See all nationwide public holidays in one clear table.
Understand Mondayised public holidays in 2026.
Check regional anniversary dates across New Zealand.
NZ Public Holidays 2026: Contents
NZ Public Holidays 2026: Quick Answer
New Zealand has national public holidays throughout 2026, along with regional anniversary days. Some holidays also have an observed date when the actual date falls on a weekend.
Key dates to know: Anzac Day is on 25 April, with the observed holiday on 27 April. Matariki falls on 10 July, and Labour Day is on 26 October. Christmas Day is 25 December, while Boxing Day is observed on 28 December.
Regional anniversary holidays are separate from the nationwide public holidays. Their dates depend on the region where you live or work.
NZ Public Holiday Dates 2026
Here are the main New Zealand public holidays for 2026, including dates that have an observed holiday.
| Public Holiday | Actual Date | Observed Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January | Thursday, 1 January |
| Day after New Year’s Day | Friday, 2 January | Friday, 2 January |
| Waitangi Day | Friday, 6 February | Friday, 6 February |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April | Friday, 3 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April | Monday, 6 April |
| Anzac Day | Saturday, 25 April | Monday, 27 April |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 1 June | Monday, 1 June |
| Matariki | Friday, 10 July | Friday, 10 July |
| Labour Day | Monday, 26 October | Monday, 26 October |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December | Friday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Saturday, 26 December | Monday, 28 December |
Note: Anzac Day and Boxing Day fall on Saturday in 2026. Their observed public holidays are Monday, 27 April and Monday, 28 December.
2026 Public Holiday Calendar NZ
Use this simple month-by-month calendar to see when New Zealand public holidays fall in 2026. It also highlights the main observed dates.
January
1 Jan: New Year’s Day
2 Jan: Day after New Year’s Day
February
6 Feb: Waitangi Day
April
3 Apr: Good Friday
6 Apr: Easter Monday
25 Apr: Anzac Day
June
1 Jun: King’s Birthday
July
10 Jul: Matariki
October
26 Oct: Labour Day
December
25 Dec: Christmas Day
26 Dec: Boxing Day
Observed Dates
27 Apr: Anzac Day observed
28 Dec: Boxing Day observed
Planning tip: Weekend public holidays can have a separate observed date. Check the observed date when planning work, school, or family activities.
New Zealand Public Holidays in 2026
Each public holiday has its own date and purpose. Here is a quick guide to the main holidays in 2026.
New Year’s Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026
New Year’s Day is the first national public holiday of the year. The following day is also a public holiday.
Waitangi Day
Friday, 6 February 2026
Waitangi Day is observed each year on 6 February. It commemorates the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Good Friday & Easter Monday
3 April & 6 April 2026
Good Friday and Easter Monday are national public holidays. Easter Sunday is not a national public holiday.
Anzac Day
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. The observed public holiday is Monday, 27 April.
King’s Birthday
Monday, 1 June 2026
The King’s Birthday is observed on the first Monday in June. It is a national public holiday across New Zealand.
Matariki
Friday, 10 July 2026
Matariki is a national public holiday in New Zealand. In 2026, it falls on a Friday.
Labour Day
Monday, 26 October 2026
Labour Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. It creates a long weekend for many workers and families.
Christmas & Boxing Day
25 & 26 December 2026
Christmas Day falls on Friday, while Boxing Day falls on Saturday. Boxing Day is observed on Monday, 28 December.
Good to know: New Zealand’s public holiday calendar includes both national holidays and regional anniversary days. Regional dates are covered separately below.
Observed Public Holidays in New Zealand 2026
Some NZ public holidays fall on a weekend in 2026. When this happens, eligible employees may get the public holiday on a weekday instead.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Observed: Monday, 27 April 2026
Anzac Day falls on Saturday in 2026. For employees who qualify, the public holiday is observed on Monday, 27 April.
Saturday, 26 December 2026
Observed: Monday, 28 December 2026
Boxing Day falls on Saturday in 2026. The observed public holiday is Monday, 28 December for eligible employees.
What Does Mondayised Mean?
Mondayisation means a public holiday that falls on a weekend can be observed on a weekday. The actual holiday date does not change. The observed date is used for employment purposes when the legal rules apply.
Important: Whether you get an alternative holiday depends on your employment circumstances and whether the public holiday is an otherwise working day for you.
NZ Regional Anniversary Days 2026
New Zealand also has regional anniversary holidays. The date depends on the region, so check the local anniversary day that applies to you.
| Region | 2026 Anniversary Day |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Monday, 26 January |
| Wellington | Monday, 19 January |
| Northland | Monday, 26 January |
| Nelson | Monday, 2 February |
| Taranaki | Monday, 9 March |
| Otago | Monday, 23 March |
| Southland | Tuesday, 7 April |
| South Canterbury | Monday, 28 September |
| Hawke’s Bay | Friday, 23 October |
| Marlborough | Monday, 2 November |
| Canterbury | Friday, 13 November |
| Chatham Islands | Monday, 30 November |
| Westland | Monday, 30 November |
Important: Anniversary days can use different local observance rules. If you are unsure which regional holiday applies, check with your local council or employer.
Public Holidays and School Dates in 2026
Public holidays and school holidays are not the same in New Zealand. Knowing the difference can make school and family planning easier.
Public Holidays
Public holidays are set by New Zealand law. They include national holidays and regional anniversary days. Some holidays have an observed date when they fall on a weekend.
School Holidays
School holidays are scheduled breaks in the school year. Their dates are set separately from the national public holiday calendar.
Can a Public Holiday Fall During a School Term?
Yes. A public holiday can occur while schools are in session. Schools generally close on national public holidays and relevant regional anniversary days. However, the public holiday calendar does not replace the official school term calendar.
Planning tip: If you are planning school activities, trips, or family time, check both the public holiday dates and your school’s calendar.
Working on a Public Holiday in NZ
Public holidays can affect work schedules, pay, and days off. The rules depend on whether the day is an otherwise working day for you.
Time and a Half
Eligible employees who work on a public holiday must receive at least time and a half for the hours worked.
Day Off Later
In some situations, an employee who works on a public holiday can also receive an alternative holiday.
Check the Right Date
Weekend holidays can have an observed weekday date. This can affect work rosters and public holiday entitlements.
Important: Public holiday entitlements can depend on your employment agreement and work pattern. For specific employment advice, check the current guidance from Employment New Zealand.
Planning Around NZ Public Holidays 2026
Knowing the public holiday dates can make work, school, and family planning easier. A quick check can also help you avoid confusion around observed holidays.
Check the Date
Check both the actual and observed dates when planning work or appointments.
Check School Dates
Public holidays and school holidays follow different calendars. Check your school’s dates before making plans.
Check Your Region
Regional anniversary days differ across New Zealand. Make sure you check the date for your area.
A Simple Way to Plan
Start with the national public holiday calendar. Then check any observed dates and your regional anniversary day. If you are planning around school, also check the official school calendar.
FAQs About NZ Public Holidays 2026
Find quick answers to common questions about public holiday dates, observed days, and regional holidays in New Zealand.
What are the NZ public holidays in 2026?
The 2026 national public holidays include New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, Easter holidays, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Matariki, Labour Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
How many public holidays are there in New Zealand in 2026?
New Zealand has 11 national public holidays in 2026. Some fall on weekends and have an observed weekday date.
When is Waitangi Day in 2026?
Waitangi Day is Friday, 6 February 2026.
When is Anzac Day observed in 2026?
Anzac Day falls on Saturday, 25 April 2026. The observed public holiday is Monday, 27 April 2026.
When is Matariki in 2026?
Matariki is on Friday, 10 July 2026. It is a national public holiday in New Zealand.
When is Boxing Day observed in 2026?
Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026. The observed public holiday is Monday, 28 December 2026.
What are the NZ regional anniversary days in 2026?
Regional anniversary days vary by location. They include Auckland, Wellington, Northland, Taranaki, Otago, Southland, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Westland, and the Chatham Islands.
Are public holidays the same as NZ school holidays?
No. Public holidays and school holidays follow different calendars. Schools have their own term and holiday dates.
Does a weekend public holiday have an observed date?
Some public holidays have an observed weekday when they fall on a weekend. In 2026, Anzac Day and Boxing Day have observed dates.
Official Sources for NZ Public Holidays 2026
Public holiday dates and employment rules can change or depend on your circumstances. Use these official New Zealand sources to confirm the latest information.
Public Holiday Dates
Check national public holidays and regional anniversary days for 2026.
Public Holiday Rules
Learn about observed dates, pay, alternative holidays, and employee rights.
School Terms & Holidays
Check official school term and holiday dates when planning around public holidays.
Last updated: September 2026. Always check the relevant official source for the latest employment, regional, or school information.
NZ Public Holidays 2026: Final Takeaway
The NZ public holidays 2026 calendar includes national holidays, observed dates, and regional anniversary days. Anzac Day and Boxing Day have weekday observed dates because they fall on Saturday.
If you are planning work, school, appointments, or family activities, check both the national calendar and your regional holiday. For employment matters, use the latest official guidance.