Like many others, Santa has decided to move to Wanaka after a long and busy career in Auckland.

A 19-metre Santa Claus, who has graced the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Auckland each Christmas for many years, is planning to join the legions enjoying semi-retirement down south.

Santa is currently embarking on the 1,480km journey to his new home with help from two reindeer. 

He will live at the National Transport & Toy Museum where, after taking his first Christmas break ever this year, he will return to work, likely with a less hectic schedule. 

The giant Santa has been a part of Auckland’s Christmas traditions for 60 years. 

Santa has been a feature in Auckland since 1960. PHOTO: Farmers Heritage Archive

He was installed on the Farmers building on Hobson Street, Auckland, for many years, before a brief spell in Manukau and then a move to Queen Street.  

Owners Heart of the City said they made the difficult decision to pass Santa on after much consideration; they eventually decided it was a fitting time as he was weary after 60 years of service and due for a refresh.

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“We said last year that we hoped to find a suitable home for him,” Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck said. 

“We are very happy he can...still be enjoyed by Kiwis for hopefully many generations to come.”

Toy museum owner Jason Rhodes confirmed Santa was on his way to Wanaka, but remained coy on details of Santa’s plans and availability following his summer break.