Billions of people across the world celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. Welcome the year of the Rabbit with our top food and event recommendations for the celebration period.
Above Image taken by Isa Zapata.
Where to eat for Chinese Lunar Year
Auckland
Huami is authentic Chinese with a modern twist. Explore traditional signature dishes, like their range of dim sum or dumplings, peking duck or their modern take on Asian fusion cuisine. Menu
Grand Harbour Chinese Restaurant has brought Chinese cuisine to Auckland’s viaduct for 22 years. The restaurant is also a BYO venue, so you can celebrate the Chinese New Year with your favourite bottle of wine and Auckland’s favourite Yum Cha. Menu
Eight is offering a beautiful selection of festive Chinese dishes for both lunch and dinner for the Chinese Lunar Year. Indulge in a range of dishes including steamed whole fish, sesame bok choy, Chinese BBQ pork ribs, sweet and sour chicken and so much more. Menu.
Wellington
Dragons is Wellington’s world famous yum-cha lunch spot. The Owners of Dragons, the Wang family, want their restaurant to encourage a range of different people to come and try Cantonese food. We can’t think of a better place to celebrate the lunar new year this Sunday than at this family owned gem. Menu
Christchurch
Benson Chinese, located in Riccarton is a neighbourhood hotspot. Most loved dishes include their sweet and sour pork and beef in black bean sauce. One Christchurch local said “Benson’s is one of the main reasons I continue to live in Christchurch post-earthquake”. Can’t get a better review than that! Menu
King Of Snake is a restaurant that we had to include on this list without a doubt. Overlooking the Avon river, enjoy asian inspired fine dining. The menu is extensive, including cloudy bay clams and their delicious mandarin tuna. Menu
Miss Peppercorn is Christchurch’s most recommended authentic Chinese restaurant. Owner Nicole has brought well-loved Sichuan flavour to New Zealand. Celebrate the year of the Rabbit with a bowl of their iconic Biang Biang noodles. Menu
What to do
Auckland Lantern Festival
2-5th February, Manukau sports bowl. The iconic Auckland Lantern Festival makes its return. We have missed the sea of 100s of Chinese lanterns on display. Enjoy cultural music, dance performances, food stalls, and of course the spectacular fireworks display.
Auckland 2023 Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day
Saturday 21 January 2023, Alexander Park. Chinese New Year Market day includes more than 200 stalls ranging from traditional Chinese delicacies, Chinese traditional arts & crafts, to the extensive entertainment programme song and dances.
Late Night at Matakana Estate – Chinese New Year theme
Thursday 26 January 2023 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Matakana estate.
Lunar New Year Concert at Dunedin Gardens
28th of January, Dunedin Chinese Gardens. Celebrate the Lunar Year with Dunedin Gardens. Just a Gold coin donation will gain you entry to the gardens, with food, lion dances, music and the ‘Grand Finale’ which in the past has been something you don’t want to miss.
Lunar New Year Palmerston North
Saturday 28 January 2023 10:00am – 2:00pm. The Square, Palmerston North.
Enjoy cultural performances and delicious food stalls in Te Marae o Hine – The Square.
Christchurch Chinese New Year Concert
Thursday 19th January, The Piano. This concert is a celebration of the 2023 Chinese New Year, and embracing all cultures . Performances are from professional musicians and students from the University of Canterbury School of Music.
