He's making a list, and he'll be checking it twice.

But before he decides who's naughty or nice, Santa needs to hear first hand from children around the country.

Santa's already been sent more than 50,000 letters, with presents with wheels featuring highly on wish lists this year.

Not all children are asking for things though - one child said her Christmas wish was that boys and girls who don't have much of anything get lots from Santa this year, while another wished Santa a safe journey said she didn't mind what she got...but if Santa happened to have a spare red scooter, then she would really like one.

Pets also feature among the presents wanted - including requests for a monkey, a penguin and a pony....but it has to be a pony that doesn't kick.

It's going to be a busy December for Santa and the elves if all those children are telling the truth, because 9 out of 10 of those children are claiming they belong on the nice list.

Children have until this Sunday to post their letters if they want a postal reply from Santa, but the big man in red will still be emailing replies after that.

More information can be found on the NZ Post website.