Every country has its festive traditions, but here in Aotearoa, nature gives us one of the best
Each summer, right on cue, the pōhutukawa tree erupts into a blaze of crimson – as if it knows Christmas is coming and wants to dress up for the occasion. Its timing couldn’t be better.
While the rest of the world is hanging fairy lights and hoping for snow, we’re packing chilly bins, heading to the beach, and spotting flashes of red along the coastline. A pōhutukawa in bloom is our unofficial signal that the holidays have arrived. Even on the busiest December days, those bright flowers have a way of slowing you down – a little whisper to breathe, smile, and enjoy the season.
But perhaps what makes the pōhutukawa feel so special at Christmas time is its simple presence. It stands bright and bold against blue skies, reminding us of what a Kiwi Christmas really is: sunshine, time with the people we love, and a landscape that seems to celebrate right alongside us.
Families and friends gather beneath their branches for picnics. Kids climb the twisted limbs, getting covered in sand and sunscreen. Photographers chase that perfect shot of crimson petals glowing in the summer sun. The tree doesn’t just mark Christmas – it becomes part of it.
Beyond its festive flair, the pōhutukawa also carries deep cultural meaning. For Māori, it is a rākau rangatira – a chiefly tree – woven into stories of love, loss, strength, and the journey of the spirit. That significance adds a thoughtful layer to the joy it brings each year.
So this season, when you see a pōhutukawa bursting into bloom, take a moment to enjoy it. It’s more than a tree – it’s a summer Christmas gift from Aotearoa itself.
