New Zealand public holidays 2026
2026 Public Holidays
National holidays plus regional days for your area shown first.
Showing info for All New Zealand
Golden long-weekend tips
Day after New Year's Day — 4 days off
Friday 2 January off — add Monday 5 January leave for 4 days off.
Wellington Anniversary — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 16 January for a 4-day long weekend.
Auckland Anniversary — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 23 January for a 4-day long weekend.
Waitangi Day — 4 days off
Friday 6 February off — add Monday 9 February leave for 4 days off.
Good Friday — 4 days off
Friday 3 April off — add Monday 6 April leave for 4 days off.
Easter weekend — 5 days off
Good Friday to Easter Monday is already 4 days — take Tuesday 7 April off for a 5-day break.
Easter Monday — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 3 April for a 4-day long weekend.
ANZAC Day — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 24 April for a 4-day long weekend.
King's Birthday — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 29 May for a 4-day long weekend.
Matariki — 4 days off
Friday 10 July off — add Monday 13 July leave for 4 days off.
Labour Day — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 23 October for a 4-day long weekend.
Canterbury Anniversary — 4 days off
Friday 13 November off — add Monday 16 November leave for 4 days off.
Christmas Day — 4 days off
Take annual leave on Friday 25 December for a 4-day long weekend.
Christmas / New Year — 10 days off
Book leave 24–31 December between Christmas and New Year for up to 10 days away.
Upcoming holidays
Canterbury Anniversary
Canterbury · Christchurch
Fri, 13 Nov 2026
Matariki
Nationwide
Fri, 10 Jul 2026
Labour Day
Nationwide
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Christmas Day
Nationwide
Friday 25 December → observed Monday 28 December
Mon, 28 Dec 2026
MondayisedBoxing Day
Nationwide
Saturday 26 December → observed Tuesday 29 December
Tue, 29 Dec 2026
Mondayised
Plan your 2026 year around NZ public holidays
New Zealand has eleven nationwide public holidays plus regional anniversary days that vary by province. When a fixed-date holiday falls on a weekend, it is often Mondayised (observed on the following Monday or Tuesday).
Use this calendar to spot golden long weekends — where one day of annual leave can give you a four-day break — and to see regional holidays that only apply in parts of the country.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does New Zealand have in 2026?▾
There are eleven national public holidays in 2026, plus regional anniversary days such as Auckland Anniversary, Wellington Anniversary, and Canterbury Anniversary that apply in specific regions.
What is a Mondayised holiday in NZ?▾
If Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, or ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is usually observed on the next Monday (or Tuesday for Boxing Day/New Year’s when needed) so workers still get a day off.
When is Matariki in 2026?▾
Matariki (Māori New Year) is a movable public holiday based on the maramataka lunar calendar. In 2026 it falls on Friday 10 July, giving many Kiwis a mid-winter long weekend.
Do all NZ regions have the same holidays?▾
National holidays apply everywhere. Regional anniversary days celebrate the founding of each province and are public holidays only in that region — for example Auckland Anniversary is not a holiday in Christchurch.
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Information is indicative only. Confirm official details with your council, school, or MetService where required. Return to MyNZ home.