Colourful end to Lunar New Year

Arianne Ancheta, 4, found the perfect backdrop yesterday to complement her painted face - lanterns in the water fountain at the Chinese Lantern Festival. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Auckland's seventh such festival was a showcase of Chinese food, crafts and cultural performers, drawing more than 100,000 people to Albert Park over its three days. 

Hundreds of lanterns have lit up Auckland's central streets for the festival. Craftspeople use paper and a needle to make lanterns with patterns based on traditional Chinese paintings. Also known in China as the Spring Festival, the festival signals the end of Lunar New Year festivities.