Get free tickets and get a $8.88 red envelope! The 2026 Auckland Lantern Festival is here, the most complete guide is here

New Zealand Chinese Herald Comprehensive Report BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is coming back!

The event will be held at the Manukau Sports Bowl from Thursday 26 February to Sunday 1 March 。

This marks the successful conclusion of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and officially welcomes the Year of the Horse.

New Zealand’s largest cultural festival, this free, family-friendly event takes place over four nights and includes light displays, live performances, food and fireworks.

More than 500 handcrafted lanterns will be on display, including new Year of the Horse themed lanterns and Kiwiana themed lanterns celebrating New Zealand’s iconic elements。

The main stage will present a fusion performance of traditional culture and modern art. The BNZ basketball court will also host interactive activities and gift giving.

There are 50 food and beverage stalls and 20 retail stalls on site, offering delicacies and goods from all over Asia.

The event is open from 16:00 to 22:30 every day, and a wonderful fireworks show will be staged at 21:50 on the last three nights.

Book early for free tickets

Admission to the Festival of Lights is free, but you must have a ticket to enter。

Tickets are available on the official website (aucklandnz.com/lantern), you can save it to your mobile phone or print it. 。

Please bring your ticket with you as it is required for entry and use of free public transport。

Free shuttle buses will run frequently between Manukau Railway Station, Westfield Manukau and the event site (stopping at Gate C, Sandrine Avenue).

There are no public parking spaces within the venue, and traffic controls are in place around the venue.

Download BNZ Payap and receive $8.88 in rewards

BNZ’s new QR code payment app Payap is available at participating stalls.

Visitors who visit payap.com to download the app will receive $8.88 in “Festival of Lights Cash” to use during the event.

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