The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is among the celebrations taking place to mark the Chinese New Year.
As the first new moon of the lunar calendar approaches tonight, friends and families across New Zealand will gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year is often associated closely with Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival as it is called in China, and is an annual 15-day celebration that falls between February 17 and March 3 this year.
Families come together to honour their ancestors and share meals, while red decorations, symbolic of prosperity and good luck, adorn homes and streets.
But the holiday, which also coincides with the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, is celebrated far beyond China and other Asian countries, based on different interpretations of the lunisolar calendar.
This year is the Year of the Fire Horse, with independence, strength and speed all being celebrated attributes.
To celebrate, here are some of the best things to do in Auckland this Lunar New Year:
When: February 17 (and other events until March 3)
Where: SkyCity Auckland
Price: Free, with paid options for dining
Just like at Christmas, SkyCity is going all out when it comes to decking out for this special holiday.
The atrium and Sky Tower complex is transforming into a celebration of art and culture.
Visitors can expect traditional lion dancing, eye-dotting ceremonies, interactive calligraphy workshops, cultural performances, firecrackers and even the God of Fortune descending from Sky Tower.
Some of SkyCity’s flagship restaurants, like Huami and Masu, will have festive menus on offer, and market-style pop-up stalls will be selling tasty treats.
When: February 19, 5pm-8pm
Where: Aotea Square, Auckland CBD
Price: Free
Those wanting to enjoy some free music with fusion flavour this Lunar New Year should head to Aotea Square, where a temporary performance venue will showcase the incredible talents of New Zealand’s Asian Diasporic musicians.
Rap, jazz, hip-hop and soul pop are among the genres on offer, including performances from Chinese-Kiwi indie-pop artist Raging Flowers, Kiwi-Japanese rapper XPLSV, and hip-hop and R&B New Zealand-Korean artist Newko. Tee, Ersha Island, Tei, and the Thai Nepalese infusion of Kin-Kachow are also on this stacked lineup.
When: February 21, 10am-5pm
Where: Auckland Art Gallery
Price: Free
If you’re keen to express your creative side, the Auckland Art Gallery is offering calligraphy, bokjumeoni (Korean lucky pouch) making, jeontong deung (Korean lantern) making, and Chinese lantern and paper cutting lessons.
Artist-led workshops with Mei Ling Lee (lantern decorating), Aan Chu (zine making) and Wai Ching Chan (Chinese knots) will be fun for kids and adults alike.
If you’re more interested in sitting back and watching some amazing art, the Tung Tek Lion Dance Troupe will bring out a booming traditional drum and dance performance, and those wanting to give K-pop dancing a try can also take part in a dance class.
When: February 21, 11am-5pm
Where: Lorne St / Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland CBD
Price: Free
One of the city’s favourite Asian dining precincts comes alive in a flurry of colour, cuisine and creativity.
Blending Asian and Aotearoa cultures, you can expect tasty treats, high-energy dance and rap battles, as well as opportunities to try out Asian board games, Go/WeiQi workshops and a chance to test your karaoke skills.
The Ellen Melville Centre will be the place to visit for family-focused celebrations for the Chun-Seollal Festival, led by Auckland’s Korean and Chinese communities, including lion dancing to traditional instruments.
When: February 28, 11am-4pm
Where: Auckland Library, CBD
Price: Free
Those behind the Chun–Seollal festival will continue celebrations later in the festive period at the Auckland Library.
Definitely one for crafty creatives, people can get hands-on with a macrame workshop (knotting techniques), Korean paper, hanbok and bag craft-making session, and Chinese light clay work.
There will also be a special presentation from a guest children’s book author from Kowhai Studio, who will share a reading from their enchanting Lantern Festival–themed picture book.
When: February 26 - March 1, 4pm-10.30pm
Where: Manukau Sports Bowl and Auckland CBD
Price: Free (Tickets must be applied for beforehand here)
One of the biggest parties in New Zealand, the Lantern Festival has become a family favourite since its post-Covid return in its new(ish), bigger South Auckland location.
Expect plenty of lanterns lighting up the night (naturally) as well as food vendors and performances.
Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks that will light up the Auckland skyline on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 9.50pm.
Those in the central city will also be able to witness the Auckland Harbour Bridge light up in traditional colours every 15 minutes from 8.30pm until midnight on February 23 to March 1.
Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.