In photos: 2025 Auckland’s dazzling Lantern Festival

Thousands attended the opening day of the Auckland Lantern Festival at Manukau Sports Bowl on Feb 13, with visitors enjoying more than 500 silk lanterns, poignant cultural performances and delectable cuisine from all parts of Asia.

A pair of four-metre lanterns depicting snakes was touted as the highlight of this year's celebration, debuting after being shipped from the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan.

The four-day event, presented by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, will run through Sunday and is expected to attract more than 185,000 visitors.