Date: 12 November 2026
To make it easier than ever to enjoy one of Auckland’s most loved festive events, families heading to the Farmers Santa Parade on Sunday 29 November can travel on Auckland's buses, trains and eligible ferries for just 50 cents per trip.
Adding an extra sprinkle of Christmas cheer, fare proceeds collected on the day will be donated to the parade's charity partner, Duffy Books in Homes, helping bring the joy of reading to Kiwi children.
While the offer is designed to help families get to and from the parade, all Aucklanders using buses, trains and eligible ferry services across the network on the day will enjoy the special 50 cent fare.
The Santa Parade is supported by Farmers and Auckland Council Events.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the 50 cent adult fares are a small way to thank Aucklanders, get more people using the improved public transport network and give the city centre a boost.
"We didn't build the City Rail Link so people could just talk about it. We built it so Aucklanders would use it,” says Mayor Brown.
“Aucklanders also put up with years of disruption while we built the CRL and now is the time to get the benefits. The Santa Parade is the perfect opportunity to give public transport and the CRL a go.
“For 50 cents you can get the family into town, skip the traffic and parking headaches, and enjoy one of Auckland's great Christmas traditions.
"The more Aucklanders use the network, the more value we get from the billions invested in it. That's common sense.
"Every fare will also go to Duffy Books in Homes, giving more Kiwi kids access to books. That's money going to a good cause while families get a cheap and easy trip into the city.
"We're making it easier for people to enjoy the city centre, support local businesses and see what the City Rail Link can do.”
AT’s Chief Executive Stacey van der Putten, says the initiative helps Aucklanders enjoy one of the city’s favourite festive events while also thanking families and city businesses for their patience during the delivery of the City Rail Link.
"This year we're making it even easier to get there, with a return trip for adults adding up to just $1 on public transport. And, as with every weekend, kids and SuperGold holders go free.
“The city centre will be buzzing on the day, with up to 180,000 people expected to attend, so we're encouraging everyone to plan ahead, allow plenty of extra time for all journeys and be prepared for a very busy city centre and public transport services before and after the parade.
“Come prepared for a full day out. Wear comfortable shoes, pack water and sunscreen, plan for Auckland’s changeable weather and, if you have young children, consider bringing snacks to keep everyone fuelled for a busy day of festive fun.”
Simon Bridges, Chair of the Auckland Children's Christmas Parade Trust, which delivers the Santa Parade, says “come for the parade, stay for lunch. That’s really the message. City centre retailers and hospitality businesses have done it tough for a good while, so don’t just watch Santa go past and head home. Grab a coffee, knock off a bit of the Christmas shopping and make a day of it.
“It’s been a long few years for businesses near the City Rail Link works, and they’ve hung in there. Now Auckland has a genuinely game-changing piece of infrastructure to show for it, and one that makes getting into town easier for everyone.
“It’s great to see the fares going to Duffy Books in Homes too. Getting books into the hands of Kiwi kids is about as good a cause as you’ll find. So grab your Santa hat, bring the kids and come on in.”
Getting your 50 cent fare:
The special 50 cent fare applies when travelling with an AT HOP card or contactless payment method, including a credit, debit card, or mobile wallet on a smartphone or smart device.
Remember to tag on and off with the same payment method to ensure you’re charged the correct fare.
The 50 cent fare does not apply to cash fares or paper train and ferry tickets.
Each person travelling must tag on using their own AT HOP card or contactless payment method to be charged a 50 cent fare. Family members cannot share the same HOP card, contactless card or device for multiple travellers.
Don't have an AT HOP card? Find out how to get one at www.at.govt.nz/athop
Children aged 5–15 travel free on weekends with a registered AT HOP card and children under 5 travel free with an adult.
Customers with a SuperGold concession on their AT HOP card travel for free all day on weekends.
Waiheke ferry services and tourist services are excluded from the 50 cent fare offer.
Customers can use the Journey Planner on the AT website or the AT Mobile app to plan their trip.
Getting to the parade on the day:
Public transport is the easiest way to travel to the city centre for the parade as road closures will be in place. Because of road closures, there will be some changes to bus routes and stops and parking will be limited. Use Journey Planner on the AT Website and in the AT Mobile app to plan your journey to the event. It will be a busy day so please allow plenty of extra time to get into the city and get your spot.
Check Live Departures to see if your service is impacted.
Additional information:
The Farmers Santa Parade takes place on 29 November in the city centre.
The parade starts at 1pm at the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street, travels down Mayoral Drive into Queen Street, and then Customs Street East to Downtown.
Pre-parade entertainment is running from 12pm – 1pm, with Santa’s Party after parade entertainment taking place at Aotea Square from 2:30pm – 5pm.
Farmers Santa Parade is part of the wider Auckland city centre Christmas events programme, which includes festive events and activities from Auckland Live and other partners across the city centre. For more information on these events, visit Auckland Live and Discover Auckland.
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