New Zealand Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all nationally recognized public holidays and regional anniversary days across New Zealand’s 16 regions.
2026 New Zealand National HolidaysComplete List
| # | 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 |
New Year’s Day
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.
CelebrationDay after New Year’s Day
An additional public holiday extending the New Year celebration, giving everyone an extra day to recover and enjoy the summer break.
CelebrationWaitangi Day
New 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 DayGood Friday
A 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.
ObservanceEaster Monday
The Monday following Easter Sunday, completing the Easter long weekend. New Zealanders traditionally use this time for family gatherings, autumn camping trips, and outdoor activities.
ObservanceANZAC Day
A 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.
RemembranceKing’s Birthday
Celebrates 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.
RoyalMatariki
Māori 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 YearLabour Day
Celebrates 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’ RightsChristmas Day
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and summer festivities including beach barbecues and outdoor cricket.
CelebrationBoxing Day
The 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.
CelebrationWellington Anniversary
Celebrates the Wellington Province, including Wellington, Whanganui, Manawatū, and parts of Horowhenua and Wairarapa.
Wellington RegionAuckland Anniversary
Observed 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 RegionNelson Anniversary
Commemorates the Nelson and Marlborough regions at the top of the South Island.
Nelson RegionTaranaki Anniversary
Celebrates the Taranaki region on the North Island’s west coast.
Taranaki RegionOtago Anniversary
Commemorates the Otago region, including Dunedin and surrounding areas in the South Island.
Otago RegionSouthland Anniversary
Celebrates the Southland region, New Zealand’s southernmost region.
Southland RegionBay of Plenty Anniversary
Observed in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island’s east coast.
Bay of PlentySouth Canterbury Anniversary
Celebrates the South Canterbury region, centered around Timaru.
South CanterburyHawke’s Bay Anniversary
Commemorates the Hawke’s Bay region on the North Island’s east coast.
Hawke’s BayMarlborough Anniversary
Celebrates the Marlborough region, famous for its wine production.
Marlborough RegionCanterbury Anniversary
Also known as Christchurch Show Day, celebrating the Canterbury region including New Zealand’s second-largest city.
Canterbury RegionWestland Anniversary
Celebrates the West Coast region on the South Island, known for its rugged landscape and glaciers.
West CoastMondayisation Rules
Since 2014, Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day are “Mondayised” under the Holidays Act 2003.
- If the holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday becomes a paid day off
- The holiday is still commemorated on the actual date
- In 2026: ANZAC Day (April 25) falls on Saturday, mondayised to April 27
- Boxing Day (December 26) also mondayised to December 28
Shopping Restrictions
New Zealand law restricts shop opening hours on certain public holidays.
- Good Friday: Most shops must remain closed
- Easter Sunday: Most shops must remain closed
- Christmas Day: All shops must be closed
- ANZAC Day: Shops must remain closed until 1pm
- Hospitality venues may have different rules
Regional Anniversary Days
Each region has its own anniversary day celebrating the founding of that province.
- Public holiday only in the specific region
- 16 different regional anniversaries across NZ
- Check your local council for your region’s anniversary
- Dates may vary from the actual historical anniversary
- Some regions observe on nearest Monday
2026 Long Weekends
New Zealand enjoys several long weekend opportunities in 2026.
- New Year: January 1-2 (Thursday-Friday)
- Waitangi Day: February 6 (Friday)
- Easter: April 3-6 (Friday to Monday)
- King’s Birthday: June 1 (Monday)
- Matariki: July 10 (Friday)
- Labour Day: October 26 (Monday)
- Christmas: December 25-28 with substitute day
