Are you planning your calendar for the year 2026 and want to ensure you include the important public holidays in New Zealand? We've got you covered! Here you'll find a comprehensive guide to the public holidays in 2026 and a printable PDF calendar to help you organize your year.
In New Zealand, public holidays are legislated by the Holidays Act 2003. They offer an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and well-deserved rest. Let's dive into the public holidays you can expect in 2026.
New Zealand Public Holidays in 2026
New Zealand observes 11 public holidays. However, one of these - the Queen's Birthday - does not have a fixed date and is observed on the first Monday in June. Let's look at the key public holidays and their historical significance.
Other than the Queen's Birthday, the dates for other holidays are fixed in the calendar. These include New Year's Day, Easter, ANZAC Day, Labour Day, and Christmas. Let's explore each of these in more detail.
New Year's Day - January 1, 2026
New Year's Day marks the first day of the year and is a time for reflection, new beginnings, and celebration. The public holiday allows New Zealanders to recover from the previous night's festivities and enjoy the day with family and friends.
Did you know? The New Year in New Zealand is welcomed with Aotearoa's first light, 180 degrees away from the first light of the new year in the Tarawa Atoll of Kiribati.
Easter - April 11, 2026 (Good Friday), April 14, 2026 (Easter Monday)
Easter in New Zealand is a two-day public holiday, celebrated on Good Friday and Easter Monday. It commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many New Zealanders use this long weekend for travel, camping, and family gatherings.
Easter's date changes each year, as it is determined by the lunar cycle. It can fall as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.
Other Notable Public Holidays in 2026
New Zealand has several other public holidays that hold significant meanings for its citizens. These include ANZAC Day, Labour Day, and the Winter Solstice.
Let's look at these holidays and their significance in New Zealand society.
ANZAC Day - April 25, 2026
ANZAC Day is a day of national remembrance in both Australia and New Zealand. It honors the soldiers who fought and died for their country. ANZAC Day is observed on April 25, as this was the date on which the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (hence ANZAC) first landed at Gallipoli in 1915.
On ANZAC Day, New Zealanders participate in dawn services, parades, and other ceremonies to remember the servicemen and women who have served their country.
Labour Day - October 27, 2026
Labour Day in New Zealand celebrates the achievements of the labor movement and the successful struggle for better working conditions. It was first recognized as a public holiday in New Zealand in 1890.
Although Labour Day has its origins in the labor movement, it is now seen as an opportunity for all workers to enjoy a day off and recharge for the rest of the year.
For a comprehensive, easy-to-print calendar of all these holidays, please download our New Zealand 2026 Public Holiday Calendar (PDF). Print it out and use it to plan your year effectively.
With this guide, you're all set to plan ahead for 2026. Don't forget, public holidays are a time for reflection, celebration, and rest. Make the most of them by creating memorable experiences with loved ones! Happy planning!