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Halloween in New Zealand 2022
Do New Zealanders celebrate Halloween? Your questions answered.
Whilst this hugely popular holiday doesn’t have any actual roots in New Zealand, many Kiwis have come to enjoy the frightful festivities associated with Halloween. From creepy stories and family-friendly horror movies, to the Halloween candy and dressing up, Halloween might be here to stay.
Read on to understand the history of Halloween, the dos and don’ts of trick or treating, and where you can buy a costume online.
Top stores to buy Halloween costumes in New Zealand
Need some costume inspiration? Check out our guides on Halloween costumes for couples, sexy costumes and costume ideas for groups.
When is Halloween in New Zealand?
Similar to other countries, New Zealand celebrates Halloween on 31 October each year.
What is Halloween?
While it is often referred to as an “American tradition”, Halloween actually originated in Britain and Ireland. It is thought to have started with the Celtic festival of Samhain, where it was believed that the souls of those who had died would return home to visit. To ward off evil spirits, the Celts would light bonfires on hilltops and wear disguises so that the spirits would not recognise them.
Later, in the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day, which commemorates saints of the church who have gone to heaven. The evening before All Saints’ Day then became known as All Hallows’ Eve and, eventually, Halloween.
As people began to emigrate, traditions from each holiday began to spread. Many Halloween customs became popular with Americans in particular, with Halloween now considered to be a major American holiday.
Today, Halloween is celebrated in many countries all over the world under a variety of different names, with traditions such as dressing up in costume still commonly observed.
Do New Zealanders celebrate Halloween?
Yes and no.
While Halloween is not widely celebrated in New Zealand, many people do like to get involved. However, a divide does exist among Kiwis around whether or not it should be observed.
Some believe that it shouldn’t be celebrated as it isn’t a “New Zealand tradition”, while others don’t like to participate due to religious beliefs. However, many other Kiwis see it as an excuse to have a bit of fun, get dressed up in costume and throw a party.
The divide does mean that Halloween in New Zealand is seen as a little gimmicky, with clubs, bars and restaurants using it as more of a theme night. Other Halloween traditions such as trick-or-treating and bobbing for apples are also not commonplace in New Zealand, though eating lollies and watching scary movies are still popular customs.
Trick-or-treating etiquette during Halloween in New Zealand
If you’re planning to trick-or-treat in New Zealand or you want to hand out lollies and treats to trick-or-treaters this year, here are a few things you should consider:
For trick-or-treaters:
- Try and stick to areas that have other trick-or-treaters. If you see lots of other trick-or-treaters out on the street, it’s likely that you’re in a Halloween-friendly neighbourhood. You’ll have better luck here.
- Choose houses with decorations. Since not all New Zealanders celebrate Halloween, choosing houses with decorations is a good indicator of which households are happy to accept trick-or-treaters.
- Try not to disturb people during dinnertime. Many people find doorbell ringers of any kind very offensive during dinnertime. Bear this in mind before you head out.
- Don’t trick-or-treat too late in the evening. Be mindful that Halloween often occurs on a weekday and many people need their sleep. Try to do your trick-or-treating earlier rather than later. Before it gets dark is preferable.
- A costume is a must. If you want to trick-or-treat, you’ll need a costume. Otherwise, you’re just asking strangers for lollies! Don’t have time to buy a costume? Here are 25 cheap and easy costumes you can make at home.
- Inspect your lollies. Parents of young children, or you yourself, should inspect the haul carefully before consuming it. This can stop those with allergies from consuming something potentially unsafe, or eating something that could have been tampered with.
For accepting trick-or-treaters:
- Choose individually wrapped lollies. Pre-wrapped lollies (such as Minties or Fruit Bursts) are a lot more hygienic when you have lots of little hands rifling through candy bowls.
- Put up some decorations. If you’re willing to accept trick-or-treaters, maybe put up a decoration or two on your door so kids and parents know that they’re ok to knock at your place.
- Be mindful of allergies. It’s always kind to stay away from nut-based or gluten-based sweets given the prevalence of allergies in western society. Kids often won’t read the labels before eating their candy.
Top stores to buy costumes for Halloween in New Zealand
Take the fuss out of Halloween and buy a costume from one of our favourite fashion stores carrying contemporary costumes.
Squid Game Mask
Etsy
Harry Potter Deluxe Robe Gift Set
THE ICONIC
Women's Hooded Cape
Onceit
Backless Vinyl Catsuit
PrettyLittleThing
Steam Punk Plague Doctor Mask
Fishpond
Star Wars Hooded Sith Robe
TheMarket
Sugar Skull T-Shirt Dress
boohoo
Halloween Pumpkin Drop Earrings
ChicMe
Halloween Pumpkin Baby Costume
Etsy
Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Pet Costume
Catch
Cruella De Vil Costume
AliExpress
Halloween Black Cat Tights
ASOS
Game of Thrones Daenerys Costume
Amazon
Baby Lamb Costume
eBay NZ
Layered Steam Punk Tutu Skirt
LightintheBox (AU)
Cross Charm Layered Belly Chain
Zaful
Little Red Riding Hood Kids Costume
Newchic
Squid Game Red Jumpsuit
DHGate
Halloween Skeleton Bodysuit
YesStyle
Grim Reaper Costume
CostumeBox
Here are some deals to check out this Halloween in New Zealand
Deal
Up to 80% off clearance
Enjoy huge discount on fashion, homeware, accessories and more at Light in the Box. Hurry, valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off end of season sale
Shop up to 60% off end-of-season sales at The Iconic for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off sex toys, lingerie bondage and more
Discounts applied at checkout. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off selected styles
Enjoy huge savings on selected shoes, clothing, accessories & more at PUMA. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off sale
Score up to 60% discount on swimwear, jackets, boots and more. T&Cs apply
Deal
Up to 85% off everything
Enjoy huge savings on clothing, dresses, tops, shoes, accessories and more at PrettyLittleThing. Limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 80% off selected styles
Shop and score huge discount on wide range of trendy clothing and accessories at ASOS. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
30% off almost everything
Score 40% off sports nutrition, clothing, proteins, snacks, and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Extra 20% off all sale items
Enjoy an extra 20% off sale boots, sandals, flats, accessories and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
10% off everything
Enjoy 10% off your favourite seamfree bikinis, full brief, boyleg and more. Minimum spend $100 for new customers. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off 1000s of styles
Save up to 70% on clothing, shoes, bags and accessories from Levi's, Roxy, Rusty, Nixon, Vans and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off selected styles + FREE shipping
Enjoy up to 50% off Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada and more at Sunglass Hut. Plus, enjoy FREE shipping. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off sale
Enjoy up to 50% off selected handbags, shoes, accessories and more at Michael Kors. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
$25 off full-priced items
Spend a minimum of $99 and get $25 off selected items. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off selected styles
Enjoy huge discount on new styles from Dr Martens, adidas, PUMA, Nike and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off 100s of new styles
Enjoy up to 70% off clothing, swimwear, shoes and more for men, women and kids at City Beach. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
10% off your first order
Sign up for the newsletter and enjoy 10% off your first order at Modibodi. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
$20 off your first order
Get $20 off your first order when you sign up at THE ICONIC. Valid on orders over $99. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off sale
Get up to 50% off sale at Forever New. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
10% off orders over $75
Score 10% off when you shop at Quay Australia. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
15% off site-wide
Get 15% off site-wide when you shop at Coltorti Boutique. T&Cs apply.
Deal
60% off 6,000 items
Take 60% off 6,000 items at Farfetch. T&Cs apply
Deal
Up to 60% off mid-season sale
Up to 60% off mid-season sale on men's, women's, and kids' shoes. Limited-time offer only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
20-60% off all sale
Valid on selected styles only. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 81% off Abrand, Levi's, Wrangler and more
Save as much as 81% on cute and sexy shorts at Princess Polly. Hurry, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off newest heels at Tony Bianco
Save up to 60% off newest heels at Tony Bianco. Hurry, while stocks lasts. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Code
20% off when you spend over $150
Valid on full-priced items for a limited time only at Cupshe. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
20% off labels you love
Get 20% off brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Jack & Jones, and more at The Iconic for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
50% off all sale styles
Includes clothing for men, women and kids, accessories, stationery and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off selected items
Enjoy up to 50% savings on thousands of cycle, triathlon, run & swim products. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 0% off sale
Bestselling walking, running and fashion styles are now on sale at Skechers. Limited stocks only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off
Get up to 70% off sale. Valid on selected styles at Meshki. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off tops, dresses and pants
Enjoy up to 60% off trendy tops, dresses and pants at Glassons. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off sale
Get p to 50% off sale. Valid on select sale styles only. While stocks last. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal
50% off everything
Give your closet an upgrade without breaking the bank when you shop trendy styles at Boohoo. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
Code
$20 off when you spend over $129
Score $20 off dresses, bikini tops, activewear and more at Cupshe. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code
$10 off when you spend over $89
Save $10 on bikinis, bodysuits, dresses and more at Cupshe. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off sale
Get up to 60% off designer fashion including Saint Laurent, Levi's, Burberry and more at SSENSE. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 70% off sunglasses and eyeglasses
Enjoy huge savings on sunglasses and eyeglasses at Smart Buy Glasses' deals section. Hurry while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off sale
Take up to 60% off selected items from today's most popular designers including Fendi, Off-White, Jimmy Choo and more at 24S. T&Cs apply.
Popular Womens Clothing & Accessories coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Dec 2021 | 30% off almost everything | MYP**** |
| 23 Dec 2021 | 10% off everything | FIN**** |
| 16 Aug 2021 | $20 off your first order | BEI**** |
| 18 Mar 2021 | 10% off orders over $75 | FIN**** |
| 1 Feb 2021 | 15% off site-wide | FIN**** |
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