Story: Public holidays

New Zealand Christmas: the beach (1st of 2)

New Zealand Christmas: the beach

Settlers arriving in New Zealand from the northern hemisphere found celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer very strange at first. Many winter customs were retained, but holidaymakers also took advantage of the warm weather. The beach was an attractive place to be on a hot Christmas Day, and this group photographed paddling and swimming at Pōhara Beach, Golden Bay, on Christmas Day 1917 were clearly enjoying themselves.

Using this item

Nelson Provincial Museum, A. R. Jones Collection
Reference: 44

Permission must be sought from Nelson Provincial Museum before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Public holidays - Easter, Christmas and New Year', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/32456/new-zealand-christmas-the-beach (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 19 Apr 2023