Once you’ve stuffed your face with turkey and Christmas pudding, there’s nothing quite like taking to the water. Here’s my pick of where to go to dip your toes into something cool this December 25.
1. Muriwai Beach
I’m a West Coaster through and through – give me a rosé and a sunset, and I’m one happy elf. So when we’re finished with the first round of eating and drinking, we head to our local beach and go for a long walk. Not only does this blow the cobwebs out (it is the west, after all, so usually windy), but I love seeing all the brand-new beach towels spread out on the black sand as the brand-new umbrellas blow up into the dunes and the brand-new beach balls disappear into the distance. Families play cricket or touch if the tide’s out. New boogie boards are tested between the flags if the surf’s up. Makes me happy to be having a Kiwi Christmas.
Take a wild, windy walk along Muriwai Beach and gander at the gannets!
2. Coromandel
The easterly-inclined among us like to head to this popular holiday peninsula with more beaches than you can poke a spade at. I’ve had one lovely Christmas at Waihi, but if you’re keen to walk off that last serving of trifle by heading somewhere a bit less populated, the beach walk from Whangapoua to the pristine New Chums Beach is a pearler and for that old-school vibe, there’s Sandy Bay at Port Charles, up near the top. Sailors might head to Great Mercury Island for the day – you can’t stay, but you can anchor and explore or fish, swim and paddle-board to your heart’s content.
Waiheke’s Palm Beach is ideal for families. Plop down your towels and relax!
3. Waiheke Island
Holidaymakers flock here and I’m sometimes one of them. I’ve had a glorious Christmas Day barbecuing seafood at a bach overlooking Onetangi, before taking to the sand for a stroll. For families, Palm Beach and Little Oneroa have flat grass, playgrounds and BBQs – perfect! If you’re feeling sporty, you can walk the Owhanake Coastal Track from the western end of Oneroa, which takes you on quiet rural roads and through vineyards with spectacular sea views, delivering you back to the starting point. On the city side of the island, there’s camping and a lovely picnic spot in Whakanewha Regional Park, not to mention a beautiful beach for swimmers and kayakers.
Laze away the summer day at Lake Hayes. It’s picture-postcard perfect.
4. Lake Hayes
Central Otago may not have the ocean, but it does have its fair share of lakes and rivers. As kids, if we had Christmas in Alexandra with our granny, we’d swim in the Manuherikia River or if we were with Mum’s crowd, the Manawatu River at the Pohangina Bridge. It’s cold but a darn sight warmer than Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, so if you are down in that neck of the woods, head to the northern end of Lake Hayes, near Arrowtown, instead. There’s a pontoon for swimming to and plenty of shade, and if you’re keen, you can walk the 8km circuit around the lake, one of my favourites.
5. Wherever you are …
If rivers, lakes and oceans aren’t on the cards, head to the nearest backyard swimming pool – after politely asking, of course! Owners love visitors who bring their own towels, don’t scream and keep the water in the pool. Also, don’t forget that if the day is hot, a garden hose pointed in the right direction can be about as much fun as you can have in your smalls! Whichever way you hit the water, stay safe, keep an eye on the ones you love and have a happy Christmas.
