With a price tag of $4,163.99 Kiwis can expect to pay a whopping 16.6 per cent ($594) more than last year, with both big-ticket items and small but essential goodies like kumara more in demand than ever. On the other hand, if you’re on the receiving end of this list, you certainly won’t go hungry this Christmas.

See below for the full receipt.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

1. A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree

Although unlikely to be found up any sort of tree, being a swamp-loving bird that often seems to forget it has wings, the pukeko is a colourful target come hunting season. While it isn’t recommended for Christmas lunch, its bright plumage and big red feet look lovely against a dark ponga log.

Cost $1,133 for a full day’s hunting package including:

• $600/day waterfowl hunting trip incl. guide, lodgings, meals, airport/hotel transfers (no change)
• $93 game bird hunting season licence (up $1)
• $440 taxidermy onto wood base (up $10)

2. Two Kumara

With their red and gold jackets, Kiwis’ favourite roast veges come already dressed for Christmas. Alas, food prices are up 3 per cent on last year, with kumara prices hitting headlines along with an all-time high. Bad weather is to blame. Even so, a few kumara would be a very welcome addition to the Christmas roast!

Cost $8.99 per kg (up $3)

3. Three Flax Kits

Nothing impresses more than a thoughtful homemade gift unless it’s a knitted jumper. Luckily The Harakeke Flax Weaving Academy offers an advanced six-week weaving course, so you can design a slick personalised kete and learn a new skill at the same time. They’re practical and hard-wearing too, which will really make Mum proud.

Cost $150 per person (up $70)

4. Four Huhu Grubs

Alternative proteins are so in. But how do you cook them? Beetle larvae boil-up? Huhu hangi? Kentucky-fried caterpillar? Learn from the experts at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival. Grab a camping package for the 2018 event while spots last and remember, the early bird gets the worm!

Cost $75 package including:

• $35 earlybird tickets (up $5)
• $40 for two nights’ camping

5. Five big fat Pigs

From miniature Kune Kune piglets, to porkers and your Wessex Saddle Back, the possibilities are endless.

Get in touch with your your local pig farmer to hook you up with one fit for purpose. What you do with them next is up to you “ unless you have a sty all ready to go it looks like they could be headed for the spit roast.

Cost - $200 each ($1,000 for five)

Cost $75 package including:

• $35 earlybird tickets (up $5)
• $40 for two nights’ camping

6. Six Poi a twirling

For Kiwis, Poi E is as traditional as Jingle Bells. But there’s no need to stick to traditional poi. Make the kids’ eyes light up with glowing Stealth Ninja V4 LED Poi from the Home of Poi  but we advise keeping the fire poi for yourself.

Cost $132 per pair ($396 for six poi) (up $6)

7. Seven Eels a swimming

In today’s time-poor society, it’s probably best to send pre-gutted eels rather than live ones, as they can take ages to catch, clean and fillet, and can potentially take fingers as well. Not to mention the inconvenience of keeping them in the bath”¦Just smoke them yourself and claim bragging rights.

Cost $12 (16kg wholesale gutted and de-slimed standard pack) (down $3)

8. Eight plants of Puha

Puha and pork the most classic duo since Fred and Ginger. But it’s so hard to find a bunch for sale. If you’re not lucky enough to have this growing near your house, you can buy the seeds on TradeMe instead. Post them to your beloved for a little taste of home.

Cost $4 for 20 seeds (up $2)

9. Nine sacks of Pipi

You might need to gift this in instalments, or use very small sacks, as the legal limit is 150 pipi per person. On the other hand, this natural resource is free for all New Zealanders to enjoy, provided you know where to find it. Enjoy a day at the beach and some fun digging time with the whole family, but make sure you take note of any signs warning of high levels of bacteria in the water, as this means your pipi will not be safe to eat.

Cost FREE

11. Eleven Haka lessons

It’s always embarrassing when you’re travelling overseas and as soon as they hear you’re a Kiwi, it’s "Oh, can you teach us the haka"? Not all of us can be All Blacks, but a full day workshop from Haka World should turn you into pros.

Cost $35 per adult ($385 for 11 lessons) (no change)

12. Twelve Piu Pius swinging

If you’re going to be learning the poi, why not learn from the best? Line up a performance by the fabulous Patea Māori Club for a really swinging time.

Cost from $1000 each (up $500)

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