A comprehensive guide to all nationally recognized public holidays and regional anniversary days across New Zealand's 16 regions.
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 - January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | - |
| 2 | Day after New Year's Day | January 2, 2026 | Friday | - |
| 3 | Waitangi Day | February 6, 2026 | Friday | - |
| Q2 - April to June | ||||
| 4 | Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | - |
| 5 | Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 | Monday | - |
| 6 | ANZAC Day | April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Mon Apr 27 substitute |
| 7 | King's Birthday | June 1, 2026 | Monday | - |
| Q3 - July to September | ||||
| 8 | Matariki | July 10, 2026 | Friday | Māori New Year |
| Q4 - October to December | ||||
| 9 | Labour Day | October 26, 2026 | Monday | - |
| 10 | Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | - |
| 11 | Boxing Day | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Mon Dec 28 substitute |
The first day of the year is celebrated across New Zealand with fireworks, parties, and summer festivities. Many Kiwis spend the day at the beach, enjoying barbecues and outdoor activities.
CelebrationAn additional public holiday extending the New Year celebration, giving everyone an extra day to recover and enjoy the summer break.
CelebrationNew Zealand's national day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the founding document of the nation. Celebrations include official ceremonies at Waitangi, cultural performances, and community events across the country reflecting on the partnership between Māori and the Crown.
National DayA Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most shops are required to be closed, and many New Zealanders attend church services or spend quiet time with family.
ObservanceThe Monday following Easter Sunday, completing the Easter long weekend. New Zealanders traditionally use this time for family gatherings, autumn camping trips, and outdoor activities.
ObservanceA day of remembrance honoring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and died in all wars. Dawn services are held at war memorials nationwide, with the most significant ceremony at the National War Memorial in Wellington. Shops remain closed until 1pm.
RemembranceCelebrates the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III. Observed on the first Monday in June in New Zealand, this long weekend is popular for winter getaways and skiing trips.
RoyalMāori New Year, marking the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in midwinter. First celebrated as an official public holiday in 2022, Matariki is a time for remembrance, celebration, and looking forward to the new year. Communities gather for festivals, traditional kai (food), storytelling, and cultural performances.
Māori New YearCelebrates the achievements of the labour movement and workers' rights. Observed on the fourth Monday of October, it marks the beginning of spring and is a popular weekend for gardening and outdoor activities.
Workers' RightsCelebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and summer festivities including beach barbecues and outdoor cricket.
CelebrationThe day after Christmas, traditionally for giving to those in need. Known for major retail sales and summer sports including the start of cricket test matches.
CelebrationCelebrates the Wellington Province, including Wellington, Whanganui, Manawatū, and parts of Horowhenua and Wairarapa.
Wellington RegionObserved across the Auckland region, New Zealand's largest city. Celebrated with the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, one of the world's largest one-day regattas.
Auckland RegionCommemorates the Nelson and Marlborough regions at the top of the South Island.
Nelson RegionCelebrates the Taranaki region on the North Island's west coast.
Taranaki RegionCommemorates the Otago region, including Dunedin and surrounding areas in the South Island.
Otago RegionCelebrates the Southland region, New Zealand's southernmost region.
Southland RegionObserved in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island's east coast.
Bay of PlentyCelebrates the South Canterbury region, centered around Timaru.
South CanterburyCommemorates the Hawke's Bay region on the North Island's east coast.
Hawke's BayCelebrates the Marlborough region, famous for its wine production.
Marlborough RegionAlso known as Christchurch Show Day, celebrating the Canterbury region including New Zealand's second-largest city.
Canterbury RegionCelebrates the West Coast region on the South Island, known for its rugged landscape and glaciers.
West CoastSince 2014, Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day are "Mondayised" under the Holidays Act 2003.
New Zealand law restricts shop opening hours on certain public holidays.
Each region has its own anniversary day celebrating the founding of that province.
New Zealand enjoys several long weekend opportunities in 2026.
