If you're fretting about getting your mail and parcels delivered in time for Christmas then don't worry – New Zealand Post has got your back.

To make it easier for Kiwis to plan for Christmas, NZ Post and CourierPost have released their sending deadlines and delivery dates for the holiday period.

'We're gearing up for another busy Christmas season at New Zealand Post and CourierPost,” says Customer Service Delivery chief operating officer Mark Stewart.

'We know it's a busy time for everyone, so a quick check of our sending dates will help people get their mail and parcels where they need to be in time”

People wanting to send cards and presents overseas in time for Christmas by International Air will need to post them by December 7 for Australia, December 2 for the South Pacific, Asia, North America, UK and Europe, and November 30 for the rest of the world.

There are also later deadlines for International Courier and International Express Courier services in early and mid-December.

While for domestic services, the deadline for sending mail and parcels within New Zealand by Standard Post, ParcelPost and ParcelPost Tracked is December 20. FastPost, Courier Parcel and Courier & Signature Parcel products need to be sent by December 22.

Online shoppers buying gifts from overseas through YouShop should pay for delivery from the USA, UK and China by Monday, December 5, to ensure items arrive in time for Christmas.

NZ Post is advising Kiwis to allow one or two extra working days for delivery when sending mail and parcels over the Christmas and New Year period because of the statutory holidays.

'There will be deliveries on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but Posties and Couriers will not be delivering mail or parcels on Monday and Tuesday, December 26-27, or on Monday and Tuesday, January 2-3,” says Mark.

One lucky Kiwi is will also have the chance to win for themselves a holiday courtesy of NZ Post.

People sending presents overseas by November 20will be able to enter the draw to win $10,000 worth of travel through Air NZ, plus a $1000 Prezzy card for spending money. There are also three separate prizes of 500 Airpoints Dollars to give away.

For more information or to enter online visit NZ Post's website at: nzpost.co.nz/christmas

INTERNATIONAL SENDING DATES

DOMESTIC SENDING DATES:

(*FastPost has a next working day delivery target between major towns and cities.)