n 2000 ...       ...a small group of people, excited by all things Christmas, where inspired to run Christmas Tours to a selection of individually decorated homes. It was from this initial event that Christmas Wonderland was born. The vision was to create a spectacular event where people of all ages could share the gift of Christmas in one location. That location became available at the Rawene Community Centre in Birkenhead. The event was then launched in November 2004, opening for 4 days between 12noon and midnight. It was described as a visually spectacular feast of the senses. More than 7,000 visitors viewed it. - mouse over images to enlarge - Further success followed in 2005 with over 12,000 people visiting the event and in 2006 Wonderland welcomed more than 20,000 people over a 6 day period. In three short years Christmas Wonderland had become a favourite Christmas tradition for thousands of families within Auckland and around New Zealand. Christmas Wonderland is only possible because of the thousands of volunteer hours donated by church and community groups, as well as professional business people, all of whom offer a diverse range of skills and expertise. Without this generous contribution of time, Christmas Wonderland would not be possible. All proceeds raised during the event are donated back to the Rawene Centre to help support the development of their premises and the community services they provide.                                  ------------------------------------------                                 OPEN FOR 10 DAYS FROM 12 NOON TILL 10.30PM WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 25 - 29 NOVEMBER  |  WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 02 - 06 DECEMBER