Thousands check out Tauranga's Christmas lights

A spectacular display of Christmas lights is drawing thousands of people to Maungatapu this year.

Plover Place has become crowded after dark as Western Bay people flock to see the lights.

"I'd hate to say how many thousands come," said Plover Pl resident Gordon Barnett. "The noise is unreal. It's chaos on the street.

"There are still people arriving at 10.50pm to see the lights and they turn off at 11pm each night."

Mr Barnett said he had lived on the street for about 15 years, and the annual Christmas light tradition had started soon after his arrival.

Although thousands of people were drawn to the lights each year, this summer's evenings were the busiest Mr Barnett had seen.

"The fact people can walk down the whole street and see the lights - it's not just one house with lights, it's the whole street. It's rather spectacular."

Mr Barnett said spectators often thanked him for helping put on the display.

Another Plover Pl resident, Jane Mullins, has lived on the street for two years and loves seeing the crowds.

"Santa sits in my driveway and children come down and see him in their pyjamas," she said.

The numbers on the street varied day by day, but she estimated that at least 500 people made their way down the street each night.

"I love the atmosphere. There's a real buzz."

Santa's last night in the street was to be last night before he took off to organise things at the North Pole.