Wellington Lantern Festival 2020

Overview

The Wellington Lantern Festival returns for its fifth year this February in a new location and with an even bigger and brighter array of incredible lanterns. For 2020, celebrations will run across two days on the Wellington waterfront. 

Odlins Plaza to Waitangi Park will be decked out with a plethora of handcrafted lanterns. There will be over 3000 on display, created by students from 17 different primary schools across the Wellington region. New large scale custom-made lanterns will also feature, including a seven-metre-tall hongi lantern, which shows a Māori princess and warrior in a hongi. The lightbox of the lantern tells the story of Ngake and Whataitai (the two taniwha of Wellington Harbour), referencing the creation of Wellington harbour. Also new to this year: a seven-metre-tall moon, a giant duck in the pond behind Te Papa, penguins jumping off the diving platform by Te Papa, fish, seahorses and more.

While enjoying the festivities, you'll also get the chance to try some delicious cuisine from more than 50 of the North Island's best street food stalls. Walk along the waterfront and catch over 300 live performers showcasing their skills across the two days. Then, participate in a DIY lantern-making course to create your very own illuminated masterpiece. 

This event is free to the public.