Lunar New Year in Auckland

Overview

Saturday, February 10 marks the start of the Lunar New Year and Auckland is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the occasion. From that first Saturday, Tāmaki Makaurau will be brought to life with a 15-day-long festival, with everything from street parties, restaurant specials and a karaoke competition popping up in the Supercity.

The festivities kicks off at the Auckland Art Gallery where the audience will be treated to a performance by Tung Tek lion dancers. Attendees will have the chance to get involved in a Chinese tea ceremony or try their hand at making a traditional snacks with the team from Sumthin Dumplin.

On Wednesday, February 14, Aucklanders are invited to celebrate Valentine's Day in a different way at the Midtown Street Party on Lorne Street. From 5pm, the neighbourhood will come alive with performances, dance battles, and special offerings from surrounding eateries.

The CBD itself will also be getting dressed up for the occasion, with Lunar New Year lanterns lining the main streets throughout the 15 days of celebration, with the lanterns symbolising wealth and propensity in Chinese culture.

Another sign of prosperity in Asian culture is the Lucky Cat. Neon red versions of the traditional symbol will adorn the Darby Street lamp posts throughout Lunar New Year. Designed by Chinese-Malaysian artist Aan Chu, the Lucky Cat represents pan-Asian people who have developed their own presence and voice in New Zealand.