2 min read
Most people look forward to having a little time away from work or school, and Kiwis are no different. But, for many people who have recently arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand, it may come as a bit of a shock to see just how the holiday periods directly impact you.
Official Public Holidays
There are 11 national public holidays, plus each region has it’s own Anniversary Day, for a total of 12 public holidays per year.
A few things to note about public holidays
- cafes and restaurants may charge a ‘holiday surcharge’ on public holidays since staff will be paid time and a half to work that day
- there are four days with “restricted trading”, meaning most shops must remain closed. Shops must remain closed all day on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Shops are allowed to open no earlier than 1pm on ANZAC Day. There are a few exclusions including dairies, petrol stations, some restaurants.
2025 & 2026 Holidays in Wellington
| Holiday | 2025 Observed | 2026 Observed |
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday 1 January | Thursday 1 January |
| Day After New Year’s Day | Thursday 2 January | Friday 2 January |
| Wellington Anniversary Day | Monday 20 January | Monday 19 January |
| Waitangi Day | Thursday 6 February | Friday 6 February |
| Good Friday | Friday 18 April | Friday 3 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 21 April | Monday 6 April |
| ANZAC Day | Friday 25 April | Monday 27 April |
| King’s Birthday | Monday 2 June | Monday 1 June |
| Matariki | Friday 20 June | Friday 10 July |
| Labour Day | Monday 27 October | Monday 26 October |
| Christmas Day | Thursday 25 December | Friday 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday 26 December | Monday 28 December |
School Holidays
Even if you don’t have school aged children, it’s a good idea to be aware of the school holiday schedule. Many parents will take time off or work from home during school holidays. Many businesses will keep a ‘light’ meeting schedule and there will be a notable reduction in rush hour traffic.
There is an understood etiquette to avoid scheduling any major meetings, decisions, or announcements during school holidays, and the 2 or 3 business days leading up to them. You can find more details about School Holidays in this short article.
2024 & 2025 School Holidays
| 2025 | 2026 |
| 14 April – 25 April | 3 April – 19 April |
| 30 June – 11 July | 4 July – 19 July |
| 22 September – 3 October | 26 September – 11 October |
| Summer Holidays begin by 19 December | Summer Holidays begin by 19 December |
Unofficial Holidays
Kiwis are known for taking an extended break each summer. It’s not uncommon for offices to wrap up the majority of work around mid-December and not be fully “back” until the second week of February. There is often a skeleton crew, and staff will start to trickle back into the office in January. However, most organisations in Wellington will not make major decisions, sign contracts, or kick off new initiatives until after Waitangi Day.
This can be frustrating for new arrivals, but it’s something that New Zealanders look forward to each year, and a part of the modern culture.
Conclusion
One of the best parts of coming to New Zealand, is that you get to experience new holidays, and sometimes familiar holidays but with a Kiwi twist. It’s a great opportunity for you to think about how you and your family will incorporate new holidays into your own traditions, or maybe even start entirely new ones.
However you look at it, holidays are for everyone.
