NZ Bank Holidays 2025/26 – Complete Dates

Welcome to Calendar Times UK, your trusted guide to planning your year. This article is your one-stop resource for all NZ bank holidays and public holidays. We’ve compiled the official NZ bank holidays 2026 list, including key dates like Matariki and Waitangi Day, plus essential info on regional anniversary days and NZ school holiday dates for 2026.

If you’re planning long weekends in New Zealand or need to know the Auckland Anniversary Day date, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Upcoming Bank Holidays in New Zealand

Plan your year with our easy-to-read calendars for 2025, 2026, and 2027. These are the national public holidays observed across all of New Zealand.

NZ Bank Holidays for 2025

NZ Bank Holidays for 2026

NZ Bank Holidays for 2027

(Note: Official dates for 2027 are often confirmed closer to the time. The following is a projected calendar based on standard observance rules.)

Regional Anniversary Days 2026

Just like national holidays, regional anniversary days are a key part of the NZ holiday calendar. These local council holidays give different parts of the country a unique day off. Below is the projected schedule for 2026.

(Please note: While these dates are based on historical patterns, they are subject to formal confirmation by each regional council.)

Pro Tip: If you’re asking, “What is my local anniversary day?” it’s always best to double-check with your local council’s website for the final confirmed date, as changes can occasionally occur.

Holiday Observance & Work Rules

Understanding the observed holidays and substitution rules is key. These NZ holiday act rules are managed by Employment New Zealand.

• If a Holiday Falls on a Weekend: If NZ public holidays fall on a weekend, the following Monday (or sometimes Tuesday) is typically the observed date that most people get off work.

• Holiday Pay: Your entitlement to public holiday pay in NZ depends on your employment agreement. Always check with Employment NZ holidays for official guidance.

• Working on a Holiday: If you are getting a day off on a public holiday, you are generally entitled to that day off with pay. If you work, you may be entitled to penal rates.

NZ School Holidays and Terms 2026

Planning your family year is easy with this overview of the New Zealand school holiday dates for 2026. The Ministry of Education sets the standard term dates for state and state-integrated schools.

(Please note: These are the anticipated dates based on the standard pattern. The Ministry of Education confirms dates well in advance, so always refer to their official website for the most precise Ministry of Education school dates for your specific region.)

• Term 1: Late January – Mid April (Approx. 9-10 weeks)

• Term 2: Early May – Early July (Approx. 9-10 weeks)

• Term 3: Mid-July to Late September (Approx. 10 weeks)

• Term 4: Mid-October to Mid-December (Approx. 9 weeks)

When planning, remember: School terms and holidays can vary slightly between regions. For absolute accuracy, especially for booking travel, always check the official Ministry of Education listings.

Also Check: Scotland School Holidays

Long Weekends in New Zealand

2025

Make the most of your year! Here are the long weekend dates for 2025:

• October: Hawke’s Bay Anniversary (24th), Labor Day (27th)

• November: Marlborough Anniversary (3rd), Canterbury Anniversary (14th)

• December: Chatham Islands & Westland Anniversaries (1st)

2026

Get a head start on planning your adventures! Here is your guide to the fantastic long weekends in New Zealand in 2026. This list combines national public holidays with key regional anniversary days to help you maximize your time off.

Pro Tip: 2026 features an excellent Anzac Day long weekend, as the holiday is observed on Monday, April 27th. This is a perfect opportunity for a late-autumn getaway.

Also Read: US Bank Holidays

Other Important Dates & Observances

Beyond official NZ work holidays, other key dates mark the calendar in 2025:

• Daylight Saving: Ends on April 6th and starts again on September 28th.
• Cultural & Fun Observances: Valentine’s Day, April Fools, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Guy Fawkes Night.
• Year-End: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve.
• Seasonal: March Equinox, June Solstice, September Equinox, December Solstice.

FAQs

Q1. Is Easter Tuesday a public holiday?

No. Easter Tuesday is not a national public holiday. The only official Easter holidays are Good Friday and Easter Monday. However, Easter Tuesday coincides with the Southland anniversary day in 2025, so it is a holiday for those in the Southland region.

Q2. What is the difference between the Canterbury and South Canterbury Anniversaries?

There are two separate regional holidays for different areas. Canterbury Anniversary is observed in November, primarily in Christchurch and central Canterbury. The South Canterbury Anniversary is observed in September for Timaru and the surrounding districts.

Q3. How are anniversary days chosen?

Anniversary days are established by regional or city councils and are often based on historical founding dates or local customs and practices. The date your area observes may not be the one you initially expect, so it’s best to check your local council’s website.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK helps you plan your schedule effortlessly around the NZ bank holidays and school holidays. 

Ready to plan more? Explore our guides to UK Bank Holidays, French Bank Holidays, and German Bank Holidays.

Official Sources & Further Reading:

• For the most authoritative information, always refer to the New Zealand Government website: https://www.govt.nz/

• Detailed employment rights regarding holidays: Employment New Zealand – Public holidays and anniversary dates

• To confirm your local anniversary day: LGNZ Council websites and maps – https://www.lgnz.co.nz/