Get ready for the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026!

Join us for Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest cultural festival! This free, ticketed family-friendly event runs from 26 February to 1 March, 4:00pm – 10:30pm daily, at the Manukau Sports Bowl, to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Marvel at hundreds of glowing handcrafted lanterns, savour mouth-watering flavours from across Asia, and be swept up in captivating performances celebrating Chinese and Pan-Asian culture and the Chinese New Zealand community.

Marking the end of the Chinese New Year, this much-loved festival transforms Manukau Sports Bowl into a dazzling celebration of colour, culture and connection. Join the crowds for four unforgettable nights – and don’t miss the spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky at 9:50pm on the final three nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

Enjoy free bus and train travel to and from the festival with your BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival ticket on Auckland Transport (AT) buses and trains, from two hours before the event until the end of regular daily services. Show your ticket when boarding and keep it handy for your return journey.

A free event bus will run frequently between Manukau Station, Westfield Manukau and Manukau Sports Bowl. For more transport information please visit our website.

If you need accessibility parking and have a permit, please let us know when registering for tickets or you can contact us directly on our website.  

 

For all other information on the festival, please visit our website or follow the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026 Facebook event page to stay updated.