Sweltering heat did nothing to stop tens of thousands flocking to Auckland's CBD for a glimpse of the jolly man in red at yesterday's 78th annual Santa Parade.
The streets were lined with children who cheered and waved as about 200 floats and entertainers went by.
White-bearded Santa came on the final float of the parade, sponsored by Farmers, and was one of the biggest hits, with streamers cascading out of the back of his North Pole-themed ride.
Though for Mairi Coombs, 8, of Manurewa, the highlight of the day wasn't seeing the man in red.
"My favourite was when the What Now? float went past and I saw all the Shortland Street characters."