NZ Public Holidays 2027: Table of Contents
NZ Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance
New Zealand has national public holidays throughout the year. Some holidays fall on weekends and have an observed weekday date. The table below shows the main 2027 dates for planning.
| Public Holiday | 2027 Date | Observed Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Friday, 1 January | Friday, 1 January |
| Day after New Year’s Day | Saturday, 2 January | Monday, 4 January |
| Waitangi Day | Saturday, 6 February | Monday, 8 February |
| Good Friday | Friday, 26 March | — |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 29 March | — |
| ANZAC Day | Sunday, 25 April | Monday, 26 April |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 7 June | — |
| Matariki | Friday, 25 June | — |
| Labour Day | Monday, 25 October | — |
| Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December | Monday, 27 December |
| Boxing Day | Sunday, 26 December | Tuesday, 28 December |
Several 2027 holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday. Their observed dates move to the following Monday or Tuesday.
Regional anniversary days are separate from the national public holidays and vary across New Zealand.
Planning note: An observed public holiday is especially important when a national holiday falls on a weekend. The observed date is the date used for employee public holiday entitlements. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Understanding NZ Public Holidays in 2027
Each public holiday has its own date and rules. Some holidays also have an observed date when they fall on a weekend. For families, it is useful to understand how these dates fit around the school year.
New Year Holidays
New Year’s Day is Friday 1 January 2027. The day after New Year’s Day falls on Saturday 2 January and is observed on Monday 4 January.
Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day is Saturday 6 February 2027. The observed public holiday is Monday 8 February when the weekend date is Mondayised.
Easter Holidays
Good Friday falls on 26 March and Easter Monday falls on 29 March. For schools, Easter Tuesday on 30 March is also a school holiday.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is Sunday 25 April 2027. The observed public holiday is Monday 26 April. This date falls within the Term 1 holiday period.
King’s Birthday
The King’s Birthday is Monday 7 June 2027. It is a national public holiday and falls during Term 2 of the school year.
Matariki
Matariki is Friday 25 June 2027. It is a national public holiday and falls during Term 2.
Labour Day
Labour Day falls on Monday 25 October 2027. It occurs during Term 4 and can affect school and family planning.
Christmas & Boxing Day
Christmas Day falls on Saturday 25 December and is observed on Monday 27 December. Boxing Day falls on Sunday 26 December and is observed on Tuesday 28 December.
What About Easter Tuesday?
Easter Tuesday is not a national public holiday for employees. However, it is a school holiday under the NZ school calendar. In 2027, Easter Tuesday falls on 30 March. Schools are closed on this day as part of the Easter school holiday period.
Public Holidays vs School Holidays
A public holiday and a school holiday are not always the same thing. Some public holidays happen during school terms, while others fall within scheduled school breaks. Always check the official school calendar alongside the public holiday dates.
Observed Public Holidays in New Zealand 2027
Some NZ public holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday in 2027. When this happens, the public holiday can be observed on a weekday instead. This is commonly known as Mondayisation.
The observed date is important for employees because it determines when the public holiday entitlement applies. The actual calendar date and the observed date can therefore be different.
Weekend Holiday
A public holiday may fall on Saturday or Sunday. In that situation, the holiday can have an observed weekday date.
Observed Weekday
The holiday is observed on a weekday under New Zealand’s public holiday rules. This can create a long weekend.
Check Both Dates
When planning work, appointments, travel, or services, check the actual holiday date and its observed date.
2027 Holidays With Observed Dates
| Holiday | Actual Date | Observed Date |
|---|---|---|
| Day after New Year’s Day | Saturday, 2 January | Monday, 4 January |
| Waitangi Day | Saturday, 6 February | Monday, 8 February |
| ANZAC Day | Sunday, 25 April | Monday, 26 April |
| Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December | Monday, 27 December |
| Boxing Day | Sunday, 26 December | Tuesday, 28 December |
Does Mondayisation Change the School Calendar?
Not necessarily. School closures follow education rules and the school’s own calendar. A public holiday’s observed date does not automatically mean every school has an additional school holiday. Check your school’s calendar for the exact school closure dates.
Good to know: Mondayisation mainly matters when a public holiday falls on a weekend. It helps determine the relevant observed date for public holiday entitlements and planning.
NZ Regional Anniversary Days 2027
New Zealand also has regional anniversary days. These are separate from the national public holidays listed earlier on this page.
The date depends on the region. Some anniversary days also cover nearby areas, so the correct date can depend on where you live or work. Check your local authority or employer if you are unsure.
| Region | 2027 Date | Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Monday, 1 February | Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland and Gisborne |
| Canterbury South | Monday, 27 September | South Canterbury |
| Canterbury | Friday, 12 November | Canterbury |
| Chatham Islands | Monday, 29 November | Chatham Islands |
| Hawke’s Bay | Friday, 22 October | Hawke’s Bay |
| Marlborough | Monday, 1 November | Marlborough |
| Nelson | Monday, 1 February | Nelson, Tasman and Buller |
| Otago | Monday, 22 March | Otago |
| Southland | Tuesday, 30 March | Southland |
| Taranaki | Monday, 8 March | Taranaki |
| Wellington | Monday, 25 January | Wellington, Manawatu and Whanganui |
| Westland | Monday, 29 November | Westland |
Do Regional Anniversary Days Affect Schools?
They can affect whether schools, businesses, and other organisations operate normally. However, school closure arrangements can depend on the school’s location and calendar. Check your school’s published dates before planning around a regional anniversary day.
Planning tip: If you live near a regional boundary, confirm which anniversary day applies to your area. Local coverage can differ from the region’s commonly used name.
How NZ Public Holidays Affect Schools in 2027
Public holidays are an important part of the New Zealand school calendar. However, a public holiday does not always create an extra school holiday. Its effect depends on where the date falls within the school year.
Public Holiday During Term
Some public holidays occur while students would normally be attending school. Schools are generally closed on applicable public holidays.
Holiday During a School Break
A public holiday can also fall inside a scheduled school holiday. In that case, it does not necessarily create another school closure.
School Calendar Still Matters
Your school’s calendar may include teacher-only days, events, and other approved closure days that are not national holidays.
Key Public Holidays During the 2027 School Year
| Holiday | Date | School Calendar Context |
|---|---|---|
| Waitangi Day |
6 February Observed 8 February |
Falls around the start of Term 1. |
| Good Friday | 26 March | Falls during Term 1. |
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Part of the Easter period. |
| ANZAC Day |
25 April Observed 26 April |
Falls within the Term 1 school holiday period. |
| King’s Birthday | 7 June | Falls during Term 2. |
| Matariki | 25 June | Falls during Term 2. |
| Labour Day | 25 October | Falls during Term 4. |
What About Easter Tuesday?
Easter Tuesday is not a national public holiday for employees. However, it is a school holiday in New Zealand. In 2027, it falls on Tuesday, 30 March, during the Term 1 period.
What Parents Should Check
- Check whether the public holiday falls during a school term.
- Check the school’s own calendar for closure days.
- Look for teacher-only days and school events.
- Confirm childcare arrangements around longer breaks.
- Check regional anniversary dates if they apply to your area.
Important: The national public holiday calendar and the school calendar serve different purposes. Always use your school’s published calendar for exact attendance and closure information.
Long Weekends and Holiday Planning in 2027
Several NZ public holidays create useful long weekends in 2027. Weekend holidays can also have observed dates on Monday or Tuesday. This makes the public holiday calendar helpful for planning trips, family activities, and time away from work.
However, a long weekend does not always mean an extra school holiday. Families should check the school calendar before making childcare or travel arrangements.
Key Long Weekend Opportunities in 2027
Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day falls on Saturday 6 February. The observed public holiday is Monday 8 February, creating a three-day weekend.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day falls on Sunday 25 April. It is observed on Monday 26 April, providing a weekday public holiday.
King’s Birthday
The King’s Birthday falls on Monday 7 June. It provides a natural three-day weekend for many workers.
Matariki
Matariki falls on Friday 25 June. This creates another three-day weekend for people who normally have weekends off.
Labour Day
Labour Day falls on Monday 25 October. It provides a three-day weekend when combined with the normal weekend.
Christmas and Boxing Day
Christmas Day falls on Saturday and Boxing Day on Sunday. Their observed dates are Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December.
Planning Around School Holidays
Some public holidays fall close to school holiday periods. This can make them useful dates for family trips or activities. Still, popular travel periods can be busy, so early planning may help.
Simple 2027 Planning Checklist
- Mark national public holidays on your calendar.
- Check the observed date for weekend holidays.
- Compare public holidays with school holiday periods.
- Check regional anniversary days for your area.
- Confirm your school’s own dates before booking travel.
Important: Long weekend dates are useful for planning, but individual workplaces and schools may have their own arrangements. Check the relevant calendar before relying on a date.
Public Holidays vs School Holidays in NZ
Public holidays and school holidays are not the same thing. Both can affect family schedules, but they follow different rules. Understanding the difference makes 2027 planning much easier.
National Public Holidays
Public holidays are established under New Zealand’s public holiday rules. They include dates such as Waitangi Day, Matariki, Labour Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
- Apply nationally where the holiday is observed.
- Some weekend holidays have observed dates.
- Regional anniversary days are separate.
NZ School Holidays
School holidays are scheduled breaks in the education year. They sit between school terms and are designed around the national school calendar.
- Follow the national school-term framework.
- Schools can have additional closure days.
- Exact dates can vary in some situations.
Examples From the 2027 Calendar
| Date | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 26 March | Good Friday | National public holiday during the Term 1 period. |
| 30 March | Easter Tuesday | School holiday, but not a national employee public holiday. |
| 25 June | Matariki | National public holiday during Term 2. |
| 3–18 July | Term 2 School Break | Scheduled school holiday period between Terms 2 and 3. |
Why This Difference Matters for Families
A public holiday can happen during a school term, while a school holiday can cover several weeks. Therefore, parents should not assume that every public holiday adds an extra school holiday or extends a school break.
Best Way to Plan
Start with the national public holiday calendar. Then compare it with the NZ school term and holiday dates. Finally, check your school’s own calendar for teacher-only days, events, and other closures.
How NZ Public Holidays Affect Work in 2027
Public holidays can affect working days, employee entitlements, business opening hours, and holiday planning. The rules can also depend on whether the public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday may have an observed date during the following week. This is especially important for employees whose normal working days are affected.
Normal Working Day
If a public holiday falls on a day an employee would normally work, public holiday entitlements may apply under New Zealand employment law.
Observed Holiday
Weekend public holidays can have an observed weekday date. The relevant date depends on the holiday and the employee’s normal working pattern.
Employee Entitlements
Eligible employees may have rights to a paid public holiday, alternative holiday, or other entitlements depending on the circumstances.
What Employees Should Check
Check whether the holiday falls on a day you would normally work.
Check the weekday date when the holiday is observed.
Your agreement and workplace arrangements may affect how work is organised.
Some businesses may close, while others may operate on public holidays.
Are Public Holidays Automatically Paid Days Off?
Not every employee has the same entitlement in every situation. Public holiday entitlements depend on factors such as whether the employee would otherwise work that day. Check the official employment rules or speak with your employer when you need advice about a specific situation.
Planning Tip for 2027
Mark both actual and observed public holiday dates on your work calendar. Then check your workplace arrangements before booking travel, appointments, or time away from work.
How to Plan Around NZ Public Holidays 2027
The NZ public holidays 2027 calendar can help you organise work, school schedules, family activities, travel, and important appointments. Planning early can also make busy holiday periods easier to manage.
Start by marking national public holidays. Then add observed dates, regional anniversary days, school holidays, and your own commitments. This gives you a clearer view of the year ahead.
Mark National Holidays
Add all national public holidays to your personal or work calendar. Include both the actual date and observed date when applicable.
Add Regional Dates
If your area observes a regional anniversary day, add that date too. Regional dates are different across New Zealand.
Compare School Dates
Families should compare public holidays with school terms, school holidays, teacher-only days, and other school events.
Plan Time Away
Use long weekends and school breaks to plan trips, family events, childcare, or other activities when they fit your schedule.
2027 Planning Checklist
Mark all national public holidays.
Add observed dates for weekend holidays.
Check your regional anniversary day.
Compare dates with the school calendar.
Plan childcare around school breaks.
Check work arrangements before booking travel.
Keep One Combined Calendar
A combined calendar is often the easiest way to manage 2027. Add public holidays, school dates, regional holidays, work commitments, appointments, and family plans in one place.
Remember: Public holidays do not replace your school’s own calendar. Always confirm school closures and important dates directly with the school when making plans.
FAQs About NZ Public Holidays 2027
Here are answers to common questions about New Zealand public holidays and important dates in 2027.
How many public holidays are there in New Zealand in 2027?
New Zealand has 11 national public holidays in 2027. Some holidays fall on weekends and have an observed weekday date.
What is the first public holiday in New Zealand in 2027?
New Year’s Day is the first national public holiday of 2027. It falls on Friday, 1 January.
When is Waitangi Day in 2027?
Waitangi Day is Saturday, 6 February 2027. Its observed public holiday is Monday, 8 February.
When is Matariki in New Zealand in 2027?
Matariki is Friday, 25 June 2027. It is a national public holiday in New Zealand.
When are the Easter public holidays in 2027?
Good Friday is 26 March 2027, while Easter Monday is 29 March. Easter Tuesday is a school holiday but is not a national employee public holiday.
Which NZ public holidays have observed dates in 2027?
The Day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day have observed dates in 2027 because they fall on Saturday or Sunday.
What is Mondayisation in New Zealand?
Mondayisation is the process where certain weekend public holidays are observed on a weekday. This provides the relevant observed date for public holiday entitlements.
Are regional anniversary days public holidays in NZ?
Regional anniversary days are local public holidays. Their dates vary by region and are separate from the national public holidays.
Is Easter Tuesday a public holiday in New Zealand?
Easter Tuesday is not a national public holiday for employees. However, it is a school holiday in New Zealand. In 2027, Easter Tuesday falls on 30 March.
Do public holidays mean schools are always closed?
School closures follow education rules and the school’s own calendar. Check your school’s published calendar for exact closure dates, teacher-only days, and other local arrangements.
Need an exact date? Check the full 2027 public holiday table above and confirm regional or school-specific dates with the relevant local authority or school.
Official Sources for NZ Public Holidays 2027
Public holiday dates can change or require local interpretation. For this reason, use official New Zealand Government sources when checking national holidays, observed dates, and regional anniversary days.
Public Holidays and Anniversary Dates
The official government page provides national public holiday dates, observed dates, and regional anniversary information.
Check official holiday dates →Public Holidays and Entitlements
This official employment resource explains public holiday entitlements, alternative holidays, and rules around working on public holidays.
Check employment rules →School Term Dates and Holidays
The Ministry of Education provides official school term dates, school holiday periods, and information about school closures.
Check school dates →Why Use Official Sources?
Official sources provide the most reliable information for public holiday dates and legal employment rules. They are especially useful when an observed date, regional holiday, or school closure needs confirmation.
Last checked: September 2026. Always check the official source again if you are planning around a future public holiday or employment entitlement.
NZ Public Holidays 2027: Quick Planning Checklist
Before planning work, school activities, travel, or family events, use this quick checklist to make sure you have the important dates covered.
National Holidays
Mark all 11 national public holidays on your 2027 calendar.
Observed Dates
Check weekday observed dates for holidays that fall on weekends.
Regional Days
Find the anniversary day that applies to your region.
School Calendar
Compare public holidays with your school’s terms and closure days.
Work Calendar
Check your workplace arrangements before planning time away.
Travel & Childcare
Plan bookings and childcare around busy holiday and school break periods.
Best practice: Use this page for the national 2027 public holiday framework, then confirm specific school, workplace, and regional arrangements with the relevant organisation.
Official Sources for NZ Public Holidays 2027
The dates on this page are based on official New Zealand government and education sources. Always check the relevant organisation for local or situation-specific details.
New Zealand Government
Check national public holidays, observed dates, and regional anniversary days for New Zealand.
View official source →Employment New Zealand
Learn how public holidays, observed days, and employee holiday arrangements work in New Zealand.
View official source →Ministry of Education
Check official school term dates, school holidays, public holiday closures, and related education calendar information.
View official source →Last checked: September 2026. Public holiday information can be updated, so check the official government sources before making important work, travel, or school plans.