New Zealand is a country rich in cultural diversity and history, reflected in its public holidays. In 2025, these holidays offer a blend of national celebrations, regional commemorations, and cultural events. Each holiday provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to come together, celebrate their heritage, and enjoy time with family and friends.
From New Year’s Day to Christmas, these holidays mark significant events in the nation’s history and cultural calendar. Whether it’s honoring the past or welcoming the future, New Zealand’s public holidays are a vital part of the country’s identity and community spirit.
Public Holidays in New Zealand In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in new zealand in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Holiday | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Wellington Anniversary Day | Jan 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Auckland Anniversary Day | Jan 27, 2025 | Monday |
| Northland Anniversary Day | Jan 27, 2025 | Monday |
| Nelson Anniversary Day | Feb 03, 2025 | Monday |
| Waitangi Day | Feb 06, 2025 | Thursday |
| Taranaki Anniversary Day | Mar 10, 2025 | Monday |
| Otago Anniversary Day | Mar 24, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Southland Anniversary Day | Apr 22, 2025 | Tuesday |
| ANZAC Day | Apr 25, 2025 | Friday |
| King’s Birthday | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| Matariki | Jun 20, 2025 | Friday |
| South Canterbury Anniversary Day | Sep 22, 2025 | Monday |
| Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day | Oct 24, 2025 | Friday |
| Labour Day | Oct 27, 2025 | Monday |
| Marlborough Anniversary Day | Nov 03, 2025 | Monday |
| Canterbury Anniversary Day | Nov 14, 2025 | Friday |
| Chatham Islands Anniversary Day | Dec 01, 2025 | Monday |
| Westland Anniversary Day | Dec 01, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know more: Public Holidays in New Caledonia In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year. Celebrated on January 1st, it is a time for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. In New Zealand, it is a public holiday with many people enjoying time with family and friends, often attending fireworks displays, parties, and outdoor activities. It’s a day of renewal and setting resolutions for the year ahead.
New Year’s Holiday
The New Year’s Holiday in New Zealand extends the celebration of New Year’s Day, providing an extra day off. It usually falls on January 2nd, allowing people more time to relax and spend with loved ones. Many use this day for outdoor activities, barbecues, and continuing New Year’s celebrations. It’s a great way to start the year with a balance of festivity and rest.
Wellington Anniversary Day
Wellington Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Observed on the Monday closest to January 22nd, it commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers in 1840. The day is marked with local events, parades, and various community activities. It’s a public holiday for the Wellington region, giving residents a chance to celebrate their city’s history and enjoy a long weekend.
Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland Anniversary Day is a public holiday that commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers in the Auckland region. Celebrated on the Monday closest to January 29th, it features events like regattas, parades, and concerts. Residents of the Auckland region enjoy a day off to participate in or watch these festivities, reflecting on the city’s history and development.
Northland Anniversary Day
Northland Anniversary Day celebrates the region’s European settlement. Observed on the Monday closest to January 29th, it marks the landing of the first settlers in Northland. The day is a public holiday for the Northland region, filled with local events, cultural activities, and family gatherings. It’s a time for residents to celebrate their heritage and enjoy the summer weather.
Nelson Anniversary Day
Nelson Anniversary Day commemorates the founding of the Nelson region. Observed on the Monday closest to February 1st, it marks the arrival of the first European settlers in 1842. The day is celebrated with community events, fairs, and outdoor activities, giving residents a chance to honor their region’s history and enjoy a day off with family and friends.
Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day, observed on February 6th, is New Zealand’s national day. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. The day is marked with ceremonies, cultural performances, and reflections on New Zealand’s history and bicultural foundation. It’s a public holiday where people celebrate and contemplate the nation’s identity and future.
Taranaki Anniversary Day
Taranaki Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the Taranaki region. Observed on the second Monday of March, it marks the establishment of New Plymouth in 1841. The day is a public holiday for the Taranaki region, with local events, sports activities, and family gatherings. It’s a time for residents to celebrate their region’s history and enjoy a day off work or school.
Otago Anniversary Day
Otago Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers in the Otago region. Celebrated on the Monday closest to March 23rd, it marks the founding of Dunedin in 1848. The day is a public holiday for the Otago region, featuring community events, parades, and various activities. Residents take this day to honor their region’s heritage and enjoy a break from their daily routines.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it is a solemn day marked by church services and reflection. In New Zealand, it is a public holiday, and many businesses close to observe the occasion. People often spend the day with family, attending services, and reflecting on the meaning of Easter.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday in New Zealand, observed the day after Easter Sunday. It is a time for families to continue their Easter celebrations, often with outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings. The holiday provides an extended break, allowing people to relax and enjoy the autumn weather. It’s a day of joy and community following the solemnity of Good Friday.
Southland Anniversary Day
Southland Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the Southland region. Observed on the Tuesday nearest to March 17th, it marks the region’s early European settlement. The day is a public holiday for Southland residents, featuring local events, sports activities, and community gatherings. It’s a time for people to honor their region’s history and enjoy a day off with family and friends.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th, honors the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought in Gallipoli during World War I. It is a day of remembrance for all military personnel who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts. The day is marked with dawn services, parades, and ceremonies across New Zealand. It is a public holiday where people reflect on the bravery and contributions of their armed forces.
King’s Birthday
King’s Birthday is a public holiday in New Zealand, celebrated on the first Monday in June. It marks the official birthday of the reigning monarch, currently King Charles III. The day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and various community events. It provides an opportunity for people to celebrate the monarchy and enjoy a long weekend with family and friends.
Matariki
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is celebrated with the rising of the Matariki star cluster, usually in late June or early July. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. The day is observed with cultural events, feasts, and gatherings. Matariki has become a public holiday in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of Māori culture and heritage in the nation’s identity.
South Canterbury Anniversary Day
South Canterbury Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the South Canterbury region. Observed on the fourth Monday of September, it marks the early European settlement of the area. The day is a public holiday for South Canterbury residents, featuring local events, sports activities, and family gatherings. It’s a time for people to honor their region’s history and enjoy a break from their daily routines.
Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day
Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the Hawke’s Bay region. Observed on the Friday before Labour Day, it marks the early European settlement of the area. The day is a public holiday for Hawke’s Bay residents, featuring local events, fairs, and outdoor activities. It’s a time for people to celebrate their region’s history and enjoy a long weekend with family and friends.
Labour Day
Labour Day, observed on the fourth Monday in October, celebrates the labor movement and the achievements of workers. It commemorates the struggle for better working conditions and the eight-hour workday. In New Zealand, it is a public holiday, with many people enjoying a long weekend. The day is marked with various events, including parades, community gatherings, and family activities.
Marlborough Anniversary Day
Marlborough Anniversary Day commemorates the founding of the Marlborough region. Observed on the first Monday after Labour Day, it marks the early European settlement of the area. The day is a public holiday for Marlborough residents, featuring local events, fairs, and outdoor activities. It’s a time for people to honor their region’s history and enjoy a day off with family and friends.
Canterbury Anniversary Day
Canterbury Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the Canterbury region. Observed on the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November, it marks the arrival of the first European settlers in 1850. The day is a public holiday for Canterbury residents, with events like parades, fairs, and community activities. It’s a time for people to celebrate their region’s history and heritage.
Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Chatham Islands Anniversary Day celebrates the settlement of the Chatham Islands. Observed on the Monday closest to November 30th, it marks the arrival of the first European settlers. The day is a public holiday for the Chatham Islands, featuring local events, cultural activities, and family gatherings. It’s a time for residents to honor their unique history and enjoy a day off from work.
Westland Anniversary Day
Westland Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the Westland region. Observed on the Monday closest to December 1st, it marks the early European settlement of the area. The day is a public holiday for Westland residents, featuring local events, fairs, and outdoor activities. It’s a time for people to honor their region’s history and enjoy a break from their daily routines.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, observed on December 25th, is a major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In New Zealand, it is a public holiday marked by festive celebrations, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Many people attend church services, enjoy Christmas meals, and participate in various holiday traditions. It’s a day of joy, giving, and togetherness.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday in New Zealand. It traditionally involves giving gifts to service workers and those in need. Today, it is also known for shopping sales and sporting events. Many people spend the day with family, enjoying leftovers from Christmas, and taking part in outdoor activities. It’s a day of relaxation and extending the festive spirit.