Chinese New Year Celebrations in New Zealand
- Auckland for Kids
- Updated:
Celebrate welcoming in the Year of the Horse for the 2026 Chinese New Year in Auckland and New Zealand.
The Chinese New Year is also know as the Spring Festival and Lunar New Year and is celebrated among Chinese communities in Auckland and across the world. Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.Â
When is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New year is based on the lunar and solar calendars so the actual dates change each year. 2026 is the Year of the Horse and starts on 7 February 2026. The Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days, starting with the new moon on New Year’s Day and ending with the full moon at the Lantern Festival.
What’s happening for Chinese New Year 2026 in Auckland?
Chinese New Year celebrations have become an important part of Auckland’s event calendar.
Our favourite Chinese New Year celebration events in Auckland are:
1. BNZ Lantern Festival
Enjoy the hundreds of lanterns at the four day family-friendly BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival at the Manukau Sports Bowl in South Auckland. The Lantern Festival will run from 26 February to 1 March 2026 and marks the end of the Chinese New Year period with a firework display on both the Friday and Saturday nights!
2. Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day
The 2026 Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day is on at the ASB Showgrounds on 14 February 2026. Â
3. Chinese New Year Activities for kids at Auckland Libraries
Local Auckland Libraries have lots of events happening for kids to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Find out what events are happening below.
4. Chinese New Year lights up the Sky Tower and the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Watch the Sky Tower light up in Red and Gold to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Vector will also be Lighting up the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the Lantern Festival 2026 to celebrate the Chinese New Year from 23 February to 1 March 2026.
Are you or your children born in the Year of the Horse?
People born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026 were born in the Year of the Horse. In Chinese tradition, the Horse symbolises energy, independence and confidence. Those born under this sign are often seen as enthusiastic, active and sociable, with a strong love of freedom and adventure
Why are dragon dances and lion dances part of Chinese New Year celebrations?
Dragon dances are believed to bring good luck, and it is thought that the longer the dragon, the more luck will be brought to the community. Lion dances chase away the evil spirit Nian.