The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with more than 500 handmade lanterns, stage shows, 65+ food and craft stalls, rides and fireworks. It runs from 18 to 21 February 2027 at Manukau Sports Bowl, celebrating the Year of the Goat. Entry is free but tickets are required. It is smoke-free and alcohol-free.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- 18 to 21 February 2027
- Hours
- Thu and Fri 5 pm to 10.30 pm; Sat and Sun 4 pm to 10.30 pm
- Where
- Manukau Sports Bowl, Boundary Road, Manukau
- Cost
- Free, tickets required
- Fireworks
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9.50 pm
- Rules
- Smoke-free and alcohol-free
- Transport
- Public transport and walking recommended. Road closures and parking restrictions.
- Access
- Mostly wheelchair-accessible paved laneways
What it is
The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival celebrates the end of the traditional fortnight of Chinese New Year festivities. Its date follows the Chinese lunar calendar, and each year honours a new zodiac animal: 2027 is the Year of the Goat. The first festival, in 2000, was a one-day event in Albert Park run by the Asia New Zealand Foundation. It moved from Albert Park to the Auckland Domain and then to its current home at the Manukau Sports Bowl, and has grown into a four-day family festival produced by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for Auckland Council. The 2027 festival runs from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 February. The Manukau site was chosen because it can hold upwards of 100,000 people over the four days and is close to the Southern Motorway, public transport and the airport.
What to expect
- More than 500 handmade lanterns on display across the park
- Traditional and contemporary performances on the main stage
- 65+ street stalls with food from many cultures, plus craft and gift stalls
- Amusement rides for children
- Free 15-minute BNZ Kiwi Hoops basketball sessions by Gate B off Boundary Road
- Fireworks to close the night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9.50 pm
BNZ customers can follow the signs from Gate B to the BNZ Customer Lounge for refreshments (show a physical or digital BNZ card at check-in), and kids can score a free basketball there.
Planning your evening
The lanterns look best after dark, so arrive in the early evening, eat, then walk the lanterns as the sun sets, and stay for the fireworks. Allow two to three hours.
Thursday is the only night without fireworks, so it can suit families who want an earlier finish, while Friday to Sunday end with the display from the centre of the park at 9.50 pm. Thousands of people attend each night, so expect crowds around the food stalls at peak dinner time. Share your photos with #AucklandLanternFestival.
Who it suits
Families, couples and anyone curious about Chinese culture in New Zealand. It is free, family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free.
Tickets
Entry is free but tickets are required. Get them through the official festival page before you go.
Getting there
The Manukau Sports Bowl is on Boundary Road in Manukau, South Auckland, close to the Southern Motorway. It is about 20 km and 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, and about 15 minutes from Auckland Airport (estimates, without festival traffic).
The best way to get there is public transport and walking, because parking restrictions and road closures are in place and thousands of people attend. Check AT Mobile for train and bus options to Manukau.
Where to stay
Stay in central Auckland and take public transport, or near the airport if you are flying out. See our things to do in Auckland guide.
Accessibility
Most of the festival is accessible for wheelchair users via paved laneways. Accessible drop-off points, parking and toilets are marked on the festival map.
What to bring
Cash or a card for the food stalls, a light jacket for later in the evening, and comfortable shoes. February evenings in Auckland are usually warm.
Also in Auckland
The same team, with the same BNZ naming rights partner, also runs the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival later in the year, so if you enjoy the Lantern Festival, look out for it.
Make a trip of it
Combine the festival with our things to do in Auckland guide, or head south afterwards on our 10-day North Island road trip.
FAQ
Is the Auckland Lantern Festival free?
When are the fireworks?
How do I get there?
Is it accessible?
Why is it at Manukau rather than the city?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
