BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026.

Date Te rā me te wā

26 Feb - 01 Mar
Price Utu hoko

Free - tickets required
Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

Words by Auckland NZ
Last updated 03 Mar 2026

Xīn nián hǎo

Join us at the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, returning to Manukau Sports Bowl from 26 February – 1 March 2026. Enjoy dazzling lanterns, live entertainment, and vibrant celebrations for the Year of the Horse!

This festival is a free, family-friendly, smoke-free, and alcohol-free event.

BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is supported by Auckland Council Events and delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation.

Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

View Location

Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

The best way to get to the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is to use public transport and walk. Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place and with thousands expected to attend.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

We’d love to see your photos, tag @visitauckland and use #AucklandLanternFestival across all platforms.

Accessibility Huarahi ngāwari

Most of the festival is accessible for wheelchair users via paved laneways. Accessible drop-off points, parking and toilets are indicated on the festival map.

Lantern Stories

Festival Information

Transport Information

Festival Map

FAQs

Festival Activities

Hundreds of Lanterns

Over 500 handmade lanterns will be on display across four days.
Performances

Watch traditional and contemporary performances come to life on our main stage.
Food and Craft Stalls

65+ street stalls will be on-site selling delicious food from many cultures, supported by a range of retail stalls including craft and gift merchandise.
Amusement Rides

Entertain the kids with the various amusement rides on offer.
Shoot for the stars at the BNZ Basketball Court

Free 15-minute BNZ Kiwi Hoops basketball skills sessions, giveaways, and guest appearances from basketball stars. Find the BNZ Basketball Court by Gate B off Boundary Road.

View schedule
Relax in the BNZ Customer Lounge

Enjoy refreshments, while the kids shoot some hoops and score a free basketball. Follow the signs from Gate B off Boundary Road and show your BNZ card (physical or digital) at the BNZ Customer Lounge check-in to enter.
Fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 9:50pm, the festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display from the centre of the park.
Auckland's iconic Diwali and Lantern Festivals continue naming rights partnership with BNZ

Two of the country’s most iconic cultural celebrations, the Auckland Diwali Festival and the Auckland Lantern Festival, will continue to delight locals and visitors thanks to a naming rights sponsorship agreement with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ).