The Year of the Pig will be ushered in quietly around the region.
Oamaru Chinese Association president Peter Lee confirmed yesterday that after two years of public celebrations, the association had opted to stage only a family-oriented gathering for the Oamaru Chinese community over this Chinese New Year period, which begins on Tuesday.
"Last year, we had a colossal celebration - we had lion dancing and dragon dancing, lots of food stalls, drums and noise," Mr Lee said.
"We hope to plan for a better celebration next year. But the community always has a get-together every Chinese New Year ... Just to be able to meet one another and be able to know who everyone is for the rest of the year, sort of thing."
Last year Chinese New Year fell later, meaning many of the international students who were key to organising the public event were in town.
However, many were still out of the country at this time of year, meaning there were fewer people to help organise the event.
At 200 people, the Chinese community in Oamaru was "fairly large". But since, unlike China, there were no public holidays associated with the celebration here, residents with Chinese heritage did not have the time to commit to a public event.
However, tourism operators are getting ready for large crowds. Tourism Waitaki general manager Margaret Munro said the 410-person capacity evening viewings at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony was the primary drawcard for Chinese visitors to the Waitaki district.
"We are expecting some good numbers through - we have had our premium stand booked out for some time over Chinese New Year now," Mrs Munro said.
"And hopefully they will disperse all through the town and have a taste of what’s on offer."
Waitaki Tourism Association accommodation sector representative Ole Wallis said he had not canvassed hoteliers, but believed this Chinese New Year period would remain a busy period for Oamaru.
In Queenstown, tourism operators are gearing up for the celebrations.
A Southern Discoveries spokesman said one in five of its guests hailed from China.
"Southern Discoveries will mark the occasion with themed uniforms, store decorations, traditional Chinese New Year gifts and special food offerings on its Milford Sound Scenic Cruise, including delicious fresh dumplings and fragrant green tea.
"In Queenstown, the company is also looking forward to introducing guests to the lucky pigs at the Mt Nicholas Farm Experience."
Skyline will also be getting in on the occasion, offering special celebratory Chinese New Year dinners from Monday to Saturday.
A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman said there were no celebrations planned by the council for Wanaka.
