Crate Day is an unofficial New Zealand drinking tradition held on the first Saturday of December to mark the start of summer, centred around sharing a crate of beer with friends.

Basic idea

Crate Day began around 2010, promoted by New Zealand rock radio station The Rock as a way to celebrate the beginning of summer with mates. The core “challenge” commonly associated with it is finishing a crate of beer (often interpreted as 12 large bottles) between midday and midnight, though in practice many people just treat it as a social backyard or beach gathering.

Culture and criticism

For many participants it is seen as a light‑hearted Kiwi tradition involving barbecues, outdoor activities, and casual summer clothing, symbolising camaraderie and the social place of beer in New Zealand culture. Health advocates, police, and some local councils, however, criticise the binge‑drinking aspect and respond with safety campaigns, liquor restrictions, and messaging about alcohol harm each year.