BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2025.

Date Te rā me te wā

13 - 16 Feb, 2025

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Price Utu hoko

Free Entry (free ticket required)
Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

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Words by Auckland NZ
Last updated 28 Apr 2025

Xīn nián hǎo

BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival returns in 2025 to celebrate the Year of the Snake!

Join us at the Manukau Sports Bowl on 13 – 16 February for this free and family-friendly event.

Event times

Thursday 13 February, Friday 14 February, 3pm - 10pm

Saturday 15 February, Sunday 16 February, 1pm - 10pm

Volunteering

We are now accepting volunteer applications for BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2025. Please email [email protected]

Ticketing

The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is now a ticketed event. All tickets are free, please register click here and present your ticket on arrival at the entry gate.

Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

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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. Visit the festival information page to learn more.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR KEY UPDATES ON BNZ AUCKLAND LANTERN FESTIVAL

Festival Activities

🐍 Hundreds of Lanterns

Over 500 handmade lanterns will be on display across four days including a brand-new lantern commissioned to celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2025.

🪭Performances

Watch traditional and contemporary performances come to life in the cultural courtyard and on our main stage.

🍴🎨FOOD & CRAFT STALLS

40+ 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.

✨ GET FESTIVE WITH BNZ

Shoot for the stars at the BNZ Basketball Court, with skills sessions featuring guest appearances, giveaways, and more, or take in the mainstage performances from the BNZ Grandstand.

BNZ Basketball Court Schedule

🎆 Fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night

On 14, 15, and 16 February, the festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display from the centre of the park at approximately 9:50pm. See festival map for details.

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).