Supported Events
Gallop into the New Year: Lunar New Year in the Hutt
Organised by Viet Hub NZ, in partnership with Hutt Multicultural Council and various local community groups, this festival is a joyful and inclusive celebration of Lunar New Year, designed to bring the vibrant traditions of Aotearoa’s Asian communities directly to the heart of the Hutt.
WELCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR
Welcome in the Lunar New Year with dragon and lion dance performances at various locations throughout Wellington’s CBD and wider region.
HORSES, DRAGON AND TIGER: A TRILOGY OF DANCE FILMS
A celebration of the Lunar New Year at our place, Te Papa Tongarewa Free screenings of a trilogy of dance films by internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and filmmaker Daniel Belton. The trilogy includes a world premiere screening of Daniel’s new work, HORSES.
TIGER (Silver-Lotus), and DRAGON which will be screened alongside HORSES to complete the trilogy of films all created by Daniel and presented at past celebrations of the Lunar New Year in Wellington.
TEA CEREMONY DEMONSTRATION
Welcome the Lunar New Year with a joyful celebration! Members of the Wellington Xiamen Association will host a special tea ceremony demonstration, sharing the artistry, history, and cultural significance of tea from Xiamen.
Te Papa Late Night
Te Papa Tongarewa (not including Rongomaraeroa)
Free, with museum entry
Lunar New Year Dinner at Te Papa
Celebrate the magic of Lunar New Year with an unforgettable dining experience at Te Papa’s Rongomaraeroa. Enjoy a beautifully crafted three-course menu paired with fine New Zealand wines, surrounded by culture, and good company.
As night falls, step out to the museum’s exclusive viewing space for the best view in Wellington of the spectacular Lunar New Year fireworks display over the harbour.
TE PAPA LATE NIGHT - HORSES, DRAGON & TIGER TRILOGY and ARTIST TALK
Te Papa is extending its opening hours until 9pm, providing Wellingtonians with an opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions before Wellington’s waterfront is transformed into a vibrant stage for the spectacular Lunar New Year Fireworks Display. The night sky will ignite with a dazzling display to mark the Year of the Horse.
Performance Arcade preview at the waterfront
Kick off the Lunar New Year Festival Fireworks night with a preview of The Performance Arcade 2026 along the Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington waterfront. The site opens alongside the DVB (Double Vision Brewing) bar and authentic food trucks, creating a relaxed hub for food, drinks and live music before the skies light up.