Santa might be forgiven for doing a double-take as he rode down Devonport Rd on his sleigh last Saturday.

Tauranga's first ever pop-up park has just opened, and will be a great place for tired locals to take some time-out while Christmas shopping.

Featuring local furniture designed by Richard Parker, who also created the lettering, the park showcases the street art talents of local artists Te Arahi Wilson, Tautoko Matehaere, and Harley Wise.

Harley says the three spray-painted 'until dusk after work” for two weeks to create the mural. 'It represents Tauranga as a whole. We incorporated a silhouetted Mount Maunganui and the Kaimai Ranges.”

‘Tauranga' means ‘Anchorage' or ‘Resting Place', represented by the large anchor that is one of the key mural features.

'The large chain is the link our community has to this beautiful area. The stingray represents our harbour, and the abstract colours behind it are a representation of the exploding personality and soul of Tauranga people.”

A big sun is indicative of Tauranga's location on the east coast, among the first to see the sun rise.

The trio managed to include an ode to local rugby in the design. 'The blue is there for two reasons,” says Harley. 'One being the Bay of Plenty Steamers colours, and the second being the sky.”

Tautoko says they used a lot more paint than expected for the mural, and when they run out, it's not a trip to the local hardware store for more.

The paint is not available locally, being a specialty brand formulated specifically for street art. 'It has lower pressure, so it's easier to control the flow.”

Papamoa locals William and Sophia Huang were among the first to see the park when it opened. Their verdict? 'It's cool.”