Nĭ hăo and kia ora – the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival will once again bring light, colour and celebration to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Manukau Sports Bowl, running from Thursday, 26 February to Sunday, 1 March 2026.
The celebration will transform Manukau into a vibrant wonderland of lanterns, live performances and fireworks – marking the end of Lunar New Year festivities in Aotearoa New Zealand and honouring the Year of the Horse.
The Horse, a zodiac sign known for energy, independence and creativity, inspires this year’s theme. A newly designed lantern will take pride of place, symbolising passion, courage and forward movement for the year ahead.
First held in 2000, the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival has grown to become New Zealand’s largest cultural festival, attracting more than 110,000 visitors each year to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of Chinese and Pan-Asian culture.
The four-day festival is delivered on behalf of Auckland Council Events by the region’s cultural events and destination agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Chief Executive, Nick Hill, says the festival continues to play an important role in Auckland’s cultural identity.
“The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is a celebration that truly reflects the spirit of Tāmaki Makaurau – creative, diverse and connected. Each year, it brings our communities together to share stories, traditions and the joy of experiencing something uniquely special under the glow of lanterns.”
BNZ Chief Executive Dan Huggins says the bank is proud to continue its partnership with the event. “This festival is a highlight of Auckland’s summer calendar, drawing families and communities together in a truly special way. We’re honoured to play our part in bringing this celebration to life for another year.”
Festival-goers can look forward to more than 500 illuminated lanterns, around 900 performances, and 70 food and craft stalls offering flavours and experiences from across Asia. A fireworks display will close the festival on each of its final three nights – Friday 27, Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March – at approximately 9.50pm.
The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026 is a free ticketed event, with ticketing and transport information to be announced later this year.
The festival is family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free, and offers something for everyone –from traditional Chinese arts and crafts to modern performances and kai that celebrate the best of Auckland’s cultural diversity.
Event details
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026
Thursday, 26 February – Sunday, 1 March 2026
4:00pm – 10:30pm daily
Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Drive, Manukau
Free ticketed event – further details to come
aucklandnz.com/lantern
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026
Thursday, 26 February – Sunday, 1 March 2026
4:00pm – 10:30pm daily
Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Drive, Manukau
Free ticketed event – further details to come
aucklandnz.com/lantern
