Heart of the City has partnered with Chow Luck Club to deliver "Horse & Hongbao", a month-long Lunar New Year celebration in the city centre.
Running from February 12 to March 15, 2026, the activation features exclusive deals and discounts at 88 participating businesses ranging from restaurants, entertainment centres to fashion outlets, a fun map, a Year of the Horse dinner event and walking food tours, inviting locals and visitors to rediscover the central city.
The celebrations will also be run in collaboration with the University of Auckland and AUT University, which will be seeing a combined total of international students numbering upwards of 5000 returning to its campuses in 2026.
Participating partners include Atrium on Elliott, Game On Arcade, Hi Toastie , Ramyun Lab and Patch Cafe among many others to offer a fun-filled lineup.
Every international student at UoA and AUT will receive the fun map in their orientation pack, and those who visit and make eight purchases from any of the 88 participating businesses can enter a draw to win prizes ranging from shopping and dining vouchers to hotel stays.
Horse & Hongbao will blend central city experiences with exclusive dining and shopping rewards during the festive Chinese New Year period, which also coincides with student orientation week.
The event will be one way to welcome students and introduce them to what's available in the central city, and help businesses attract both local, international students and international visitors.
Lunar New Year's Day will fall on February 17 next year, marking the end of the Year of the Snake and the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
The name "Horse & Hongbao" refers to the zodiac sign for the new year and the fun-map, which is folded and designed to look like the hongbao (red envelopes) that are traditionally exchanged during the festive period representing luck, happiness and good wishes.
Partnership applications are now open for businesses within Heart of the City boundary, and selection for the 88 promoted businesses will be made after December 31, 2025. Don't miss your chance to be part of Auckland's central city Lunar New Year promotions. Apply now by emailing: info@chowluckclub.com
