Two enterprising locals have transformed the Lake Hāwea community centre into a North Pole-themed display which is open this week for locals to visit and enjoy.

Hāwea residents Barbara Mackenzie and Elizabeth Horrell have made magic at the community centre for the third year in a row with a display designed to get locals into the Christmas spirit.

The display was described as “the best one yet” by a weekend visitor.

Elizabeth told the Wānaka App visitors enter through a ‘light tunnel’ before proceeding into the ‘magical forest’ featuring fairies, a gingerbread house and 30 live Christmas trees. 

Ginger bread and other discoveries among the displays. PHOTO: Chris Champion

There’s also a village green, a carousel full of snowmen, a toy workshop, a stable of reindeer, and much more to be discovered thanks to the pair’s efforts over the past year to bring the vision to life.

Elizabeth said the Christmas displays had come around as a result of the pair’s love of Christmas decorating.

“Barb had a flash of inspiration one day and came to me and said ‘let’s do this’,” Elizabeth told the Wanaka App. “Her house was full and there was no more room.”

She said almost all of the decorations have come from their own homes but others in the community had contributed other pieces, including students at Hāwea Flat School who had decorated pallet trees on display. 

Planning for the displays starts many months before it is brought to life at the community centre.

The display runs until December 12. PHOTO: Chris Champion

“We have an idea and then in about February we will get together and start to thrash out the idea,” Elizabeth said. “It’s really a 12-month process, figuring out how it will work, what we’ve already got, and what we need.” 

The friends spent the end of November perfecting the display together with friends and community members who volunteered their time.

Opening night took place on Friday (December 3) and Santa visited via Zoom over the weekend, but Elizabeth warned that because Santa is busy during weekdays he won’t be on site for visitors between Monday and Friday - only this Saturday and Sunday (December 11-12). 

There’s still plenty to see and a sleigh and throne are set up for photo opportunities for families.

Elizabeth thanked the community centre for the use of the facility and Mitre 10, Entertainment Solutions, and volunteers for their support. 

The North Pole Christmas display is also open to the public in the afternoons, Monday to Friday, until Sunday December 12 at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre. Find full details of open hours: The North Pole - Hāwea Christmas Wonderland.

Daytime visits could also be arranged for groups, Elizabeth said.

Tickets cost $5 for adults, $2 for children and $10 to families of up to five with all proceeds supporting the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.