Blog

Hello friends! Are you excited about taking your family to the Auckland Lantern Festival this year? I know I am! Let me tell you all about this amazing event that lights up our city with beautiful colors and fun activities.

When Can You Go?

The Auckland Lantern Festival runs from February 20-23, 2025. It’s open every evening from 5 PM to 10:30 PM at the Auckland Domain. If you’re bringing young kids, try to come early when it’s less crowded!

Coming from overseas?

If you’re visiting New Zealand for the Auckland Lantern Festival, remember to get your travel papers ready. You can submit NZeTA online before your trip. It’s easy to check your NZeTA Visa Status through their website. For more help, just look at the NZeTA Visa Information page.

Fun Things to Do with Your Family

See the Amazing Lanterns

The Auckland Lantern Festival has more than 800 beautiful lanterns! They come in all shapes and sizes—from animals to flowers to buildings. Your kids will love walking around and finding their favorites. There’s even a special path just for kids where they can collect stamps and learn fun facts about Chinese culture.

Watch Cool Shows

There’s always something happening on the main stage at the Auckland Lantern Festival! You can see:

• People dancing in beautiful costumes
• Lion and dragon dances that will make your kids say “Wow!”
• Kung fu shows
• Singers and musicians
• Kids performing songs

Don’t worry about missing out—there’s a new show every 30 minutes!

Try Fun Activities

At this year’s Auckland Chinese Lantern Festival, your family can:

• Learn to write Chinese letters.
• Make your own paper lantern to take home.
• Cut pretty designs on paper
• Paint masks
• Learn to use chopsticks.

The best part? All these activities are free! Nice people will help you learn how to do everything.

Taste Yummy Food

Are you hungry? The Auckland Lantern Festival has lots of tasty food to try! You can find:

• Soft, fluffy buns filled with yummy stuff (we call them bao)
• Fresh fruit on sticks
• Ice cream with special Chinese flavors
• Barbecue meat on sticks
• Watch people make candy into pretty shapes.

Many food stands have small portions so kids can try different things!

Play Games

Kids will love the special play area that has:

• Fun Chinese games
• Face painting with pretty designs
• Special goggles that let you see China
• Dress-up photo spots
• Games where you can win prizes

Learn Cool Things

The Auckland Lantern Festival makes learning fun! You can:

• Find out about the Chinese New Year.
• Learn why the lanterns look different from each other.
• Discover which Chinese animal year you were born in.
• Learn to say some Chinese words.
• See how Chinese people helped build New Zealand.

Helpful Tips for Families

Getting There

You can:

• Take the free bus from the city.
• Drive there (come early to find parking!).
• Take the regular bus or train.

What to Bring

Don’t forget to pack:

• Comfy shoes for walking
• A jacket (it gets cool at night)
• Water bottles
• Money for food
• A camera for pictures
• Something to sit on

Making it Easy with Kids

• Bring a stroller if you have little ones—the paths are smooth.
• You can find places to change babies.
• There are quiet spots if your kids need a break.
• Look for the big signs with pictures to help you find your way.
• Lots of places to sit and rest

What’s New This Year?

The Auckland Lantern Festival 2025 has some great new things:

• A bigger play area for kids
• More places to sit and rest
• Food for people with special diets
• Better signs to help you find your way
• A quiet space if things get too noisy

Smart Ways to Enjoy the Festival

Think about coming for two nights if you can! This lets you:

• Try different activities.
• Eat more yummy food.
• See different shows
• Take your time looking around.
• Rest when you need to.

Meeting New Friends

The Auckland Chinese Lantern Festival is a great place to make new friends! You can meet Chinese families who live in Auckland and learn about their special traditions.

Time to Plan Your Visit!

We can’t wait to see you at the Auckland Lantern Festival 2025! It’s going to be an amazing time filled with beautiful lights, tasty food, and fun activities for everyone in your family.

Don’t forget to check the festival’s website to see what’s happening each day. If you’re visiting from another country, make sure your NZeTA visa status is okay before you come.

See you at the festival! Just look for the glow of the lanterns lighting up the Auckland night sky!