Santaline 2026: the 0800 222 222 number, when it opens and how it works

Santaline is the free phone line that Spark has run for New Zealand children since 1993. The number is 0800 222 222. Your child rings it and leaves a message for Santa, usually their Christmas list. For many Kiwi parents it was part of their own childhood, which is why so many go looking for it again every November.

When does Santaline open in 2026?

Santaline is a December thing. In past years it has opened around the start of December: in 2019, for example, it opened on Sunday 1 December. When we checked in mid-November 2026, Spark's Santaline page said it was coming soon, with no date yet.

So if your child is asking now, it is probably a week or two early. Spark announces the opening on its website and social pages, so check there before you ring.

How Santaline works

• Your child rings 0800 222 222 from a New Zealand phone. 0800 numbers are free to call.
• A recorded greeting from the North Pole answers.
• Your child leaves a message for Santa, usually what they would like for Christmas.
• That is the end of the call. Santa does not ring back, and the message is the same for every child who calls.

Some years Spark has added extras. In 2019 callers heard a pick-a-path story about an elf who had lost the naughty and nice list, with a new chapter each week.

Tips for ringing Santaline

• Ring at a quiet time of day, so your child can hear the greeting and is not rushed.
• Before you dial, help them practise their list. Little ones often freeze when the beep goes.
• Use speakerphone, so you can hear it too and help if they get stuck.
• Keep it short. Two or three wishes and a "Merry Christmas, Santa" is perfect.

If you want Santa to ring your child instead

Santaline is a line your child rings. If you would like the phone to ring at your house with Santa on the other end, that is a different thing. Santa says your child's name, tells them what he has heard about them this year, asks what they want for Christmas and waits for the answer. Santa Call NZ does exactly that for NZ$3.79, and calls are open now, so you do not have to wait for December.

Lots of families do both: the child rings Santaline with their list, and a few days later Santa rings back. We have written up how to make Santa ring back after Santaline.

Santaline is run by Spark. Santa Call NZ is a separate New Zealand business and is not connected with Spark or Santaline.