Westland is a territorial district that is located on the west coast of the south island. Westland originally belonged to Canterbury province but due gold rush travelling difficult to the Southern Alps which led to the formation of Westland country.

The landscape is crest formed between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The rainforest and steep mountain ranges make the place worthwhile for tourist attractions. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are the mountains that have made Westland noticeable all across the world.

When Westland anniversary day 2026 is held?

However, Westland is no longer a province but two famous districts of New Zealand i.e. Greymouth and Hokitika opt to celebrate this occasion on the Monday that is nearest to 1^st December.

This remarks the incidence of the splitting of Westland from Canterbury province. Nowadays, Greymouth is remembered as Gey district and Hokitika is a Westland district both places come under the west coast region of the south island of New Zealand.

Unlock the conquest and defeating history of Westland anniversary day:

Westland anniversary day is a celebration on the occasion of the foundation of the provinces. Westland provinces were established on past day of 1^st May 1868 which was caused by the rapid development of the gold rush in the 1860s.

The anniversary day simply honors the struggles and challenges that the settlers faced to regain regional habitat and prosperity. This occasion is even relevant to contemporary New Zealanders because strengthens the bond between people and their inhabitant land.

Apart from sealers, Europeans didn’t have any reason to move to Westland until gold was excavated in 1864. According to the survey,it is stipulated that during the time of the gold rush, Westland was reported to have the highest population all around.

Finally, Westland was declared as the last province to be recognized in New Zealand. The Province of Westland Act was passed under the governmental authority on 22nd August 1873 which enrolled it into the Westland district.

Along with other provinces Westland was further dissolved in 1876 with the introduction of the New Zealand Holiday Act 1981, it was discovered that it is still remembered locally. However, provinces used to have the power of local government but were not considered provincial districts.     

How to observe this anniversary day?

West Coast people enjoy this day as an opportunity to display distinct religious uniqueness. Events and activities imitate the province’s heritage, showcasing cultural, historical, and traditional aspects of the Westland region.

Westland is a perfect blend of Canterbury, Otago, and Southern Alps which allow you to experience a temperate oceanic climate along with higher temperature and rainfall.

This is the location that is famous for the excavation of the highest prized material, Pounamu, and gold used in jewelry and arts which opt to be valuable. Hokitika is admired as the greenstone capital of New Zealand and reflects the time of the gold rush with the magnificent old gold mining town.

You can visit other places in Westland on this day like Tai Poutini National Park to explore glaciers or go out and relax in the hot pool of Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. You can even enjoy the stunning lake Maatheson which renders the elegant view of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman.

Westland Anniversary Day 2026

Here you can explore the actual date and time of any auspicious event taking place in New Zealand. You can get to know about public holidays as well as you can know about the provincial holidays that have come into enforcement after the exercise of the Abolishment Act.  

Anniversary days in New Zealand –