Friday · Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
in 43dPublic
30
Nov
Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Monday
in 60dPublic
30
Nov
Westland Anniversary Day
Monday
in 60dPublic
25
Dec
Christmas Day
Friday
in 85dPublic
28
Dec
Boxing Day
Monday
in 88dPublic
Source: Nager.Date public holiday API
About public holidays in New Zealand
New Zealand applies "Mondayisation": when a national holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday. On top of national holidays, each region celebrates its own anniversary day on a different date, and since 2022 Matariki — the Māori New Year, whose date shifts every year — has been added.
In 2026, New Zealand has 23 official public holidays. The month with the most holidays is January, with 4. 2 months have no public holiday at all.
There are 21 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. No holiday falls on a weekend, so none are "lost".
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Matariki (July 10) to Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day (September 28): 80 days.
The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day (January 1) and the last is Boxing Day (December 28).
Long weekends in 2026
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
Day after New Year's Day
January 2 · Friday
Wellington Anniversary Day
January 19 · Monday
Auckland Anniversary Day
January 26 · Monday
Nelson Anniversary Day
February 2 · Monday
Waitangi Day
February 6 · Friday
Taranaki Anniversary Day
March 9 · Monday
Otago Anniversary Day
March 23 · Monday
Good Friday
April 3 · Friday
Easter Monday
April 6 · Monday
Anzac Day
April 27 · Monday
King's Birthday
June 1 · Monday
Matariki
July 10 · Friday
Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day
September 28 · Monday
Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
October 23 · Friday
Labour Day
October 26 · Monday
Marlborough Anniversary Day
November 2 · Monday
Canterbury Anniversary Day
November 13 · Friday
Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
November 30 · Monday
Westland Anniversary Day
November 30 · Monday
Christmas Day
December 25 · Friday
Boxing Day
December 28 · Monday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does New Zealand have in 2026?+
New Zealand has 23 official public holidays in 2026, with January being the busiest month (4).
What is the first public holiday of 2026 in New Zealand?+
The first public holiday of 2026 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in New Zealand in 2026?+
21 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.