Santa and Mrs Claus are taking a well-earned break in the summer sun at their favourite holiday getaway, Mount Maunganui, before Santa embarks on his busy Christmas Eve journey of delivering presents worldwide.
With his twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and signature snowy white beard, Santa, dressed in his iconic red suit with white fur trim, has been soaking up the holiday cheer with Mrs Claus in matching attire by his side.
The couple has been spending quality time together aboard the Mount’s Pepi Toot train, a popular local attraction, and The Weekend Sun caught them before they took a ride.
Train driver Lesley Smith has gone all out, decking the Pepi Toot Beach Express with Christmas festive trimmings, and is looking forward to carol singers, cruise ship passengers, locals and visitors all enjoying the season’s Christmas spirit and holiday atmosphere while embarking on a scenic train journey around stunning Mount Maunganui.
Christine and John Wilson as Mrs Claus and Santa enjoying a ride on the Pepi Toot Beach Express. Photo/Rosalie Liddle Crawford.
“I’d like to invite children and families to join Santa and Mrs Claus for rides on Pepi Toot from 10am- 12 noon on Saturday, December 21,” Smith said.
Meeting in Salisbury Ave, this special event allows kids to experience the joy of a free Christmas train ride with Santa and Mrs Claus, while parents enjoy the ride for just $5.
Husband and wife duo John and Christine Wilson are playing the roles of Santa and Mrs Claus.
“We are both very family-orientated, and started doing Santa and Mrs Claus as a family thing that we really enjoy, about 10 years ago as our 12 grandchildren started coming along,” John said.
“Christine and I met online at match.com and have been married 10 years. I had four children and Christine two, with six grandsons and six granddaughters between them.
“Then through word-of-mouth we got asked to do Mr and Mrs Claus for the Tauranga Citz, Tauranga RSA, Gate Pa New World and through my stepdaughter we have been at some local kindergartens.
“It’s been very low-keyed. I decided that to be Santa I needed a better more realistic suit, so purchased my Santa Suit from the USA; it cost $1200 with the USD exchange rate. So, we’re getting into booking more mid-winter and Christmas party functions now.”
Saturday’s event is a perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and make lasting memories with the whole family.
“And then from 3pm-5pm on Saturday, December 21, Christmas carol singers from the Mount RSA will be on board singing carols around the Mount,” Smith said.
The Pepi Toot train departs from outside Spongedrop Café on Salisbury Ave, offering a delightful excursion that takes passengers on a scenic loop around the area.
The route includes stunning views of Pilot Bay, Marine Parade, and a special pass by one of New Zealand’s oldest and most treasured pōhutukawa trees dating back more than 450 years. Passengers will also enjoy seeing – if they can glimpse – the elusive and vibrant yellow pōhutukawa trees in full bloom, as well as a unique perspective of the Mount Mainstreet shopping area. The train also provides a fascinating view of the wide range of homes in the area, from charming 1950s baches to modern three-story mansions.
For more than a decade, Pepi Toot has been providing locals and visitors with the popular scenic ride around Mount Maunganui, especially during cruise ship days, school holidays, and weekends between October and April.
Starting in January, the Pepi Toot train will operate daily. This holiday season, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
All aboard! Toot! Toot!