Proving that Santa really does travel all around the globe, visitors to Milford Sound have been surprised to see him donning mask and breathing apparatus to say ‘hello’ to guests at Southern Discoveries’ Milford Discovery Centre this week.

The underwater Santa has proved a huge hit with hundreds of visitors from all around the world.

“We tell children he’s having a wee holiday before he has to get to work and fly around the world on Christmas Eve,” said Douglas Keith, Assistant Operations Manager.

The Milford Discovery Centre incorporates Milford Deep, New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory. It is the only structure of its kind in the Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve and visitors descend more than 10m below the surface to marvel at spectacular marine life in its natural habitat.