Getting there
There is limited parking and there will be extensive road closures around the Auckland Domain for the festival – forget the hassle of parking and come by bus, train, on foot or bicycle.
Auckland Domain is a short walk from the city centre and Grafton Train Station, is close to cycleways and is well-served by buses.
Remember, kids aged 5-15 travel for just 99c on weekends with AT Hop. Check out information on bus and train services and plan your journey.
Auckland Transport will also be operating a secure bike valet service at the festival.
When should I visit?
If you’re looking to avoid the rush, Thursday’s Lantern Appreciation Night could suit you best. There won’t be any stalls or performances, but you’ll still be able to view all the spectacular lanterns aglow and pick up a tasty meal from the Night Noodle Markets.
Saturday night is typically the busiest night, and the festival will close with a bang on Sunday night with the fireworks finale at 10.15pm. See the full programme and decide when you'll visit.
There’s also a guided audio tour of the Auckland Lantern Festival for blind and visually-impaired people on Thursday evening.
What should I bring?
It’s a good idea to have a water bottle on hand, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow – navigating crowds can be thirsty work! Don’t forget an extra layer too, for when it cools down after dark.
For small kids, it’s recommended that you bring a front or back pack instead of a pram or pushchair, as they'll be tough to navigate through the bustle. Those with small children may prefer visiting earlier in the evening when crowds are thinner.
Service dogs are welcome, but pet dogs could be happier being spared the crowds and left at home.
Please remember that the Auckland Lantern Festival is alcohol-free and smoke-free – including cigarettes, pipes and vapes.