Auckland's central city High St will be closed off to cars on Thursday for the first time because the city's throwing a Christmas party.
"Christmas is coming to life in our central city," said Mayor Phil Goff.
"As part of the Open Streets initiative, we're turning over our streets to the people of Auckland and creating a real sense of Christmas wonder at this special time of year."
Heart of the City's Late Night Christmas will include closures on not just narrow High St, but Queen St, Elliott St, Darby St, Fort St, Freyberg Pl, Takutai Square and Federal St.
The event will include performances and late-night shopping.
"I'm pleased Auckland Council can play its part by facilitating street closures that will bring people together in the heart of our city and give them a taste of what it's like to walk our streets, rather than drive," said Mr Goff.
- Wellington closes city streets for a party
- Aucklanders report feeling increasingly unsafe on Queen Street
Auckland Council planning committee chair Chris Darby said drivers should expect more closures in the future.
"This is a taste of the future to come - the first of many bold and exciting ideas that celebrate the changing face of our city centre."
In October, Wellington shut much of its central city to traffic for a party.
Newshub.
