Santa the hot favourite in Queen St

Big crowds at the Auckland parade used every vantage point to catch a glimpse of Santa. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Thousands of people braved sweltering heat to see the man in red at the annual Auckland Santa Parade.

With temperatures at 26C, Auckland's CBD was packed for the event, sponsored by Farmers.

There was an array of colours and sounds as the various floats went by, from shimmering fairies and golden Chinese dragons to a nativity scene.

The crowds roared for their favourites, including Spongebob Squarepants, Thomas the Tank Engine and Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer.

Many families with young children arrived early to get the best spots on the road kerb. Others took in the sights sitting on mum or dad's shoulders or even on top of a telephone box.

But others took greater risks to get a good view of the parade, with a group perching on top of the nine-storey Dilworth building, on lower Queen St.

Weather Watch chief analyst Philip Duncan said Auckland temperatures would cool around Thursday but next weekend would be "sunny and warm".

MetService forecaster Ian Miller said more northern parts of the North Island would be affected by the tropical depression bringing easterly winds.

He said abnormally high 70 to 75 per cent humidity at the weekend made it feel even warmer.

"I'm not too sure about any records, but it was very, very high in Auckland."