Overview
2014 marks the 15th Auckland Lantern Festival, which brings Albert Park alive with festivities to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. This year happens to be the Year of the Horse, which portends energy, adventure and success. So it seems fitting that the Lantern Festival has outgrown it's home and spilled over into the city.
Journey through the lantern-lit wonderland of Albert Park, feast on Chinese delicacies and catch one of the many performances on the main stage at Albert Park. From drumming to Dong Fong dance, you'll find all manner of Eastern style entertainment.
Down at Queens wharf you can join the urban picnic and catch feature film like the Karate Kid along with a selection of shorts and live sand art performance from the Jockey of Sand. It's family friendly, with plenty to entertain the kids.
The crowds can be difficult to deal with so for a more relaxed experience head along on Thursday for a lantern-only night, sans madness. And if you're a sucker for a big bang then save your visit for the festival closing on Sunday night which finishes with a spectacular fireworks finale.