Jingle Bells. You're dreaming of a white Christmas.

But in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is a summertime holiday.

According to Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christmas Down Under can be great.

The Bay of Islands sits on New Zealand's northernmost coastline, is a paradise for beach lovers, eco-tourists, and those who are simply fond of warmth and sunshine. The islands are the essence of a laid back destination, though there are as many activities available as there are fish in the bay's clear blue waters.

Outdoor sports are a trademark of New Zealand's tourist industry. The bay's main island, Paihia, features fishing, traditional water sports, and more unusual aquatic activities, like swimming with dolphins. Paihia offers the unique blend of accommodation and unspoiled tropical seaside. There is a great many hotels to chose from, but the bays remote location and low-key atmosphere make it different from other "resort" scenes.

Inland from the bay, there is another set of attractions. Haruru Falls, a mere 2 miles from Paihia, is a scenic picnic spot, while Puketi Forest, located across the bay from Paihia, is one of New Zealand's best examples of virgin forest. Trekking tours run on well-marked trails through the lush landscape.

So, there you have it. There are no "one horse open sleighs" to be found at New Zealand's Bay of Islands, but perhaps you can take a break from diving with dolphins and hiking through a grove of wild fruit trees to hum a few christmas carols.