clinics affected by cyber attack before contacting individuals later this week
Company apologises and admits it could have communicated more clearly.http://dlvr.it/TQ9Hc1 - The big obstacles to Trumpâs plan for a Venezuelan oil windfall
Venezuela now pumps about one million barrels a day, under 1% of global oil supply.http://dlvr.it/TQ8MpH - Tesla loses EV crown to Chinaâs BYD in 2025 as sales slip
BYD sold 2.26 million EVs last year to overtake its US rival run by Elon Musk.http://dlvr.it/TQ7dtg - Media Insider: 26 predictions for New Zealand media in 2026 (and how our 2025 predictions fared)
The best-read and most engaging Media Insider stories of past 12 months and more CEO Q&As.http://dlvr.it/TQ6qTY - Failed property developer Ritesh Mani must pay $750,000 to supplier, court orders
Twice-bankrupted Ritesh Mani’s Eco-Smart Homes owed more than $750,000 to a supplier.http://dlvr.it/TQ60TH - Election 2026 a toss-up as Luxon India deal, AI revolution reshape economy – Richard Prebble
OPINION: My forecasts for the year ahead.http://dlvr.it/TQ5H4z - Holiday blues make for quiet end to NZX year â Market close
NZX’s 2025 performance trails 2024 but is up 3% for the year.http://dlvr.it/TQ4RTx - Deep Blue
Television, 1995 Setting sail across the South Pacific, Deep Blue follows a 10-month voyage through remote and wild oceans and islands. This 13-episode documentary series is presented by American filmmaker Mike deGruy, alongside filmmaker Peta Carey and musician Ole Maiava. Aboard the yacht Evohe, the team dive with a stunning variety of marine life, explore⊠Read more: Deep Blue - Gull, NPD merger should bring fuel prices down with low-cost business model â AA
The merged NPD-Gull group would control about 240 fuel sites nationwide.http://dlvr.it/TQ2qNs - Why you should consider investing outside of New Zealand â Mary Holm
OPINION: The NZ sharemarket makes up about 0.1% of all the shares in the world.http://dlvr.it/TQ2DJX - The cost of keeping principals: Pay packets at top private schools
One private school’s principal earns more than Cabinet ministers.http://dlvr.it/TQ1Ynt - Media Insider: Six media chief executives, six questions for 2026 – hear from the bosses of TVNZ, NZME, RNZ, Stuff, Sky TV, and MediaWorksTheir words – TVNZ, NZME, RNZ, Stuff, Sky & MediaWorks bosses on 2025 and what lies ahead.http://dlvr.it/TQ0w24
- Rodd & Gunnâs new $10m+ four-storey global flagship in Melbourne heritage building
‘Level of detail and how each floor of the store works is incredible,’ says Mike Beagley.http://dlvr.it/TQ0G6p - How the Whitakers bought their first Waikato dairy farm in their 30s
Their strict budgets, low early interest and off-farm income reduced debt fast.http://dlvr.it/TPzPHP - Deloitte Top 200 2025: Top 30 financial institutions lift profits 10.6% in 2025
Motor Trade Finance debuts at rank 27 with assets of $1228m.http://dlvr.it/TPyRlv - PÄmu Landcorp boss promises better financial performance, says there are âconversationsâ around its future
Mark Leslie told Newstalk ZB the Crown would ‘like to release some capital’.http://dlvr.it/TPxZvx - Waikatoâs Newstead Orchard: Future secured as new partner takes over operations
Annie Perkins has bought into the business, learning alongside John Woolford.http://dlvr.it/TPwtC4 - KaikĆura developer Garry Robertson launches defamation action against district council and senior official
A council official called Garry Robertson a âcomplete prickâ and a âconsummate takerâ.http://dlvr.it/TPw1Kj - Media Insider: John Campbellâs new Morning Report role – RNZâs robust board discussions; Girls Uninterrupted podcast ends; Sky TV sport content facelift; Westpac agency moves
Sky Sport’s content facelift; Westpac’s big agency move; Warehouse marketing shake-up.http://dlvr.it/TPtxXd - LawVu hits $400m valuation, buys European firm ClauseBase to boost its AI push
A Bay of Plenty start-up signs up some big-name global customers.http://dlvr.it/TPss9d - Media Insider: Julian Batchelor v TVNZ defamation case â former TVNZ presenter Peter Williams takes stand in support of Jim Grenon-funded Batchelor claim
Julian Batchelor is suing TVNZ and an academic in a defended hearing over a 2023 story.http://dlvr.it/TPrpPN - GDP preview: How strong is the economy? September quarter data due
GDP data for the September quarter, due this week, are expected to show a strong bounce.http://dlvr.it/TPqn17 - No reprieve for Nicola Willis expected from Treasury forecasts, as return to surplus in question
The return to surplus may be pushed out again.http://dlvr.it/TPptDn - Surviving in â25: Was the year really as bad as it felt? – Liam Dann
OPINION: It ain’t over yet… Liam Dann tempts fate with his year in review.http://dlvr.it/TPpCP1 - Are recent mortgage rate increases justified? Banks accused of putting profits ahead of NZâs economic recovery
Are banks putting profits ahead of NZ’s economic recovery?http://dlvr.it/TPnNw2 - Media Insider: Air NZ sends flight safety video into holding pattern; RNZ faces shake-up at highest level; NBR v IRD stand-off heats up; The spicy battle for KFC account
IRD v NBR subscription stand-off heats up; KFC creative pitch: A spicy advertising battle.http://dlvr.it/TPmKwB - Kitea Health closes $13m raise, lines up human trials in the US
Specialist Aussie funds back capital raise.http://dlvr.it/TPlGL8 - Retailing Normans buying ex-Beca HQ; Seascape developer gives update; Ryman abandons Moondah; Waikato steel plant planned, Mowbray move â Property Insider
The last 2025 column, reporting on the billionaire Normans and a big building deal.http://dlvr.it/TPj5CK - Small Business: Bark to match the bite with Howler Hotdogs
Jo Williamson talks to Tom Raynel about her small business Howler Hotdogs.http://dlvr.it/TPh9F0 - Finally NZâs Paris Climate Agreement charade is as good as over â Heather du Plessis-Allan
OPINION: Nicola Willis has signalled New Zealand will not spend $23b overseas on trees.http://dlvr.it/TPgRYq - Media Insider: Journalist Ian Wishart v RNZ and Broadcasting Standards Authority – the High Court case over a story about a run of hot weather in Hamilton
An RNZ story about Hamilton’s weather is at the centre of High Court legal action.http://dlvr.it/TPfbV2 - Deloitte Top 200: Chief executive of the year – Sky TVâs Sophie Moloney
Sophie Moloneyâs five-year turnaround has lifted Skyâs share price to around $3.50.http://dlvr.it/TPdTbB - Guardians of Gold collapse: Retiree fights for missing $26k bullion bar
She is ‘outraged’ he has started two new companies with creditors still owed big money.http://dlvr.it/TPcKq0 - The unavoidable reason New Zealand will need to tax capital â Inside Economics
ANALYSIS: Liam Dann takes a deeper dive into the week’s economic news.http://dlvr.it/TPb8Wl - Media Insider: âAppallingâ, âinsensitiveâ: Sky TVâs bizarre response following longtime customerâs death
‘The Sky appears more profound as we express our sorrow for the loss…’http://dlvr.it/TPYzLz - Rotorua car dealership Barry Grouby Motors closes for good
There have been plenty of happy customers, but it hasnât always been plain sailing.http://dlvr.it/TPXyKW - Pop the bubbly, the economic recovery is here (finally) â Liam Dann
OPINION: Never mind the arrival of Ikea; the economic recovery has arrived.http://dlvr.it/TPXJDn - Building farm resilience: Cyber threats and climate volatility â Angus McCullough
OPINION: For agribusinesses, cyber risk isnât just about stolen data.http://dlvr.it/TPWYtF - Luxonâs KiwiSaver move is good, now raise the Super age â Matthew Hooton
OPINION: The eligibility age could be raised by three months a year from April 2026.http://dlvr.it/TPVd1T - Lifting Kiwisaver contributions to 12% makes sense â when the whole scheme is fixed
OPINION: Nearly 26% of New Zealanders say they’re struggling to get by financially.http://dlvr.it/TPTdMw - Media Insider: Former Real Housewife of Auckland seeks legal advice after Eye magazine editor-in-chiefâs email
A once-close partnership has collapsed, with lawyers set to step in.http://dlvr.it/TPSbhx - Opinion: NZâs justice system is shaped to increase the billable hours of lawyers
OPINION: Few can afford to go to court, so why not expand the Disputes Tribunal?http://dlvr.it/TPRZd9 - Billionaire family turns Indiaâs gold obsession into a fortune
The Muthoot family is reaping the benefits of an exploding gold market.http://dlvr.it/TPQgNX - Labubu futures and AI frenzy show capitalismâs weird new frontiers â Liam Dann
OPINION: Nvidia’s latest result had market-watchers holding their breath.http://dlvr.it/TPQ11y - Log prices stay flat as weak China demand and ETS reforms hit confidence – Marcus Musson
OPINION: NZU values plunged 20% after the Government signalled ETS reform.http://dlvr.it/TPPCyh - Media Insider: IRD faces legal threat over NBR paywall access; Three frontrunners for TVNZ Breakfast; Jenny-May Clarksonâs new role; Bunnings drops NPC sponsorship; PM v paper in Samoa
Bunnings pulls out of NPC rugby sponsorship; latest magazine and newspaper readerships.http://dlvr.it/TPN9tq - Inside Economics: The real reason economists are confident the recovery is coming
ANALYSIS: Liam Dann takes a deeper dive into the week’s economic news.http://dlvr.it/TPL2r1 - Media Insider: Kiwibank appoints Together as new advertising agency, parts ways with OMD on eve of seismic global merger
Decision comes on the eve of seismic advertising merger and Kiwibank’s own big plans.http://dlvr.it/TPK25M - WorkSafe warning after man killed when crane touched powerlines
WorkSafe has guidelines for working near overhead powerlines and advises extreme care.http://dlvr.it/TPJ5b7 - Balcony collapse leaves Auckland man paralysed, engineer finds âserious risksâ at Queenstown Airbnb
Fin Paddison was in Queenstown with friends.http://dlvr.it/TPHQyd - Expertâs idea to combat the âbillionsâ scammers spend on social media scam ads
Leaked documents said Meta projected it would make US$16b from scam ads last year.http://dlvr.it/TPGdf6 - Investors eye signs of economic recovery as reporting season begins â Stock Takes
About 20-odd companies are due to report results over the next few weeks.http://dlvr.it/TPFbwb - The quiet gold rush testing New Zealandâs appetite for mining wealth
Gold prices have surged past $7000 an ounce, driving new mine projects.http://dlvr.it/TPDWwM - Inside Economics: Is the brain drain keeping unemployment down? Plus, green shoots ahead
ANALYSIS: Is the brain drain distorting our own unemployment rate?http://dlvr.it/TPCRGx - Media Insider: Price poke – Appliance Outletâs cheeky billboard logo dig at Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi
Marketing expert welcomes rare head-to-head, David v Goliath advertising battle.http://dlvr.it/TPBN6j - Media Insider: Wellington advertising agency loses six key staff, wins $15.5 million Electoral Commission election contract
Electoral Commission ‘confident’ in its plans and was made aware of loss of agency staff.http://dlvr.it/TP9PFl - Family finance: How adult children can help parents in retirement – Nadine Higgins
One in three first-home buyers now rely on family help to get on the ladder.http://dlvr.it/TP8gNq - The Business of the All Blacks: Should the All Blacks brand be removed from Sevens jerseys? NZR chairman David Kirk understands the argument
As NZ Rugby sells the All Blacks’ winning legacy globally, it may need to get ruthless.http://dlvr.it/TP7pvN - Media Insider: KFC hacker ad draws 50 complaints; The race to be TVNZ 6pm newsreader; Screen Production Rebate boost; Troy Bowker buys property housing Stuff printing press
Troy Bowker buys Stuff printing-press building; Screen Production Rebate changes revealed.http://dlvr.it/TP6fyD - $20b milestone: Kiwi tech firms enjoy another boom year, but local jobs fall sharply â Tin200 report
PLUS: Debate continues over how we define our tech sector.http://dlvr.it/TP5VhD - Former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr threatens legal action against one of his fiercest critics, Michael Reddell
Central banking magazine and blogger remove allegedly defamatory article.http://dlvr.it/TP4Hfj - Indian Trade Ministerâs visit signals momentum towards Free Trade Agreement – Bhav Dhillon
OPINION: The deal could double New Zealandâs export growth with India.http://dlvr.it/TP351L - The economy should emerge leaner and meaner after long downturn â Liam Dann
OPINION: As painful as it has been, our economy needed to rebalance.http://dlvr.it/TP1GhH - All Blacks v Ireland: The Business of the All Blacks – Richie McCaw on building the brand, the state of the game and his frustrations over TMO, kicking
Inside the All Blacks’ mystique: NZR brings out its trump card in US to help build brand.http://dlvr.it/TP0PMT - We need to fix the flaws in our electoral system â Nick Clark
OPINION: One proposal would expand Parliament to 170 MPs to improve representation.http://dlvr.it/TNyG4G - Amazon cuts staff by 14,000 as it invests in AI
Vice-president Beth Galetti says the shift frees resources to fund Amazonâs AI ambitions.http://dlvr.it/TNxBV0 - Media Insider: NBR reaches settlements with national law firm, fund managers over âstealingâ of subscription news content
NBR says settlements set a precedent – and warning – over firms sharing paywall passwords.http://dlvr.it/TNw7lX - Planning a funeral? How to avoid paying too much – The Prosperity Project
With the average cost of funerals climbing, affordable options are emerging.http://dlvr.it/TNvBlW - Sports cars, fighter jets and family dinner: How Rocket Labâs Sir Peter Beck unwinds
The billionaire jokes he ‘probably wonât be winning any awards’ for father of the year.http://dlvr.it/TNtXDC - EU trade chief backs Luxonâs push for CPTPPâEU partnership â Fran OâSullivan
OPINION: EU trade chief MaroĆĄ Ć efÄoviÄ praised Christopher Luxonâs global trade advocacy.http://dlvr.it/TNsl7f - The rise and fall of Comvita, DGL falls foul of the ASX and a failed bid for Metroglass â Stock Takes
Founder Alan Bougen is rallying investors to oppose the Florenz bid.http://dlvr.it/TNrgy4 - Torpedo7 owner on why it decided to move the retail brand back to online-only
The six remaining Torpedo7 stores will become The Outlet outlets by February 2026.http://dlvr.it/TNqbDx - Airbus and Cathay sign $122m sustainable aviation fuel deal; Oil company says eclectic mix needed to slash emissions
Bankers complained about and oil company weighs in as demand for travel surges.http://dlvr.it/TNpV0K - Hereâs what will really affect jobs in the age of AI
Demand for radiologists has increased as AI becomes part of their workflow.http://dlvr.it/TNnPgS - Media Insider: Advertising industry shake-up – independent agency Bastion Shine poaches six key staff from VML
The move targets one of NZ’s best creative agencies ahead of several Government tenders.http://dlvr.it/TNmPzN - The economy is recovering, but brace yourself, thereâs bad news coming – Liam Dann
OPINION: Don’t let the grim headlines rattle you, things are getting better.http://dlvr.it/TNlknv - Is it a good idea to sell our house and rent in retirement? â Mary Holm
OPINION: There are more long-term lease options available now.http://dlvr.it/TNkzC0 - Johnson & Johnson faces UK lawsuit over talc cancer claim
The claim spans 1965 to 2023 and alleges J&J knew its talc contained asbestos.http://dlvr.it/TNjxGL - Apple updates iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Vision Pro with M5 chip
All three devices feature Appleâs new M5 chip and unchanged pricing.http://dlvr.it/TNhqJz - Inside Economics: Why big events like Taylor Swift concerts donât really boost the economy
ANALYSIS: Liam Dann answers reader questions and looks into the week’s economic news.http://dlvr.it/TNgg0m - Local body election voting needs to go digital or face even lower turnout – Ben Goodale
Aucklandâs 2025 local election turnout has plunged to just 25%.http://dlvr.it/TNfXlB - Crypto market reels as Trumpâs China tariff threat fuels insider trading allegations
An anonymous trader reportedly gained $300m by shorting Bitcoin and Ether.http://dlvr.it/TNdVtq - Renting out your bach? Beware the tax trap that could cost you dearly â Mary Holm
OPINION: It sounds like a conversation with an accountant is needed before doing this.http://dlvr.it/TNbwsL - Media Insider: TVNZ profit turnaround â CEO Jodi OâDonnellâs bonus revealed; Top screen boss resigns, sounds warning; Cannabis, pizza donât mix, rules watchdog
Jodi O’Donnell leads TVNZ back to profit; Top screen industry CEO resigns, sounds warning.http://dlvr.it/TNZqVj - Is the Reserve Bank gold-plating its regulations? â Roger Partridge
OPINION: Nicola Willis now has power to push for a full independent review of the policy.http://dlvr.it/TNYh78 - Armourguard challenges banksâ bid for collective cashâinâtransit talks
Banks want Commerce Commission approval to jointly renegotiate terms.http://dlvr.it/TNXVrH - Black Pineappleâs cocktail catering subsidiary owes Inland Revenue over $680k, founder disputes overdrawn account claim
Inland Revenue is owed more than $687,000 across multiple claims.http://dlvr.it/TNWHj7 - Why a financial expert says you should cancel your credit card â The Prosperity Project
Expert says spending beyond your means is a raw deal for your future self.http://dlvr.it/TNV8Cq