What are the public holidays in New Zealand?

New Zealand observes 11 national public holidays, plus an additional regional anniversary day, which varies depending on where the employee is based.


National Public Holidays in 2025

  • New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January

  • Day after New Year’s Day – Thursday, 2 January

  • Waitangi Day – Thursday, 6 February

  • Good Friday – Friday, 18 April

  • Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April

  • ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April

  • King’s Birthday – Monday, 2 June

  • Matariki – Friday, 20 June

  • Labour Day – Monday, 27 October

  • Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December

  • Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December


When a public holiday falls on a weekend, certain holidays, such as New Year’s Day, 2 January, Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, and Christmas, may be observed on the next working day.


Regional Anniversary Days

Each region observes its own provincial anniversary day. Employees receive 1 regional holiday per year. Examples for 2025 include:

  • Wellington Anniversary – Monday, 20 January

  • Auckland Anniversary – Monday, 27 January

  • Nelson Anniversary – Monday, 3 February

  • Taranaki Anniversary – Monday, 10 March

  • Otago Anniversary – Monday, 24 March

  • Southland Anniversary – Tuesday, 22 April

  • Hawke’s Bay Anniversary – Friday, 24 October

  • Marlborough Anniversary – Monday, 3 November

  • Canterbury Anniversary – Friday, 14 November

  • Chatham Islands & Westland Anniversary – Monday, 1 December


What Happens If Holidays Fall on Weekends?

Some holidays are "Mondayised", shifted to the next weekday if they fall on a weekend, ensuring employees still benefit from the holiday 


Employee Entitlements on Public Holidays

  • Paid day off if the employee would normally have worked that day.

  • If the employee works, they must be paid time and a half and be granted an alternative holiday (day in lieu). 

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