The Auckland Lantern Festival is set to return to the Manukau Sports Bowl from February 13 to 16. Photo: Supplied
The Auckland Lantern Festival is set to return to the Manukau Sports Bowl from February 13 to 16, featuring 500 handmade lanterns, including a stunning new snake lantern to mark the Year of the Snake.
The four-day event, presented by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, will transition to a free-ticketed format for the first time. The change aims to manage visitor flow and includes free public transport to and from the festival.
While free tickets will be available at the gates throughout the festival, visitors are encouraged to book online in advance to save time at the entrances.
The tickets also provide access to free public transport on Auckland buses and trains, valid for two hours before the festival opens and one hour after it closes.
Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, encouraged the public to secure their free tickets ahead of the event's official opening.
"This year's BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is set to be one of the best yet," Hill said.
"I encourage everyone to get their tickets, take advantage of the free transport options on offer, and enjoy the many lanterns, performances, and whānau activities at what will be a spectacular event for the region."
Free shuttle buses will also operate between Manukau Train Station, Westfield Manukau, and the event location at Manukau Sports Bowl during and after the festival.
This year's festival will feature extended opening hours: from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 13 and 14, and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 15 and 16.
To cap off each evening, a fireworks display will light up the night on February 14, 15, and 16.
