You do not need to spend anything for your child to feel heard by Santa. New Zealand has some lovely free traditions. Here they are, with what each one is like and when it runs.
Santaline (0800 222 222)
Spark's Santa phone line has run since 1993. Your child rings, hears a greeting from the North Pole and leaves Santa a message. It is free from New Zealand phones and usually opens around the start of December. It is a message line rather than a conversation, so help little ones practise their list before they ring. More in our Santaline 2026 guide.
Write to Santa with NZ Post
NZ Post has answered children's letters to Santa for more than 25 years. Write online for a reply by email, usually within a day. Or post a letter with no stamp to Santa Claus, c/- Santa's Workshop, North Pole 0001, with your child's name and address on the back. Posted letters need to arrive by early December for a reply in the letterbox, and NZ Post confirms the date each year.
Santa parades
Most towns have a Santa parade between mid-November and mid-December, and they are free. Get there early for a spot at the front. Santa usually comes last, and little ones love a wave from the float. See our list of Santa parades and Christmas events around New Zealand.
Santa at the mall or garden centre
Many malls have a Santa grotto. A visit and a chat are often free, and photos usually cost extra. Weekday mornings have the shortest queues.
Build a Christmas village
On this site, children can try building their own little Christmas village for free, with three plots and a set of free houses. It is a nice way to fill the wait for December.
And if you want Santa to ring them
The free options are all things your child goes to. If you would like the phone to ring at home with Santa saying your child's name, that is a call from Santa for NZ$3.79, or a message by email for NZ$1.87.
Santaline is run by Spark. Santa Call NZ is a separate New Zealand business and is not connected with Spark or Santaline. Write to Santa is run by NZ Post, which is also not connected with us.
Common questions
Is there a free Santa phone number in New Zealand?
Yes. Spark's Santaline, 0800 222 222, is free and usually opens around the start of December.
What is Santa's address in New Zealand?
Santa Claus, c/- Santa's Workshop, North Pole 0001. No stamp is needed. Put your child's name and address on the back for a reply.
Does Santa reply to emails in New Zealand?
Yes. NZ Post's Write to Santa website sends a reply by email, usually within a day.