When are public holidays in New Zealand?
New Zealand observes 11 national statutory public holidays (link to external website, new window) every year. They are:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January |
| Day after New Year's Day | 2 January |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February |
| Good Friday | Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox which means this date changes each year |
| Easter Monday | Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox which means this date changes each year |
| Anzac Day | 25 April |
| King's Birthday | First Monday in June |
| Matariki | Falls on the closest Friday to the Tangaroa lunar period during the lunar month of Pipiri which means the date changes each year |
| Labour Day | Fourth Monday in October |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| Boxing Day | 26 December |
Each region (also called a ‘province’) also has a local public holiday, e.g., Otago Anniversary Day is a public holiday each year on the Monday nearest to 23 March.
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday it is usually observed on the following business day.
Are shops open on public holidays?
On some public holidays there are restrictions on whether shops can be open (link to external website, new window). Over the Christmas and summer months, many people go on holiday, meaning it can be hard to find tradespeople if needed and some shops may close for a while.
Some cafes and restaurants may open on public holidays, but they may charge slightly more for their services.
Does New Zealand have daylight savings?
Daylight savings starts on the last Sunday in September each year, when you put your clocks forward one hour so 2am becomes 3am. Daylight savings ends on the first Sunday in April the following year, when you put your clocks back one hour so 3am becomes 2am.