More than 250,000 people from all over Auckland are expected to turn out to watch Santa ride into the city tomorrow for the 84th time - and those in the crowd should probably pack some sunscreen and a water bottle because it's set to be a warm, humid day.

MetService meteorologist Gerrit Keyser said although there might be a few clouds around, skies above the Farmers Santa Parade should stay dry.

Light winds from the northeast were also expected.

A high of 22C had been forecast, Keyser said.

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"That might not sound as warm but because of the humidity it will feel warmer than that. 22C plus humidity makes for a warm day."

The parade, which has been running since 1934, starts at 1pm at Mayoral Drive and will feature scores of floats - including some from the Madagascar Penguins, My Little Pony, Thomas the Tank Engine and Mickey Mouse.

Members of the Team New Zealand crew will lead the parade in their own pirate ship float with the America's Cup trophy on board.

But it's Peppa Pig who's set to steal the show this year at the after party at Aotea Square.

The popular cartoon character will be on stage at 3.10pm.

Face painter and balloon twisters will also be there and The Hits' DJ Flynny will MC.

Gold coin donations from parade attendees will go to The Salvation Army, which helps more than 120,000 Kiwis annually.

The Salvation Army's national secretary of social services Major Pam Waugh said the money will provide families with support during the Christmas period.

It will be the second year running that the parade is supporting the charity.

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Parade organisers have set up a blue honour line and the police are asking attendees to keep behind it so that everyone stays safe.

The route
Starts at the corner of Mayoral Drive and Federal St, goes through Aotea Square, continues down Queen St and then right on to Customs St East, finishing at the intersection with Fort St

Road closures

Large parts of Queen St, Albert St, Victoria St, Commerce St, Customs St, Beach Rd, Mayoral Dr, Shortland St, Wellesley St West - and other city roads - will be closed from 11am to 5pm

Getting there
• Parking at Downtown and Victoria St carparks will be free to those who enter before 11am and exit between 2pm and 6pm
• Buses will run to a normal Sunday timetable but some stops have been relocated due to road closures
• Trains will be operating every 20 to 30 minutes on most lines into the city - AT is requesting that anyone catching the train refrain from taking balloons onboard with them or carrying them at stations because of overhead power lines
• Fullers Ferrys will have additional sailing between the city and: Bayswater; Halfmoon Bay; Birkenhead and Northcote Point
• Normal public transport fares apply