From huge lanterns to neon cats, Lunar New Year themed art and decorations are dotted all over the city centre. Planning a visit to celebrate the Year of the Horse? Scroll down to see what's in store for you!
Xin Xin, the Giant Lucky Cat
Aotea Square | 1 FEB - 22 FEB
Strike a pose with Xin Xin, a playful, large-scale public Lucky Cat artwork while you get amongst the Summer in the Square celebrations.
Neon Cats
Along Darby Street | 1 FEB - 1 MAR
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
Lunar New Year Lanterns
Queen St, Fort St, Albert St, Elliott St & Lorne St | 10 FEB - 4 MAR
Red lanterns will adorn city centre streets for Lunar New Year. The rich red decorations are an auspicious Chinese symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Queen Street Lights
Queen Street | 10 FEB - 4 MAR
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.
Vector Lights
Auckland Harbour Bridge | 23 - 26 FEB
Enjoy a spectacular light and sound show on the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge as we welcome in the Chinese New Year with the traditional colours and patterns of China. The show will play from 8.30PM until midnight, every 15 minutes. Click here for more information.
Sky Tower Lights
Sky Tower | 16 - 17 FEB
Experience curated art projections by renowned Chinese Artist Han Meilin on the Sky Tower from 16 to 17 February 2026! This fusion of tradition and modernity invites you to pause, look up and be swept into a world of colour and imagination.
Cherry Blossom Trees & Lanterns
Head up to SkyCity and be mesmerised by their stunning hanging lanterns and cherry blossom installation - perfect for a 'gram worthy photo opportunity.
Vulcan Lane Lanterns
As you wander down Vulcan Lane, look up and see red lanterns drifting above you against the blue sky. It's the perfect moment to grab a photo for the 'Gram!
Te Komititanga Light Box Exhibition
To mark the Lunar New Year, a number of artists were invited to create artworks informed by their personal responses to this important moment in the calendar.
Recollections and reflections, symbolism and spiritualism, aspiration and inspiration; the artworks draw from traditional and contemporary ideas of what it is to simultaneously start anew and move forward in a manner framed by the Year of the Horse.
