Boxing Day

Boxing Day in New Zealand is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It is part of the festive season and is observed as a time for relaxation, family gatherings, and enjoying the summer weather. Traditionally, Boxing Day has its roots in the United Kingdom, where it was a day to give gifts or "boxes" to servants and tradespeople. In New Zealand, the holiday has evolved into a day for shopping, as many retailers offer significant sales and discounts, similar to Black Friday in other countries. It is also a popular day for sports, with cricket matches and yacht races, such as the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, often taking place. Many New Zealanders take advantage of the long weekend to go to the beach, have barbecues, or enjoy outdoor activities, making it a quintessential summer holiday.