Ah, public holidays — the calendar moments that turn school timetables, bach bookings and weekend plans into strategic missions. With Matariki now part of the lineup and Mondayisation rules in play, a little planning goes a long way. Read on for a friendly, Kiwi-style run-down of New Zealand public holidays 2025–2026, how Mondayisation works, basic entitlements and practical tips for families and businesses.
Key holiday dates and what to expect
Employment New Zealand (2025) confirms that Labour Day falls on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Official national public holidays for 2025 (observed day)
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2025 | Wednesday | — |
| Day after New Year’s Day | 2 January 2025 | Thursday | — |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February 2025 | Thursday | — |
| Good Friday | 18 April 2025 | Friday | — |
| Easter Monday | 21 April 2025 | Monday | — |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April 2025 | Friday | — |
| King’s Birthday | 2 June 2025 | Monday | — |
| Matariki | 20 June 2025 | Friday | — |
| Labour Day | 27 October 2025 | Monday | — |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Thursday | — |
| Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Friday | — |
Official national public holidays for 2026 (observed day)
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | — |
| Day after New Year’s Day | 2 January 2026 | Friday | — |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February 2026 | Friday | — |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday | — |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Monday | — |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April 2026 | Saturday | Mondayised to Monday 27 April 2026 for most Monday–Friday workers |
| King’s Birthday | 1 June 2026 | Monday | — |
| Matariki | 10 July 2026 | Friday | — |
| Labour Day | 26 October 2026 | Monday | — |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday | — |
| Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Saturday | Mondayised to Monday 28 December 2026 for most Monday–Friday workers |
What Mondayisation means — simply explained
Mondayisation is the rule that certain public holidays are moved to a weekday when they fall on a weekend for employees who would not normally work that weekend day.
The holidays subject to Mondayisation are New Year’s Day, Day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Practical examples:
- In 2026 ANZAC Day falls on Saturday 25 April. For someone who normally works Monday–Friday but not weekends, the public holiday is observed on Monday 27 April 2026.
- If you normally work Saturdays, your entitlement applies to the Saturday itself; you don’t also get the Monday. Employment New Zealand (2025) emphasises there is no double entitlement — an individual employee gets the public holiday once.
Public-holiday entitlements in plain English
- You are entitled to a paid public holiday if it is a day you would otherwise have worked.
- If you work on a public holiday you may be entitled to extra pay (for example, time-and-a-half) or an alternative day off in lieu, depending on your employment agreement.
- If a public holiday is Mondayised to a day you would normally work, you are entitled to that day off or relevant holiday pay.
- Employers should follow Employment New Zealand guidance and the Holidays Act 2003 for exact calculations; if in doubt, check the official guidance or seek employment-law advice. This is general information and not legal advice.
School terms and family-friendly booking tips
School term dates influence when families can travel. The Ministry of Education (2025) sets the school-term windows used by state and state-integrated schools:
- 2025 Term 2: Monday 28 April to Friday 27 June 2025. Term 4 starts Monday 6 October 2025.
- 2026 Term 1: starts in the window between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February 2026. Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026.
Booking tips for families:
- Reserve accommodation, campervans and popular activities well ahead of peak holiday weekends. Summer and long weekends book out fast.
- Book DOC huts and campsites early for summer weekends and school holidays.
- Check school calendars for teacher-only days — these can extend long weekends locally.
- Confirm refund and cancellation policies before you commit, especially for group bookings.
Holiday travel and road-safety essentials
Holiday traffic rises and weather can change quickly. Waka Kotahi NZTA and police regularly issue travel advisories for long weekends and recommend planning for heavier traffic and allowing extra travel time.
Practical travel tips:
- Check NZTA Journey Planner and traffic bulletins before departure and during your trip.
- Avoid peak departure times if possible and plan breaks to avoid driver fatigue.
- Ensure your vehicle is serviced, tyre pressures are correct, and you carry water and warm layers.
- For alpine or winter trips, carry chains or appropriate tyres and check alpine warnings. A PLB or satellite communicator is wise for remote trips.
- Expect some roadworks to be paused over major long weekends, but always check local notices.
Seasonal highlights and safety notes
Summer beach safety
MetService and NIWA seasonal outlooks indicate above-average temperatures and strong UV for summer 2025–26 in many areas. Swim at patrolled beaches where possible, follow lifeguard instructions and flags, keep children within arm’s reach, and use sun protection even on cloudy days. Learn to spot rips and how to escape them.
Winter alpine and snow-country safety
Check Waka Kotahi warnings and DOC track updates. Avalanche risk can exist in alpine zones; carry appropriate clothing, emergency gear and a PLB or satellite device for remote trips.
Wet-weather alternatives
Book indoor options such as museums, aquariums, pools, indoor climbing or farm experiences in advance for rainy days. Local council event pages and i-SITEs list family-friendly festivals and activities over the holidays.
Actionable planning checklist
- Check national public holiday dates for 2025–26 with Employment New Zealand (2025) and confirm your regional anniversary day with your local council.
- Note Mondayisation effects for holidays that fall on weekends (Employment New Zealand 2025).
- Confirm workplace entitlements and whether the holiday is an “otherwise working day” for you.
- Compare school term dates (Ministry of Education 2025) with travel plans and book early.
- Service your vehicle, plan routes with NZTA Journey Planner and allow extra travel time.
- Check MetService and NIWA closer to travel for weather outlooks and warnings; adapt plans if needed.
- Book accommodation, DOC huts/campsites and activities well before peak weekends.
- Pack safety essentials: sun protection, warm layers, waterproofs, first-aid kit, water and a PLB or satellite device for remote trips.
Family-friendly long-weekend ideas
- Beach weekend: pick a patrolled beach, book a bach or holiday park, and plan short day trips to local attractions.
- Road-trip with short stops: plan shorter driving days and book mid-point stays to reduce fatigue.
- Nature and easy hikes: choose family-friendly DOC tracks, pack layered clothing and a picnic.
- City escape: book museum, aquarium or theatre tickets in advance with indoor options for wet weather.
- Camping or caravan: reserve sites early and consider powered sites for a more comfortable family stay.
Internal links to help you plan
- For more tips on planning long weekends, check our NZ long weekend guide.
- See our Matariki long weekend ideas for family activities.
- Compare school term dates with your plans on our NZ school holiday dates page.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets a public holiday?
If the public holiday is a day you would normally work, you are entitled to it (Employment New Zealand 2025). Check your employment agreement for pay rates if you work that day.
How does Mondayisation work in New Zealand?
Certain holidays (New Year’s Day, Day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day) are moved to a weekday if they fall on a weekend for employees who would not normally work that weekend date. The holiday is observed on the next working day (Employment New Zealand 2025).
What are the NZ school term dates for 2025 and 2026?
The Ministry of Education sets the school-term windows. For example, 2025 Term 2 runs Monday 28 April to Friday 27 June 2025 and Term 4 starts Monday 6 October 2025. For 2026 Term 2 runs Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026; Term 1 starts in the window between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February 2026 (Ministry of Education 2025).
Which regions observe Auckland Anniversary Day?
Anniversary days are regional and apply only in specified areas. Check Employment New Zealand (2025) or your local council’s website for the specific anniversary day that applies to Auckland or your region.
Conclusion
With Matariki on the calendar and Mondayisation rules clarified, you can plan holidays, school breaks and long weekends with more confidence. Check the national public holiday dates above, confirm any regional anniversary days with your council, line up bookings early and factor in likely busy travel times and seasonal weather. Use Employment New Zealand, the Ministry of Education, NZTA, MetService, NIWA and DOC for official details and safety advice. Happy planning and enjoy your time off — New Zealand public holidays 2025–2026 are a great chance to rest, explore and be with family.
Sources consulted: Employment New Zealand (2025), New Zealand Government/govt.nz (2025), Ministry of Education (2025), Waka Kotahi NZTA (2024/25), MetService (2025), NIWA seasonal outlooks (2025), Department of Conservation (DOC), selected local council and regional pages for anniversary days, and supporting travel and road-safety releases.