From huge lanterns to neon cats and new exhibitions, Lunar New Year themed art and decorations are dotted all over the city centre. Planning a visit to celebrate the year of the dragon? Follow this trail so you can see it all with ease.
Cherry Blossoms and lanterns | SkyCity, 90 Federal Street
Head up to SkyCity and be mesmerised by their stunning hanging lanterns and brand new cherry blossom installation - perfect for a 'gram worthy photo opportunity.
Lunar New Year Lanterns | 7 Feb - 25 Feb | Queen St, Fort St, Albert St, Elliott St & Lorne St
Larger than life lanterns will adorn city centre streets for Lunar New Year. The rich red decorations are an auspicious Chinese symbol of wealth and prosperity. With thanks to Heart of the City.
Queen Street lights | 10 - 25 Feb
In celebration of Lunar New Year, the city centre's most iconic street will be lit in a vibrant red and gold! In partnership with Vector Lights and Auckland Council.
Lucky Cat neon lights | 8 Feb - 25 Mar | Darby Street
Enjoy double happiness during Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, with the Darby Street installation on lampposts of huge red neon Lucky Cats! Pose under these adorable feline friends and flick your finger hearts for love and good fortune. Artist: @goodbadenglish
Art Exhibitions | The Strand Arcade, 277 Queen Street | 14 February, 6pm-9pm
- Less Mao, More Elvis | Shop 18: Oscar Low presents an installation of work created in response to his father’s experience growing up Chinese, in Malaysia, before taking an educational rite of passage to Aotearoa New Zealand as a teen.
- Love & Other Things Of Consequence | Shop 21: Stand amongst this presentation of paintings by artist Margarita Vovna and allow yourself to absorb the feels and reflect on the relationships present within the artwork and within yourself.
Lunar Look Up | The Strand Arcade, 277 Queen Street | 14 Feb-25 Mar
Look up to see the multi-storey display suspended from the cross bridges. Lunar New Year and Valentines are celebrated with a waterfall of lights and symbols to bring you luck in love and good fortune. By artists Oscar Low and Anna Hanson.
Artwork by All My Friends | Freyberg steps and the Ellen Melville Centre
Visit Freyberg Square to admire the stunning artwork adorning the Freyberg Steps and Ellen Melville Centre. Crafted for Auckland Pride Festival by an art collective comprised of members with Asian and Pacific heritage, the artwork incorporates elements of the Lunar New Year celebration. If you find yourslef in Aotea Square, check out the steps there too! Digital illustrations by Mariadelle Gamit, lyrics by Tyrun, Dragons by Silky Jo Wong and AR component by KATAL.
Display cases | Commercial Bay
Head to Commercial Bay to check out their display cases with stunning illustrations by Chinese artist Wei Lun.
Vector Lights for Lunar New Year | 20-25 Feb | 9pm-12am
Xīn nián hǎo! Welcome in the Year of the Dragon with Vector Lights special light and sound show. Watch as the bridge lights up with lanterns floating into the night sky from 9pm until midnight, every 15 minutes.
Illustration by Wei Lun
Digital illustrations by Mariadelle Gamit, lyrics by Tyrun, Dragons by Silky Jo Wong and AR component by KATAL.
