'Idol' winner to marshal parade

Rosita Vai

What:
The annual Farmers Santa Parade.

Where:
Auckland city centre.

What is the route?
The parade starts at the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook St, travels along Mayoral Drive, down Queen St, left into Customs St West, left into Albert St, and finishes up at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Sts.

When:
2pm tomorrow.

How long does the parade take?
It ends at about 3.30pm, and it takes about 50 minutes to go past any given point. The route is 2.2km.

And if it rains?
2pm next Sunday, December 4. But only if it's really pouring tomorrow.

How will I know?
Listen to Newstalk ZB after 10am tomorrow.

Where can I park?
There will be free parking at the Downtown, Victoria St, Karangahape Rd and Fanshawe St car parks if you're there before noon. After that, normal charges apply.

Which roads will be closed?
All inner city roads will be closed between 12.30pm and 4pm tomorrow.

What about buses?
If you're coming in from the North Shore and plan to use the Northern Express or other North Shore express bus, both Ritchies and Stagecoach offer a Group Pass. Ritchies is $19.50 for 2 adults and 2 children and Stagecoach is $20 for 2 adults and 2 children for a day's travel. From other areas, Stagecoach has an all-day group pass for four people travelling together for $20. Call Rideline on 366-6400 or visit Stagecoach on the web.

Trains?
Connex is putting on a special service to and from Helensville, Waimauku, Huapai and Kumeu tomorrow. The train leaves Helensville at 11.10am, and the return trip leaves Britomart at 4.15pm. A family pass on this and other services is $20 for one adult and five children or two adults and four children.

Party after the parade? At Britomart, from 3pm.

More information? Visit Santa Parade on the web or the bus contact details above or Connex for trains.