Your Guide to Chinese New Year 2025 in Auckland CBD
Chinese New Year 2025 is coming up next week! And the best place to celebrate Chinese New Year is in Auckland, where many Asian restaurants, groceries and Buddhist temples are. Plus, there’s a line-up of big events that you shouldn’t miss out on. Whether you observe Lunar New Year celebrations or not, Auckland CBD is ready to burst into a spectacular celebration of colours, flavours and traditions this Chinese New Year 2025.
Picture the streets of Auckland beating to the rhythm of drums and dancing dragons! Auckland CBD sparkles to life from 26 January to 22 February, welcoming both seasoned festival goers and curious first-timers to join the festivities. The highlight of the celebrations – the Chinese Lantern Festival in Auckland – will paint the night sky with the warm glow of 500 handcrafted lanterns while 60 food stalls fill the air with aromatic Asian delicacies. Additionally, wander through Aotea Square and discover the rich Southeast Asian cultures from China to Vietnam, Singapore and beyond celebrating the Year of the Snake in Auckland CBD.
Important dates for Chinese New Year 2025 Events in Auckland
Ready to embark on a journey through time and culture? Three venues across Auckland CBD are preparing to host remarkable Year of the Snake celebrations:
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival
13th to 16th February 3pm to 10pm, Manukau Sports Bowl
This year’s event is expected to be one of the largest lantern festivals in the world. Don’t miss the fireworks displays happening at 9:50pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also, keep an eye out for the giant handcrafted snake lantern, and watch performances that will bring Chinese heritage to life!
Midtown Street Party
1st February 11am to 9pm, Lorne Street
Lorne Street will burst into life with a fabulous street party with Auckland’s annual Lunar New Year Karaoke Competition that’s open to anyone to join, and dance battle “Pop, Lock and Break It” showdowns. Lion and dragon dancers will bring good fortune to the streets as they weave through the crowds, while local Asian musicians and performers will roam around.
Drop-in Creative Workshops
1st February 10am to 5pm, Auckland Art Gallery
Bring the kids and be creative with fun workshops such as making your own snake plushie, rainbow lightbox and Chinese calligraphy to commemorate the Year of the Snake. Round off your cultural journey with Aotearoa’s thought-provoking panel discussions and poetic performances at the auditorium.
What and Where to Eat on Chinese New Year in Auckland CBD
Auckland, populated with at least 30% Asians, Chinese New Year in Auckland is not something you should be missing out on. The city showcases rich culinary scenes and festive flavours as talented chefs and food artisans prepare auspicious dishes for Chinese New Year 2025!
Every morsel of a Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner symbolises wishes for prosperity and joy. So, gather around the table and feast with these lucky dishes:
Dumplings (shaped just like ancient Chinese wealth symbols)
Whole fish swimming in aromatic sauce (bringing abundance to your table)
Endless longevity noodles (the longer the noodle, the longer your life!)
Plump sweet rice balls (bringing families together in perfect harmony)
SkyCity Plaza will hold a street food wonderland from January 24 to February 1, every Friday and Saturday, 3PM to 9PM to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Choose from almost 200 food stalls while DJs spin tunes that’ll have you grooving from dumpling to dessert.
If you want a fancy feast for an intimate gathering, here are some of Auckland’s finest Asian restaurants:
Huami: Watch master chefs dance with woks as they create heavenly kong bao chicken and Shanghai-style dumplings
Grand Harbour: 22 years of authentic Hong Kong flavours, with 80 varieties of tea to complement their legendary dimsum
Pearl Garden: Since 1975, they’ve been pleasing crowds with perfectly pleated dumplings and wok-fired delights
Onemata: If you’re looking for something extra special, be mesmerized by the waterfront vistas as you feast on Chinese culinary shared dishes. Plus, this Chinese New Year 2025, every guest receives a lucky red envelope!
Shopping for your favourite Asian flavours and lucky charms
Fancy a one-stop festive shopping spree? Pop into any of Tai Ping’s nine Auckland stores. Their shelves burst with fresh oriental ingredients and special Lunar New year treats, saving you the hassle of shop-hopping. Budget-conscious shoppers love their competitive prices and amazing variety.
Sprinkle some feng shui charms through your space! Local feng shui stores around Auckland offer Zen crystals, crystal bowls, lucky plants, bracelets and windchimes to name a few. Drop a visit to the beautiful Buddhist temples around Auckland with serene gardens and vegetarian cafes. And, if you want some extra luck, you can have your charms blessed by the monks.
Relax in the middle of festivities at VR Hotels
Right at the centre of the buzzing city, VR Hotels has four strategic locations close to all the Lunar New Year events happening around Auckland CBD. Choose from VR Queen Street, The Quadrant Hotel & Suites, VR Auckland City and Ascotia off Queen; VR Hotels properties are modern gems that offer stunning city views at affordable rates.
As you stroll through the Lantern Festival, groove at the Lorne Street party, and indulge in mouth-watering treats at SkyCity’s food market, you’re just a walk away from your pad.
And, after a day of temple-hopping and feng shui shopping, retreat to your room with your own kitchen (hello, leftover dumplings) and free Wi-Fi to share your stories. You’ll have all the comforts of your home while being at the centre of Auckland’s Chinese New Year craze.
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Chinese New Year 2025 beckons us all to dream bigger and reach higher. Whether you’re gazing at starbursts of fireworks painting the night sky, sharing steaming dumplings with loved ones, or simply soaking in the joyful atmosphere, remember – every lunar cycle brings fresh chances to grow, share and celebrate together. So, to those who had a little bit of jet lag from 2024, well, now is our last chance to realign, set our goals and welcome the Year of the Snake.