For many Aucklanders, the place to go to get your annual photo with Santa, was Smith & Caughey’s. But now that S&C is no more, where do we go to get that photo and a little Christmas cheer? Here’s all your options:
Since I became a stepmum/mum the true start of Christmas has been when we’ve all got in that lift and headed up to the incredible Christmas displays at Smith & Caughey’s. Our tree is full of ornaments from across the years, so this year… just what the heck are we supposed to do? (I’m also aware that I have a tendency to romanticise these moments when looking back nostalgically – especially at Christmas – when in reality, last Christmas it involved two over-tired kids barely keeping it together, and in the rush to make our time slot I slammed my little finger in the car door and only just regained feeling in it a couple of months ago. Merry Christmas!).
Now, I have not been to see the big man in red yet, but I have somehow booked into a couple of these experiences (RIP my December bank account) so will report back. But, here’s what you have to choose from Aucklanders! They range from your simple mall photos and getting to hand over your Christmas wish list, to full-on OTT grottos and fun.
Enchanted Christmas
Where: 17-19 Teed Street, Newmarket
What it is: You may know of this Christmas shop, tucked away in Newmarket. So, the folks there say that when they heard that Smith & Caughey’s iconic Christmas experience was closing, they decided to jump in and create something similar – but with some twists.
They have a walk-through display, festive workshops available and you can wander through the European inspired Christmas market. There’s over 150,000 lights, 180 Christmas trees. 1km of garlanding and more than 100,000 Christmas decorations on display. And of course, you can get your photo with Santa (or The Grinch instead, if you wish!).
Price: Single adult: $25. One adult & One Child: $40. Additional children $25.
So, how much for two adults and two kids? $80
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: Between 1.5 – 2 hours.
What you get: You can walk around the markets, through all the displays and there’s a chance to write letters or email Santa. You can also paint decorations instore. You can opt to have your photo taken with either Santa or The Grinch. Each booked child receives a collectible bauble and a framed photo.
Good to know: You can also book in on one of the ‘Pet Days’ There’s one day for any animal, then a separate day for cats and dogs. There’s also a low sensory session.
Santa’s Studio by Commercial Bay
Where: Commercial Bay
What it is: This experience is all about getting a Christmas family photo with Santa, with a modern twist. It’s a studio setting that you pop into to get a pic – so, if you’re looking for more to the experience than just a photo with the man in red, this might not be exactly what you’re after. It’s a great way to get a good Santa shot though – and not just for families, this one is perfect for friend groups or for a fun staff shot!
The studio is a refined winter wonderland, with a soft cloud-like sofa surrounded by snowballs, sculptural snowmen and a lush leather Christmas tree. It’s both magical and modern (with Santa donning a custom designed suit by Kylie Cooke that they describe as a “fashion-forward twist to tradition”.
Price: $30 per session (maximum of six people per booking). You’ll get a $30 Commercial Bay Gift Card, so… girl math, it’s free?
So, how much for two adults and two kids: $30
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: 10 minutes
What you get: A professionally printed portrait presented in a custom frame (additional prints are available at a cost), plus a $30 Commercial Bay gift voucher to enjoy on shopping or dining.
Santa’s Magical Wonderland, SkyCity
Where: SkyCity
What it is: SkyCity says you’ll “step into a world of enchantment where twinkling lights, playful characters, and interactive activities await.” So, this one involves getting to have an ‘experience’ where you walk through Christmas displays before getting to Santa – where you can get a nice traditional family pic with Santa at the North Pole.
Price: $35 for one child and up to two adults. Additional children are $25. Additional adults are $15. You can also get discounted tickets to go up the Sky Tower ($15 for kids and $35 for adults)
So, how much for two adults and two kids: $60
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: Up to 40 mins
What you get: Each child will receive one printed and one digital photo with Santa and a festive bauble to take home.
Visit Santa at Snowplanet
Where: Snowplanet
What it is: If you’re after that North Pole experience – visit Santa at the snow, at Snowplanet! This is a photo with Santa experience, set indoors in the 7 Summits Restaurant within Snowplanet.
Here’s what they say: “step into Santa’s enchanting Gingerbread Village, where glittering lights dance across snow-capped trees create the perfect backdrop. Families will meet Santa on his balcony overlooking the wintery scene and capture their family photo in comfort – the perfect winter moment without the winter chill. After your merry meeting with Santa, you can relax and indulge in the delicious food and drinks at 7 Summits Restaurant & Bar.”
You can get a ‘Winter Wonderland’ upgrade where you can add an extra hour of fun in Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Step into a Christmas-themed snowy village that sparkles with fairy lights and dazzling Christmas lasers, filled with festive games and magical moments for the whole family. There, you can try out the snowman snowball throw, the reindeer toss or pose for a fun photo in the LED snowman board. Explore the mini playhouse, snowy slides and puzzles, or take a ride down the tobogganing track. For extra thrills, race down our two ice-walled tubing tracks. The add on is $17 for kids aged seven and under, and $33 for anyone eight or older.
Price: $46 per session (for families or groups of up to six people). The Winter Wonderland add on is $17 for under sevens and $33 for anyone eight or older.
So, how much for two adults and two kids: $46 (for the Winter Wonderland experience it will be an additional $100)
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: Photo sessions are for five minutes per group. Add an hour for the Winter Wonderland experience.
What you get: One printed group photo to take home, one digital photo and one 2025 Snowplanet Christmas Tree Bauble (while stocks last). Every child who visits Satna’s Village will receive a free lollipop from Santa.
Christmas Santa Photos at Sylvia Park
Where: Sylvia Park (outside Lush & Glassons)
What it is: This is your stock standard Santa photo, with a traditional background and a choice of different photo packages.
Price: Photos start at $20.90 (for one 6×8 print) and go up to $47.90.
So, how much for two adults and two kids: Starting at $20.90
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: 5 minutes
What you get: Every child that visits him this year, will receive a unique children’s book developed by Kiwi Property. As a partner to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand we have created “Holly’s Helping Wings” a Christmas story about kindness and connection. Holly’s Helping Wings is Book 3 in The Holly Christmas Collection.
Good to know: There are pet photo options, as well as sensitive Santa slots too.
Santa’s Study, Auckland Museum
Where: Auckland Museum (between Origins and Te Ao Tūroa, Māori Natural History
What it is: A chance to meet Santa (and give him the Christmas wish lists) – and take a photo. There’s no professional photographer for this one, so bring your own camera or phone – Santa’s chief elf will be on hand to take the photo for you, or help take an ‘elfie!
At the museum, they’ve created a little study for Santa to work out of (and sort his naughty and nice lists), so he has a cosy little room (with a Christmas tree of course!).
Price: $10 per family (up to four people)
So, how much for two adults and two kids: $10
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: 15 minutes (you’ll get approx. 3 mins with Santa)
What you get: Each child will receive an optional wrapped edible treat, a Nice List certificate, and a Christmas-themed activity sheet at the end of their visit. Please wait until you leave the Museum before eating your treat.
Santa Photos at Westfield malls
Where: Westfield Malls: Newmarket, St Lukes, Manukau, Albany
What it is: Again, this is your stock standard Santa photo, with a traditional background and a choice of different photo packages.
Price: Photos start at $20.90 (for one 6×8 print) and go up to $47.90.
So, how much for two adults and two kids: Starting at $20.90
Estimated time to enjoy the experience: 5 minutes
What you get: All children who visit Santa will also receive a “special gift” to take home.
Good to know: There’s also options for Sensitive Santa, NZ Sign Language Santa, My First Christmas and Pet Photography (check the Westfield near you for availability of these options!)
