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Dance, music and martial arts filled the Civic Theatre's stage for the Divine Performing Arts Show.
Despite the Chinese Consulate's best efforts to keep people away from the show, a near-full house filled the historic theatre.
A VIP function beforehand gave local media the chance to meet some of the show's stars, including one of China's most revered tenors, Guimin Guan.
Mr Guan thanked guests for supporting the New York-based troupe and for standing up to the bullying tactics of the Chinese Government.
Auckland City Councillor Cathy Casey said she was delighted to attend the event and was appalled by the continued persecution of the performers, some of whom are Falun Gong followers.
Featuring around 60 performers from throughout North America, the show was a visual spectacular, delighting the audience with its diverse representations of ancient Chinese culture.
The show has attracted Chinese Government attention in performances in Australia, North America and Europe.
Beijing objects because some cast members belong to the Falun Gong spiritual movement - an outlawed group in China.
