Passengers on the PS Waimarie on Sunday had a very special visitor.
During the historic steamer's trip to Upokongaro, it was met by a waka carrying none other than Father Christmas, who had been landed at Top 10 by helicopter.
Father Christmas was carefully transferred from the waka to the Waimarie, where he greeted everyone and handed out presents to all the children.
Riverboat Centre manager Peter Hardy said passengers were delighted by Father Christmas' arrival.
"We were lucky he was able to make it - he's obviously a very busy man at this time of the year."