Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in New Zealand for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling important business meetings, booking family vacations, or coordinating work rosters, understanding these nationwide holidays helps you make the most of your time. This comprehensive guide covers all 11 confirmed national public holidays recognized across New Zealand, giving you the clarity needed to plan effectively throughout the year.
Official National Public Holidays in New Zealand 2026
New Zealand observes 11 statutory public holidays that apply nationwide. These holidays are set by law and provide employees with paid days off work. However, it’s worth noting that some holidays fall on weekends and are “Mondayised,” meaning the observance shifts to the following Monday to ensure workers receive their entitled day off.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | Day after New Year’s Day |
| 6 February | Friday | Waitangi Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 25 April (Observed 27 April) | Saturday (Observed Monday) | Anzac Day |
| 1 June | Monday | King’s Birthday |
| 10 July | Friday | Matariki |
| 26 October | Monday | Labour Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December (Observed 28 December) | Saturday (Observed Monday) | Boxing Day |
Understanding New Zealand’s Public Holiday System
The public holiday system in New Zealand operates under specific rules that benefit both employers and employees. These statutory holidays—sometimes called “stat” holidays—are protected by employment law and ensure workers receive appropriate compensation or time off. Moreover, the introduction of Mondayisation in 2014 for specific holidays has created fairer outcomes when holidays fall on weekends.
What is Mondayisation?
Mondayisation is a policy that applies to Waitangi Day and Anzac Day when these holidays fall on weekends. In 2026, Anzac Day falls on Saturday, April 25, which means workers will receive Monday, April 27, as their statutory holiday. Similarly, Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26, and will be observed on Monday, December 28. Consequently, this ensures that workers don’t miss out on their entitled public holiday when it coincides with a weekend.
Trading Hour Restrictions
Certain public holidays in New Zealand come with retail trading restrictions. Most shops are required to remain closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Anzac Day morning (until 1 pm). Nevertheless, some businesses such as dairies, service stations, and restaurants may open under specific exemptions. Always check with individual retailers about their holiday operating hours before planning your shopping trips.
Key Public Holidays in 2026 Explained
New Year Celebrations (1-2 January)
The year kicks off with two consecutive public holidays. New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, celebrates the beginning of 2026, followed immediately by the Day after New Year’s Day on Friday, January 2. This creates a natural long weekend, perfect for summer activities and beach trips during New Zealand’s warmest season.
Waitangi Day (6 February)
Falling on Friday, February 6, Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi—the Treaty of Waitangi—in 1840. This foundational document established the partnership between Māori and the Crown. The day features official ceremonies at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, alongside cultural performances and community events throughout the country. Therefore, it represents a significant moment for reflecting on New Zealand’s bicultural heritage.
Easter Weekend (3-6 April)
Easter provides a four-day long weekend in 2026, beginning with Good Friday on April 3 and extending through to Easter Monday on April 6. This Christian holiday observes the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Kiwis use this time for family gatherings, autumn camping trips, and outdoor adventures before winter sets in. Additionally, hot cross buns become a popular treat during this period.
Anzac Day (25 April, Observed 27 April)
Anzac Day honors the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Although the actual day falls on Saturday, April 25, the public holiday will be observed on Monday, April 27, thanks to Mondayisation. Dawn services are held across the country, with many New Zealanders attending commemorative ceremonies. You can explore more about planning your schedule around public holidays at Current Local Times Around the World to coordinate international events.
King’s Birthday (1 June)
The King’s Birthday holiday celebrates the reigning monarch, King Charles III. Observed on the first Monday in June, this long weekend provides an excellent opportunity for winter getaways, skiing trips to the South Island, and cozy indoor activities as the colder weather settles in.
Matariki (10 July)
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and celebrates the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in the midwinter sky. First observed as an official public holiday in 2022, Matariki falls on Friday, July 10, 2026, creating another long weekend. This holiday embraces remembrance, celebration, and looking forward to the year ahead. Communities gather for festivals, traditional kai (food), storytelling, kapa haka performances, and stargazing events. Meanwhile, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with Māori culture and traditions.
Labour Day (26 October)
Labour Day recognizes the achievements of the labour movement and workers’ rights in New Zealand. Celebrated on the fourth Monday of October, it marks the beginning of spring and the warmer weather ahead. Many Kiwis spend this long weekend gardening, enjoying outdoor activities, or taking short trips to appreciate the season’s renewal.
Christmas and Boxing Day (25-26 December)
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and traditional summer festivities. Boxing Day, originally a day for giving to the less fortunate, follows on Saturday, December 26, but will be observed on Monday, December 28, due to Mondayisation. These holidays create an extended break perfect for beach barbecues, cricket matches, and quality time with loved ones during the height of summer.
Planning Tips for 2026 Public Holidays
Strategic planning around public holidays can maximize your annual leave and create extended breaks throughout the year. In 2026, several opportunities exist for creating longer vacations with minimal annual leave usage. For instance, the Easter long weekend combined with a few strategic leave days can provide substantial time off for travel or relaxation.
Long Weekends in 2026
New Zealand offers several natural long weekends in 2026. The New Year holidays create a four-day weekend from January 1-4. Waitangi Day on Friday, February 6, provides a three-day weekend. Easter delivers four consecutive days off from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6. Anzac Day’s observance on Monday, April 27, creates another long weekend. Furthermore, King’s Birthday (June 1), Matariki (July 10), and Labour Day (October 26) all fall on Mondays, automatically generating three-day weekends.
Maximizing Your Annual Leave
By strategically booking annual leave around public holidays, you can extend your time off significantly. For example, taking leave from Tuesday, April 7 through Friday, April 10 after Easter Monday gives you 10 consecutive days off while using only four leave days. Similarly, the Christmas period offers excellent opportunities—taking leave from December 22-24 and December 29-31 creates a 16-day break using just six annual leave days. Planning ahead ensures you secure your preferred dates, especially during peak holiday periods.
Consider Regional Anniversary Days
While this guide focuses on nationwide holidays, remember that each region in New Zealand celebrates its own anniversary day. These regional holidays vary by location and can provide additional long weekends depending on where you live or work. Check your local council website to confirm your region’s specific anniversary day for 2026. If you need help tracking multiple time zones and deadlines, the Timer tools available online can assist with managing your schedule efficiently.
Public Holidays and Your Employment Rights
Understanding your employment rights regarding public holidays ensures fair treatment in the workplace. Employees who work on public holidays are entitled to special compensation, which typically includes payment at time-and-a-half for hours worked plus an alternative holiday (day in lieu) to be taken later. However, if a public holiday falls on a day you wouldn’t normally work, different rules apply.
What Happens If You Work on a Public Holiday?
When you work on a public holiday that would normally be a working day for you, you’re entitled to receive payment at one-and-a-half times your regular rate for all hours worked. Additionally, you should receive an alternative holiday—a paid day off to be taken at a later date agreed upon with your employer. These provisions ensure workers are fairly compensated for sacrificing their holiday time.
Public Holidays Falling on Non-Working Days
If a public holiday falls on a day you wouldn’t normally work (such as a Saturday for someone with a Monday-Friday schedule), you’re not automatically entitled to an alternative day off. However, Mondayisation provisions may apply for certain holidays, potentially moving the observance to a working day. Shift workers have special considerations under employment law, so it’s important to discuss your specific situation with your employer.
Shopping and Service Availability During Public Holidays
Public holiday trading hours vary significantly across different types of businesses in New Zealand. While many retail stores close on major holidays, essential services and certain businesses remain open. Supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, and hospitality venues often operate with modified hours, though some restrictions apply on specific holidays.
Good Friday and Easter Sunday enforce the strictest trading restrictions, with most shops required to close. Christmas Day also sees widespread closures across the retail sector. In contrast, Boxing Day and other holidays typically see more businesses operating, albeit sometimes with reduced hours. Online shopping remains available year-round, though delivery timeframes may be affected during holiday periods. For more insights on time management and scheduling during busy holiday periods, visit our comprehensive Guide blog page for helpful resources.
Tourism and Travel Considerations
Public holidays significantly impact tourism and travel in New Zealand. Domestic travel peaks during long weekends and the Christmas-New Year period, with accommodation and flights booking out well in advance. Popular destinations such as the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, and Queenstown experience high visitor numbers during these times. Booking early is essential for securing preferred dates and avoiding inflated prices.
International visitors should be aware that some attractions, museums, and tours may operate with reduced schedules or close entirely on certain public holidays. Transportation services, including buses and trains, often run modified timetables. Nevertheless, many tourist activities continue operating, particularly in major cities and resort areas. Researching specific operating hours for your intended destinations prevents disappointment and ensures smooth travel experiences.
Cultural Significance of New Zealand’s Public Holidays
New Zealand’s public holidays reflect the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and values. Waitangi Day and Matariki specifically celebrate Māori culture and New Zealand’s bicultural foundation. Waitangi Day honors the treaty that established the relationship between Māori and the Crown, while Matariki recognizes traditional Māori astronomical knowledge and the lunar calendar.
Anzac Day demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to remembering those who served in military conflicts, maintaining strong historical connections with Australia through shared wartime experiences. The religious holidays of Easter and Christmas acknowledge New Zealand’s Christian heritage, though they’re celebrated in increasingly secular ways by many Kiwis. Altogether, these holidays create opportunities for communities to gather, reflect, and celebrate shared values and history.
Economic Impact of Public Holidays
Public holidays play a significant role in New Zealand’s economy. Retail businesses experience both challenges and opportunities during these periods. While mandatory closures on certain holidays reduce trading days, consumer spending typically increases before and after major holidays. The hospitality and tourism sectors benefit substantially from domestic travel during long weekends.
Employers face increased labor costs when operations continue during public holidays due to enhanced pay rates and alternative holiday entitlements. Small businesses must carefully plan staffing and cash flow around these periods. On the other hand, the breaks provided by public holidays contribute to employee wellbeing, potentially increasing productivity and job satisfaction throughout the year.
School Holidays and Public Holidays
While public holidays and school holidays operate independently, they occasionally align to create extended breaks for families. The 2026 school year typically begins in late January or early February, meaning the New Year holidays fall during the summer school break. Easter holidays (early April) and Matariki (July) both coincide with term breaks, providing families with aligned time off.
Parents should note that school term dates vary slightly between individual schools, though the Ministry of Education sets general timeframes. Planning family activities around both public holidays and school term breaks ensures everyone can participate without conflicting commitments. Checking specific school calendars early in the year helps families coordinate vacations and childcare arrangements effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which public holidays are recognized nationwide in New Zealand for 2026?
New Zealand recognizes 11 nationwide public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), Day after New Year’s Day (January 2), Waitangi Day (February 6), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6), Anzac Day (April 25, observed April 27), King’s Birthday (June 1), Matariki (July 10), Labour Day (October 26), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26, observed December 28). These holidays apply to all workers across New Zealand regardless of location or industry.
Which public holidays in 2026 create long weekends?
Several public holidays in 2026 naturally create long weekends. The New Year period provides a four-day break (January 1-4). Waitangi Day falls on Friday, February 6, creating a three-day weekend. Easter offers four consecutive days off (April 3-6). The Mondayised Anzac Day (April 27) generates another long weekend. King’s Birthday (June 1), Matariki (July 10), and Labour Day (October 26) all occur on Mondays, automatically producing three-day weekends. Christmas Day on Friday leads into a long weekend, extended further by the Mondayised Boxing Day on December 28.
What is Mondayisation and which holidays does it affect in 2026?
Mondayisation is a policy introduced in 2014 that transfers certain public holidays to the following Monday when they fall on weekends. This ensures workers receive their entitled day off. In 2026, Mondayisation affects Anzac Day (April 25 falls on Saturday, observed Monday, April 27) and Boxing Day (December 26 falls on Saturday, observed Monday, December 28). Waitangi Day and Anzac Day are the two holidays covered by Mondayisation legislation. The holidays are still commemorated on their actual dates, but the statutory day off for workers shifts to Monday.
Are shops allowed to open on all public holidays in New Zealand?
No, trading restrictions apply to specific public holidays in New Zealand. Most shops must remain closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Anzac Day morning (until 1 pm). Essential services like dairies, service stations, petrol stations, pharmacies, and some hospitality businesses may open under exemptions. Other public holidays generally allow normal trading, though individual businesses may choose to close or operate with reduced hours. These restrictions protect the special nature of certain holidays while balancing consumer needs.
How do I find out about regional anniversary days for my area?
Each region in New Zealand celebrates its own anniversary day at different times throughout the year. These are set by regional or city councils based on local customs and history. To find your specific regional anniversary day, visit your local council’s website or contact them directly. The dates may not always match the founding date you might expect for your region. Anniversary days provide an additional public holiday specific to your location, separate from the 11 nationwide holidays.
Can public holiday dates change after they’re announced?
National public holidays in New Zealand are set by legislation and rarely change. The dates for most holidays are fixed (like Christmas Day and Waitangi Day) or follow set formulas (like King’s Birthday being the first Monday in June). However, Matariki is the exception—its date varies each year based on the Māori lunar calendar and is announced well in advance. Once announced, the Matariki date remains fixed for that year. Regional anniversary days are determined by local councils and may occasionally shift to avoid conflicts with other holidays or special events.
What are my rights if I have to work on a public holiday?
If you work on a public holiday that would normally be a working day for you, you’re entitled to payment at time-and-a-half (1.5 times your regular rate) for all hours worked, plus an alternative holiday (day in lieu) to be taken later. If the public holiday falls on a day you wouldn’t normally work, different rules apply and you may not be entitled to an alternative day off, though you should still receive enhanced payment if you work. Employment New Zealand provides detailed guidance on these rights, and workers should discuss specifics with their employers.
Conclusion
Planning ahead with New Zealand’s public holidays for 2026 empowers you to make the most of your year. The 11 nationwide holidays offer numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. From the summer festivities of New Year to the cultural significance of Matariki and Waitangi Day, each holiday contributes to the rich tapestry of New Zealand life.
Remember to bookmark this comprehensive list and check back regularly when planning important events, booking travel, or coordinating work schedules. Understanding your rights and the cultural significance behind these holidays ensures you can fully appreciate the time off while respecting the traditions they represent. Whether you’re maximizing long weekends or simply ensuring accurate scheduling, this guide provides the authoritative information you need for 2026.
For more helpful resources on time management, scheduling, and planning, visit our comprehensive guides section where you’ll find valuable tools and information to organize your year effectively.