The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is returning to Manukau Sports Bowl, with Auckland Transport (AT) rolling out free public transport and dedicated event buses to help thousands of people reach the venue. More than 110,000 visitors are expected across the four-day celebration, making travel planning an important part of the festival experience.
Running from Thursday, February 26, to Sunday, March 1, the festival celebrates Lunar New Year with lantern displays, live performances, international food and family entertainment. Auckland Transport is encouraging ticket holders to use public transport to ease congestion around the venue.
Ticket holders can travel free from 2pm
Anyone with a valid festival ticket can use Auckland Transport buses and trains free of charge from 2pm until the end of normal services each day of the event. Passengers only need to show their festival ticket while travelling.
The festival gates are open daily from 4pm until 10.30pm, giving visitors plenty of time to arrive before the evening entertainment begins.
People planning to attend other major events across Auckland can also check the Auckland Easter Show 2026 guide for visitor tips and transport information ahead of another large city event.
Dedicated event buses will operate throughout the festival
To make access easier, Auckland Transport will operate continuous event buses between 3.45pm and 11pm on all four festival days.
The buses will leave from Stop A outside Manukau Train Station on Davies Avenue, stop at Westfield Manukau, continue to the festival entrance outside Gate B, then return to repeat the journey throughout the evening.
AT has also introduced a specially decorated Chinese New Year-themed bus operating on Route 70, linking Botany with Waitematā (Britomart) during the festival period.
Up-to-date transport information is available through Auckland Transport’s official events page.
Weekend rail works will affect Eastern Line services
Passengers travelling by train during the weekend should allow extra time because planned engineering work will temporarily affect part of the Eastern Line.
Train services will not operate between Waitematā and Ōtāhuhu. Services between Ōtāhuhu and Manukau will continue as scheduled.
Travellers starting from Waitematā are advised to board a Southern Line service and transfer to the Eastern Line at Ōtāhuhu. Replacement buses will operate across the section where trains are unavailable.
Lantern displays, cultural performances and food stalls
The Auckland Lantern Festival remains one of New Zealand’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring more than 500 handcrafted lanterns, live cultural performances and over 50 food stalls serving dishes inspired by different communities.
The programme also includes amusement rides, family activities and the Shoot for the Stars basketball zone, giving visitors entertainment throughout the evening.
Nightly fireworks are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bringing each evening’s celebrations to a close.
Year of the Horse theme meets New Zealand heritage
This year’s event celebrates the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign traditionally linked with energy, confidence and determination.
Alongside the traditional lantern displays, organisers have introduced a giant moa lantern as the first feature in a new Kiwiana Lantern Series. The display blends New Zealand’s natural history with Lunar New Year traditions, creating a unique local addition to the festival.
Background information about the Chinese zodiac and the symbolism behind each animal can be found through Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Planning ahead can save time on the day
With large crowds expected throughout the festival, using the free public transport offer and checking rail updates before travelling could make the journey smoother. Between complimentary afternoon travel, dedicated event buses and replacement services during rail works, Auckland Transport has expanded its network to help visitors spend less time commuting and more time enjoying one of the city’s biggest cultural celebrations.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
