Lanterns light up new year

From Friday to Sunday, the Asia 2000 Lantern Festival in Auckland's Albert Park will welcome the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

Festivities include traditional food and performances, crafts, fortune-telling and fireworks.

New lanterns are being featured this year, as well as hundreds from last year's festival, all made in China.

The Auckland Art Gallery will house a selection of delicate paper lanterns and will stay open until the festival closes each night around 10.30pm. Entry is free.