Public Holidays in New Zealand 2026 – National & Regional Holidays
New Zealand has a set of national public (statutory) holidays, along with regional or anniversary days that vary by province. Public holidays are governed by the Holidays Act 2003, which includes rules such as “Monday-isation” when holidays fall on weekends.
Travel Tip: Long weekends around Waitangi Day, Easter, Matariki, and Labour Day are popular for domestic travel. Visitors often plan trips using guides from places to visit in New Zealand, with accommodation options available through best hotels in New Zealand.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in the Netherlands
National Public Holidays in New Zealand (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Statutory holiday |
| January 2 | Friday | Day after New Year’s Day | Statutory holiday |
| February 6 | Friday | Waitangi Day | Treaty of Waitangi signing |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance; statutory holiday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Observed after Easter Sunday |
| April 25 | Saturday | Anzac Day | War remembrance day (morning closures apply) |
| April 27 | Monday | Anzac Day (Mondayised) | Observed due to Saturday |
| June 1 | Monday | King’s Birthday | First Monday in June |
| June 19 | Friday | Matariki | Māori New Year |
| October 26 | Monday | Labour Day | Fourth Monday in October |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Statutory holiday |
| December 28 | Monday | Boxing Day (Mondayised) | Observed due to Saturday |
National Public Holidays in New Zealand (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Statutory holiday |
| January 2 | Thursday | Day after New Year’s Day | Statutory holiday |
| February 6 | Thursday | Waitangi Day | Treaty of Waitangi signing |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Statutory holiday |
| April 25 | Friday | Anzac Day | War remembrance day |
| June 2 | Monday | King’s Birthday | First Monday in June |
| June 20 | Friday | Matariki | Māori New Year |
| October 27 | Monday | Labour Day | Fourth Monday in October |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Statutory holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day | Statutory holiday |
Regional / Anniversary Days
Each region or city in New Zealand observes an anniversary day that applies only locally. Examples include Auckland Anniversary Day and Wellington Anniversary Day. These are additional to national holidays and vary by region.
Rules & Observance Notes
- Many holidays are Mondayised when they fall on weekends.
- Mandatory shop closures apply on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and until 1 pm on Anzac Day.
- Employees generally receive 11 national public holidays plus one regional anniversary day.
- Matariki has been a national public holiday since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many national public holidays does New Zealand have in 2026?
New Zealand has 11 national statutory public holidays in 2026.
What is “Monday-isation”?
Monday-isation means that when a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes the observed holiday.
Is Matariki observed every year?
Yes. Matariki is now an annual national public holiday.
Do shops close on all public holidays?
No. Mandatory closures apply only on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and the morning of Anzac Day.
Conclusion
Public holidays in New Zealand reflect national identity, Māori culture, and regional history. From Waitangi Day and Anzac Day to Matariki and Christmas, these holidays structure work, travel, and community life. Because regional anniversary days vary, always check your local calendar for additional observances.
