Ōtepoti Dunedin’s Chinese New Year celebrations are getting a glow up…literally. Cue the lanterns!
A multi-day spectacular will be taking place in 2025 to welcome the Year of the Snake and celebrate the city’s long standing Chinese connections.
This new scaled up event comes just off the heels of the 30th anniversary of the Dunedin-Shanghai Sister City relationship.
The festival which takes place 26 January to 9 February expands Dunedin’s existing one day of celebration to 15 days and will see the whole city come alive as streets and business are adorned in Chinese lanterns, and a calendar of events kicks off.
Programme
Some of Dunedin’s tourism operators are running special tours and discounts to celebrate Chinese Cultural Week.
- Experience an afternoon with Clearwater Wildlife Tours and watch wildlife on Dunedin’s stunning landscapes at dusk. Valid Jan-Feb: 20% discount code - CCF20
- The OPERA are offering Wildlife & Penguin Tour with full Mandarin commentary. Valid 25 Jan – 5 Feb: Discount code – yearofthesnake
- Dunedin Railways Scenic Journey - This immersive experience takes you on a journey through the breath-taking Taieri Gorge, showcasing the stunning Otago scenery. Along the way, enjoy insightful commentary on the lives of early Chinese settlers during the 1860s Otago Gold Rush and their pioneering role in introducing Chinese market gardens to the city of Dunedin. Dates - Sat 26 & Thu 30 Jan, Sat 1 Feb, Sun 2 Feb, Thu 6 Feb and Fri 7 9:30 am to 2:15 pm.
- Discover the fascinating stories of two extraordinary places, Larnach Castle and the Forbidden City in Beijing on a special guided tour, with both English and Mandarin options. Learn about William Larnach’s role in the Gold Mining era and his connection with the Chinese community in Dunedin. (Dates running: 30 Jan – 1 Feb).
- Celebrate Chinese New Year at Olveston Historic Home, where you can explore the unique connection between the Theomin family and Chinese culture. Join one of six daily tours, available with a Mandarin-speaking guide, to discover the fascinating collection of Chinese artifacts in the home. (Dates running 6-9 Feb).
- Dunedin’s Chinese New Year celebration, filled with vibrant cultural performances, delicious food, festive fun and fireworks takes place at Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden where you can enter for a gold coin donation (7pm-10pm 1 Feb).
- Experience the excitement of Chinese dragon and lion dancing as they parade through George Street, weaving through the vibrant malls in celebration of this beloved Chinese cultural tradition. (11am-1pm on 2 Feb)
- The Chinese in Dunedin – Screening: A conversation with Seán Brosnahan and Peter Chin takes place at Toitū Otago Settlers Musuem (free entry)
- Celebrate the conclusion of the Chinese New Year by joining a tranquil afternoon viewing at Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden. Participate in our cherished New Year activities—tie a ribbon to the wishing tree or light a joss stick for prosperity or head up to the Tower Room to craft your own felted fortune cookie. (9 Feb - Price of admission)