Farmers Santa Parade
Covering the Parade
Media are invited to cover the pre-parade activity, the parade procession and Santa’s Party in Aotea Square. If you’d like to do so, please advise Claire Lancaster on 09 918 5545 / 021 110 8004 email claire@peadpr.co.nz.
Best vantage points for filming/photography
Mayoral Drive and Queen Street are the best places to film the parade, particularly from an elevated position on a verandah or rooftop if you have prior permission.
You are allowed on the parade route to film / take photos - however please do not climb on to floats or impede the view of spectators.
Parking and Transport to the Parade
Free Parking is available at the following Auckland City Parks but only if you are parked by 12 noon:
- Downtown
- Victoria Street
- Karangahape Rd
For information on Bus, Train and Ferry schedules and fares including special family and group passes visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the MAXX Contact Centre on 366 6400.
Parade Route
The 2.2 km parade route starts in Mayoral Drive, turns left into Queen Street, travels down Queen Street before turning left again into Customs Street West then heading up Albert Street, ending at Albert and Wellesley Streets.
Please note all inner city roads are closed between 12 noon and 4pm on Sunday 27 November 2011. People are advised to get into the city before 12 noon to avoid frustration with traffic and parking.
About the Parade
The 78th annual Farmers Santa Parade makes its way through Auckland City this Sunday 27 November at 2.00pm - and the magical event has something special for the whole family.
Spectators are in for a fantastic visual display from the largest Christmas parade in New Zealand – with around 200 items in the parade procession and 4,000 people involved on the day, this magnificent event is not to be missed.
New to the parade this year is the exciting opening Christmas Elf float, as well as the fun Latin Fiesta and Ima Rock Lobster floats. These spectacular floats are brought to life by striking costume sets and join a long list of favourites on the day – including the most anticipated of them all, Santa’s Float!
Giant inflatable characters including Mr Potatohead Fireman, Bob the Builder, Christmas Kiwi, Snowman and Reindeer fly high above the streets whilst cold air inflatables such as Brachiosaurus, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are sure to wow the crowds.
Scattered throughout the parade is a wide variety of entertainers including dancers, cheerleaders, clowns, stilt walkers and marching teams.
The celebrations don’t stop when the parade finishes – everyone is welcome to come along to Santa’s Party after the parade in Aotea Square from 3:15pm. The party features continuous stage show entertainment including the Wot Wots, characters from Happy Feet 2 and a Christmas magician – just to name a few! There is also rides, stalls, celebrities and giveaways – plus a special appearance from Santa himself.
This year’s Farmers Santa Parade charity is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation with collectors out prior to the parade seeking donations. A gold coin donation on the day would be very much appreciated.