Join the fun and take the family by bus, train or ferry to the annual Farmers Santa Parade this Sunday 29 November from 1pm.

The parade is one of Auckland’s most popular Christmas events, so public transport and roads in and out of the city will be busier than usual. 

To manage the parade and public safety, roads around the parade route will be closed and there will be parking restrictions. 

There is a range of transport options to get you and your family to and from the city so you should plan your journey in advance and set-off early.

Travel to the parade by bus

Buses will operate to a Sunday timetable and normal fares/passes will apply.

Due to road closures, a number of city-centre bus stops will be relocated and some route diversions will be in place. Auckland Transport Ambassadors will be on site to assist passengers.

There will be additional services before and after the parade on the following routes:

• Howick and Eastern 500 and 550 
• Birkenhead Transport 955, 973 and 974
• Go WEST 222 and 224
• Metrolink 249, 258, 267, 277, 305, 625 and 769
• Waka Pacific 328
• Northstar 879 and Northern Express.

Read more about these extra services at Auckland Transport.

Travel to the parade by train

Relax and enjoy the ride with event trains operating approximately every 20 to 30 minutes on most lines into the city.

Please note that balloons are not allowed on the trains or inside the stations due to the risk of them touching the overhead power lines.

View the Western Line train timetable for Sunday 29 November.

View the Southern Line (includes Eastern and Onehunga lines) train timetable for Sunday 29 November.

Travel to the parade by ferry

The Downtown Ferry Terminal is located on Quay Street.

Normal fares/passes apply for ferry services.

Fullers will be operating additional sailings for the parade between Downtown and Bayswater, Birkenhead/Northcote Point and Half Moon Bay.

View the additional Santa Parade sailings for Sunday 29 November.

Driving to the parade

If you are planning to drive to the parade, please be aware that road closures and parking restrictions will be in place.

Public parking is free at the Downtown, Victoria Street and Civic (limited numbers at Civic) car parks for vehicles exiting between 1pm and 6pm.

If the weather is not very festive, the rain date for this event is Sunday 6 December. Find out more information about the Farmers Santa Parade.