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The colourful BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival returns to the Manukau Sports Bowl from this evening, February 26, to March 1, marking the conclusion of Chinese New Year celebrations and welcoming the Year of the Horse.
As New Zealand’s largest cultural festival, the free, family-friendly event takes place across four evenings and features lantern displays, live performances, food and fireworks.
It’s supported by Auckland Council Events. This year’s festival features more than 500 handmade lanterns, including the new Year of the Horse lantern, and a new Kiwiana lantern celebrating iconic elements of New Zealand.
Across the four evenings, festivalgoers can enjoy mainstage performances showcasing a mix of traditional cultural and contemporary acts, along with activities and giveaways at the BNZ Basketball Court.
A wide range of flavours will be on offer, with 50 food stalls and 20 retail stalls selling food, gifts and merchandise from across Asia.
The festival is open daily from 4pm to 10.30pm, and the final three nights finish with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.50pm.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director of destination, Annie Dundas, says the festival is an important part of Auckland’s Chinese New Year celebrations and a standout event on the region’s summer calendar.
“Each year, the festival brings communities together to celebrate culture, creativity and shared experiences.
“With tickets now available, we’re encouraging people to plan ahead and secure tickets so they can enjoy everything the four-day event has to offer.”
BNZ executive personal and business banking, Anna Flower, says: “The festival offers memorable experiences for people of all ages.
“We’re proud to support an event that’s free, welcoming and accessible for families and communities across the region.”
Before people arrive, check out www.aucklandnz.com/lantern for festival tickets, maps, performance locations and schedules, and the latest event information.
Tickets are required for free entry and free public transport.
With no public parking available at the venue and road closures in place, using the festival’s integrated transport with Auckland Transport (AT) is the easiest way to get there.
Festival tickets include free travel on AT buses and trains, valid from two hours before the festival opens until the end of regular daily services.
Free event buses will run frequently between Manukau Train Station, Westfield Manukau and Manukau Sports Bowl, with pick-up and drop-off at Gate C (Sandrine Avenue).
Visitors who want to cycle to the event can use the bike racks on-site. AT’s walking and cycling paths can help you plan your journey. Free parking is available at Westfield Manukau during festival hours, with access to the free event bus or a short walk to the venue.
Paid parking is available at Kia Aroha College, Othello Drive. The festival is smoke-free and alcohol-free. For safety reasons, pets are not permitted, with the exception of service dogs.
Most stallholders accept EFTPOS, but cash may be handy for some. A cash-out trailer will be available on site.
As part of the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, Vector Lights returns to the Auckland Harbour Bridge to celebrate the Year of the Horse with a light and sound show.
It’s the result of a partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The show runs from February 23 to March 1, from 8.30pm until midnight, playing every 15 minutes.
Popular viewing spots include Little Shoal Bay, Bayswater Marina and Westhaven Marina.
Viewers can also listen live or watch a livestream recording at vector.co.nz/lights. As part of wider Lunar New Year celebrations in Auckland, a free city centre programme of lighting installations, performances and cultural experiences is taking place from February 17.
