Understanding New Zealand Public Holidays — 2026 Guide

New Zealand is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and well-observed public holidays that balance work with important national, cultural, and religious celebrations. Each year, these holidays give Kiwis time to relax, connect with family, celebrate heritage, and reflect on national and spiritual traditions. The public holiday calendar in New Zealand for 2026 includes a mix of long-standing national days, observances linked to history, and seasonal celebrations.

What Are Public Holidays in New Zealand?

Public holidays in New Zealand are days when most employees are entitled to a day off work with pay, provided they would normally work on that day. If a holiday falls on a weekend or a non-working day, many of these are “Mondayised,” meaning the holiday is observed on the following Monday so that employees still receive their day off.

The New Zealand government recognises a range of national public holidays, starting with the New Year and ending with Christmas, alongside significant cultural and historical observances.

Key Public Holidays in 2026

Here are the major nationwide public holidays observed in New Zealand through 2026:

• New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January
• Day after New Year’s Day – Friday, 2 January
• Waitangi Day – Friday, 6 February
• Good Friday – Friday, 3 April
• Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April
• Anzac Day – 25 April (observed Monday, 27 April)
• King’s Birthday – Monday, 1 June
• Matariki – Friday, 10 July
• Labour Day – Monday, 26 October
• Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December
• Boxing Day – Saturday, 26 December (observed Monday, 28 December)

Beyond these, there are also regional anniversary days celebrated in various parts of New Zealand, such as Wellington Anniversary Day, Auckland Anniversary Day, and others. These are local holidays observed in specific regions that reflect provincial heritage and settlement history.

Easter 2026 in New Zealand

Easter is a significant time in New Zealand, both culturally and religiously. In 2026:

• Good Friday falls on 3 April 2026, marking the crucifixion of Jesus according to Christian tradition.
• Easter Monday follows on 6 April 2026, honouring the resurrection and completing the NZ Easter 2026 weekend observance.

Although Easter Sunday itself is not a public holiday (employees aren’t automatically entitled to a day off for it), the surrounding days are widely recognised, and many businesses close or operate under special conditions. The Easter period often serves as a time for families to travel, attend church services, and enjoy Easter traditions such as egg hunts and long weekends.

Waitangi Day 2026 — A National Commemoration

One of New Zealand’s most important public holidays is Waitangi Day, which commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840, an agreement between Māori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. This treaty is considered the founding document of modern New Zealand and is a day of reflection on the nation’s history, identity, and bicultural heritage.

Waitangi Day 2026 is observed on Friday, 6 February, giving many New Zealanders a long weekend to participate in commemorations, attend cultural events, or spend time with family. Ceremonies at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands and other community events throughout the country highlight the day’s significance.

Why Public Holidays Matter in NZ

Public holidays play an important role in New Zealand life. They provide structured breaks in the working year, help preserve cultural heritage, and allow families and communities to gather. Whether it’s celebrating the start of a new year, reflecting on national identity during Waitangi Day, observing religious traditions at Easter, or celebrating the Māori new year with Matariki, each holiday contributes to social cohesion and national rhythm.

For individuals and businesses alike, planning around the public holiday calendar helps maximise time off, manage workloads, and enjoy well-deserved breaks throughout the year.