Complete list of New Zealand national holidays, public holidays, and regional anniversary days for 2026. This calendar includes all statutory holidays observed nationwide along with regional anniversary days celebrated in different parts of New Zealand.
Important national holidays include Waitangi Day (Feb 6), ANZAC Day (Apr 25), King's Birthday (Jun 1), Labour Day (Oct 26), and the newly added Matariki (Jul 10) as a national holiday celebrating the Māori New Year.
Regional anniversary days vary by location and commemorate the founding dates or significant historical events of different provinces and regions across New Zealand.
| Thursday1 January | New Year's Day |
| Friday2 January | Day after New Year's Day |
| Monday19 January | Wellington Anniversary Day |
| Monday26 January | Northland Anniversary Day |
| Monday26 January | Auckland Anniversary Day |
| Monday2 February | Nelson Anniversary Day |
| Friday6 February | Waitangi Day |
| Monday9 March | Taranaki Anniversary Day |
| Monday23 March | Otago Anniversary Day |
| Friday3 April | Good Friday |
| Monday6 April | Easter Monday |
| Tuesday7 April | Southland Anniversary Day |
| Saturday25 April | ANZAC Day |
| Monday27 April | Day off for ANZAC Day |
| No public holidays this month |
| Monday1 June | King's Birthday |
| Friday10 July | Matariki |
| No public holidays this month |
| Monday28 September | South Canterbury Anniversary Day |
| Friday23 October | Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day |
| Monday26 October | Labour Day |
| Monday2 November | Marlborough Anniversary Day |
| Friday13 November | Canterbury Anniversary Day |
| Monday30 November | Chatham Islands Anniversary Day |
| Monday30 November | Westland Anniversary Day |
| Friday25 December | Christmas Day |
| Saturday26 December | Boxing Day |
| Monday28 December | Day off for Boxing Day |
New Zealand Holidays 2026: New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich Māori culture, and a healthy work–life balance. One important part of that balance is the country’s public holidays, which allow residents and visitors alike to pause, celebrate, and explore. If you’re planning work schedules, school activities, or travel in the coming year, knowing the New Zealand holidays in 2026 will help you plan better and make the most of long weekends.
In this guide, we cover the official public holidays in New Zealand for 2026, explain their cultural significance, and share tips on how people typically use these days — whether for relaxation, family time, or travel.New Zealand Holidays 2026
New Zealand observes a mix of national, historical, religious, and cultural holidays. Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others move each year or are celebrated on Mondays to create long weekends. In addition to nationwide holidays, there are also provincial anniversary days, which vary by region.
Most public holidays are governed by the Holidays Act, meaning employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or special compensation if they work on these days.
The year begins with New Year’s Day, a public holiday celebrated across the country. Many New Zealanders spend this time relaxing, visiting beaches, or enjoying summer festivals, as January falls in the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Unique to New Zealand, the second day of January is also a public holiday. Together, January 1 and 2 give people a great opportunity for extended breaks or short vacations.
Waitangi Day is one of the most significant national holidays. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established the foundation of modern New Zealand. The day is marked by cultural events, discussions, ceremonies, and public gatherings.New Zealand Holidays 2026
Observed as part of Easter, Good Friday is a public holiday with religious importance for Christians. Many businesses close, and families use the long Easter weekend for travel or rest.
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and completes the long weekend. It’s a popular time for domestic tourism, especially road trips and outdoor activities.
ANZAC Day honors Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in wars and peacekeeping missions. Dawn services are held nationwide, and the day is treated with deep respect and remembrance.
Formerly known as the Queen’s Birthday, this holiday celebrates the reigning monarch. It always falls on the first Monday of June, giving people a welcome mid-year long weekend.
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is based on the rising of the Matariki star cluster. This holiday focuses on reflection, remembrance, and looking ahead. It has become a meaningful cultural celebration across New Zealand.
Labour Day recognizes workers’ rights and achievements. Observed on the fourth Monday of October, it provides another long weekend and often signals the beginning of warmer months.
Christmas Day is widely celebrated with family gatherings, shared meals, and relaxation. Many businesses close, and the holiday atmosphere continues into the summer season.
In addition to national holidays, each region observes an Anniversary Day, celebrating the founding of its province. These holidays vary by location and date, so it’s important to check your local council or employer’s calendar.New Zealand Holidays 2026
Understanding the New Zealand holiday calendar for 2026 is useful for:
Flights, accommodation, and popular attractions often book out quickly around major holidays, so early planning is recommended.
The New Zealand holidays in 2026 reflect the country’s history, cultural diversity, and modern values. From national remembrance days to joyful summer celebrations, these holidays offer time to rest, reconnect, and explore everything New Zealand has to offer.New Zealand Holidays 2026
Whether you live in New Zealand or are planning a visit, keeping this holiday calendar in mind will help you enjoy the year more smoothly and meaningfully.
• National Holidays: Observed nationwide by all workers (New Year's Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, King's Birthday, Matariki, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day).
• Regional Anniversary Days: Observed only in specific regions or provinces. These dates vary by location and commemorate local founding dates.
• Day off holidays: When Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or ANZAC Day fall on a weekend, the following Monday (or Tuesday) is observed as a holiday.
• Matariki: Became an official public holiday in 2022, celebrating the Māori New Year based on the rising of the Matariki star cluster.