Public Holidays

NZ Public Holidays 2026

List of New Zealand Public Holidays 2026 –

Look below list of NZ Public holidays 2026, these dates may be changed as per gov of New Zealand, so please check again in 2026 –

New Year’s Day – Thu, Jan 1, 2026

New Zealand is among the first countries in the world to welcome the New Year on January 1st. Both New Year’s Day and the following day are observed as public holidays nationwide. The arrival of the New Year is widely celebrated with vibrant fireworks displays. Another common tradition is making resolutions for the year ahead.

Day after New Year’s Day – Fri, Jan 2, 2026

The Day after New Year’s Day is a statutory public holiday in New Zealand. On this day, schools, government offices, banks, and major private businesses remain closed. Additionally, New Year’s Day falls in the middle of the school summer holidays in New Zealand, making it a popular time for vacations and celebrations.

Wellington Anniversary Day – Mon, Jan 19, 2026

Wellington Anniversary Day is not observed globally on the same date. In the Wellington region, it is celebrated on the Monday closest to January 22. The holiday commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers, who landed on January 22, 1840, at the site of present-day Wellington.

Auckland Anniversary Day – Mon, Jan 26, 2026

Auckland Anniversary Day is a regional public holiday that commemorates Governor William Hobson’s proclamation uniting New Zealand as a sovereign nation under British rule. While the holiday is typically observed on the Monday closest to January 29, the actual date of celebration may vary slightly from year to year.

Nelson Anniversary Day – Mon, Feb 2, 2026

Nelson Anniversary Day is typically celebrated on the Monday closest to February 1st, marking the beginning of the Nelson settlement by the New Zealand Company on February 1, 1842. In 2026, the holiday falls on February 2. The city of Nelson is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Waitangi Day – Fri, Feb 6, 2026

Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day, commemorating the anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi’s signing. It is observed annually on February 6. The day begins with a dawn service around 5 a.m. at Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house. Following the service, various celebrations take place throughout the day across the Treaty Grounds.

Taranaki Anniversary Day – Mon, Mar 9, 2026

Taranaki Anniversary Day is a public holiday celebrated in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. It is observed annually on the second Monday of March, and in 2026, it falls on March 10. The holiday commemorates the first European settlement in New Plymouth, established in 1841. Originally called New Plymouth Province, the region was renamed Taranaki Province in 1859.

Otago Anniversary Day – Mon, Mar 23, 2026

Otago Anniversary Day is a public holiday observed annually on the Monday closest to March 23 in the southern third of New Zealand’s South Island. It commemorates the arrival of the first settlers on March 23, 1848. Various events are held throughout Otago, with many major celebrations taking place in Dunedin.

Good Friday – Fri, Apr 3, 2026

In New Zealand, only Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized as public holidays. Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, and shops may open if permitted by the local council. Good Friday is a significant Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Easter Monday – Mon, Apr 6, 2026

In New Zealand, Easter falls during the autumn season, as it does in all Southern Hemisphere countries. Easter celebrations are similar to those held worldwide, including popular activities like Easter egg hunts, traditionally associated with spring. With a four-day weekend, Easter offers a perfect opportunity for short getaways and family trips.

Southland Anniversary Day – Tue, Apr 7, 2026

Southland Anniversary Day is a public holiday in New Zealand’s Southland Region, typically observed on the Tuesday following Easter. In 2026, it will be celebrated on April 7. The date was selected to align closely with the official formation of the Southland Province and to create a convenient five-day weekend.

Anzac Day – Sat, Apr 25, 2026

ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose courageous soldiers became known as ANZACs. Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915, honoring their bravery and sacrifice during World War I.

King’s Birthday – Mon, Jun 1, 2026

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday in New Zealand, celebrated annually on the first Monday in June. Although King Charles III was born on November 14, 1948, the official holiday does not align with his actual birth date. In 2026, the King’s Birthday will be observed on Monday, June 1.

Matariki – Fri, July 10, 2026

Matariki is a special event in the New Zealand calendar, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year. It is signaled by the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster in the night sky. This time is ideal for reflecting on the past year, celebrating the present, and planning for the year ahead.

South Canterbury Anniversary Day – Mon, Sep 28, 2026

South Canterbury Anniversary Day is a public holiday observed on the fourth Monday of September. Although New Zealand’s original provinces, which existed from 1853 to 1876, have long been abolished, the holiday continues to be celebrated. In 2026, it falls on September 28. The holiday commemorates the arrival of the ‘First Four Ships,’ which brought settlers from England to New Zealand.

Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary Day – Fri, Oct 23, 2026

Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day is a public holiday celebrated in the Hawke’s Bay region, providing a day off for the general public and students, with most businesses closed. In 2026, it will be observed on October 23. Residents of the former province mark this day each year with local festivities and pride.

Labour Day – Mon, Oct 26, 2026

Labour Day in New Zealand is a public holiday observed annually on the fourth Monday of October. While different countries celebrate Labour Day on various dates, in New Zealand, it commemorates the achievement of the eight-hour workday and the 48-hour workweek, which officially became law in 1899.

Marlborough Anniversary Day – Mon, Nov 2, 2026

Marlborough Anniversary Day is a public holiday celebrated in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It commemorates the establishment of the Marlborough province. In 2026, the holiday will be observed on November 2, giving locals a chance to reflect on the region’s origins and enjoy a well-deserved day off.

Canterbury Anniversary Day – Fri, Nov 13, 2026

Canterbury Anniversary Day is a regional public holiday celebrated in New Zealand’s Canterbury Region, typically on the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November. In 2026, it will be observed on November 13. The day commemorates the founding of the Canterbury Region, with various events held across the area, especially in Christchurch.

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day – Mon, Nov 30, 2026

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day is celebrated annually on the Monday closest to November 30 and will be observed on Nov 30, 2026. It is a public holiday in New Zealand’s Chatham Islands Territory, which comprises around 10 islands. The day marks the region’s heritage and is a time for local celebration.

Westland Anniversary Day – Mon, Nov 30, 2026

Westland Anniversary Day is celebrated each December in towns like Greymouth and Hokitika. The date varies annually and is observed on the Monday closest to December 1. It is a public holiday in the West Coast region, providing a day off for the general public and schools. In 2026, it falls on Monday, November 30.

Christmas Day – Fri, Dec 25, 2025

Christmas is the festival for honoring the birth of Jesus Christ that is observed primarily on 25th December as a religious as well as cultural celebration among numerous people all around the world. Many kids receive gifts from Santa Claus and also people exchange their Christmas cards.

Boxing Day – Sat, Dec 26, 2026

Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain and also some Commonwealth countries mainly in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on December 26. On this day, servants, trades people, and also the poor traditionally were offered with gifts. By the 21st century, this day is associated with shopping and sporting events.

Holidays

Public Holidays 2025

Waitangi Day 2025

Matariki 2025

New Year’s Day 2025

Father’s Day 2025

Mother’s Day 2025

ANZAC Day 2025

Labour Day 2025

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