Celebrate Lunar New Year

Hello Beasty represents the culmination of Chef Stuart Rogan’s remarkable culinary journey that began in 1989 and has taken him around the world – from Michelin-starred hotels to intimate six-table establishments. This award-winning Viaduct Harbour restaurant showcases his mastery of Asian cuisines, blending influences from China, Japan and Korea with New Zealand’s finest produce.

What to try: The menu is designed for sharing, featuring dishes that deliver clean, bold flavour profiles with a touch of heat. Highlights include their famous Prawn & Crab Toast (winner of Iconic Auckland Eats 2025), tender Chinese pork belly with crispy skin, and wagyu potstickers bursting with flavour. The Sichuan lamb and Korean Fried Cauliflower (their creative take on KFC) are crowd favourites.

Atmosphere: The fresh, light interior features playful ‘Beasty’ cat motifs rendered in neon and pop art on the walls, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. The open kitchen encourages casual dining at the generous bar, while the restaurant opens onto Market Square with stunning harbour views.

Perfect for: Date nights, celebrations with friends, and anyone seeking award-winning contemporary Asian cuisine in a lively waterfront setting.

Chinese New Year Special: Year of the Horse Set Menu available 16 February – 3 March, plus a Lion Dance Performance at 11am on 21 February (10:30am bookings required)

Since 2007, Dragons has been Wellington’s go-to destination for fine Chinese cuisine, and they’re pulling out all the stops for Chinese New Year 2026. Their specially curated Lunar New Year set menu celebrates the auspicious Year of the Horse with dishes designed to bring prosperity and good fortune.

What to try: Dragons is renowned for their exceptional yum cha – voted best in Wellington by Capital magazine. The extensive menu features over 130 dishes, including crispy Peking duck, Cantonese BBQ specialities, and traditional dim sum made fresh daily.

Atmosphere: Located in the heart of Courtenay Place, Dragons boasts an urban yet sophisticated atmosphere with seating for 200 guests. The space transforms beautifully during Chinese New Year with traditional decorations, and the lion dance performance adds authentic festive excitement.

Perfect for: Groups seeking an authentic Chinese New Year experience with traditional entertainment.

For a contemporary take on Chinese New Year celebrations, Midnight Shanghai brings the iconic flavours of Shanghai to Christchurch’s vibrant Riverside Market precinct. This modern yum cha bar combines authentic Chinese cuisine with a lively cocktail bar atmosphere.

What to try: Their all-day yum cha menu features beautifully crafted xiao long bao (soup dumplings), handmade dim sum, and dishes that celebrate strong fermented soy, tingling Sichuan pepper and natural fruit flavours. The handcrafted cocktails offer creative Shanghai-inspired twists – perfect for toasting the new year.

Atmosphere: The stylish interior features neon accents and contemporary décor that feels both celebratory and relaxed. Private karaoke rooms upstairs offer a unique way to celebrate – gather your crew and sing your way into the Year of the Horse!

Perfect for: Younger crowds and groups seeking a modern, fun-filled Chinese New Year celebration with cocktails and karaoke.

While we’re celebrating the Year of the Horse, we couldn’t resist including King of Snake on our list – the name alone makes it perfect for anyone wanting to honour the departing Year of the Snake! This award-winning restaurant offers stunning Euro-Asian cuisine in Christchurch’s most sophisticated setting.

What to try: The menu showcases creative Asian-inspired sharing plates with impeccable execution. Highlights include the sashimi of market fish with young coconut and nuoc cham, roasted coconut spinach leaf, and their famous crispy duck with mandarin. The ‘Trust the Chef’ banquet option is perfect for celebratory gatherings.

Atmosphere: Plush Italian velvet seating, bespoke marble floors and panoramic views over Cashel Mall, the Bridge of Remembrance and the willow-lined Avon River create a truly luxurious setting. The adjacent Monarch cocktail bar offers an elegant spot for pre-dinner drinks.

Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic dinners, and those seeking sophisticated Asian-fusion dining with stunning views.

For those wanting to explore the multicultural roots of Chinese New Year, Little Penang offers a unique perspective. Nyonya cuisine – acknowledged as one of the earliest examples of fusion food – artfully blends Chinese cooking techniques with Malay, Thai and Southern Indian influences, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Penang Straits Chinese.

What to try: The menu features handpicked selections of Penang’s best street foods alongside traditional family recipes handed down through generations. Expect bold, fragrant flavours that are never shy – from aromatic laksa to char kway teow and traditional Nyonya curries.

Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming, Little Penang embodies the warmth and hospitality of Malaysian dining culture. The phrase ‘Lai chiak’ (‘come eat’ in Hokkien) perfectly captures their philosophy – good food meant to be shared with loved ones.

Perfect for: Families, groups and food lovers seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavours with Chinese heritage.

Chef James Balakrishnan brings the authentic flavours of his Penang upbringing to Auckland’s North Shore. With over 20 years of experience in some of Auckland’s best restaurants, James decided to return to his roots and create a space where family recipes and bold Southeast Asian flavours take centre stage – making Mulan a perfect destination for Chinese New Year celebrations.

What to try: The menu showcases the melting pot of flavours that defines Penang cuisine – a beautiful blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences. Highlights include aromatic char kway teow, rich Massaman curry, and fragrant dishes made with freshly blended herbs and spices. All dishes are designed for sharing, perfect for festive gatherings.

Atmosphere: Set in a charming historic building, Mulan offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend’s home. The restaurant proudly showcases local produce alongside authentic Malaysian ingredients, creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

Perfect for: Families and groups seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavours with strong Chinese heritage in a relaxed, welcoming setting.