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New Zealand Public & School Holidays

New Zealand observes 10 nationwide public holidays and 1 provincial holiday each year. New Zealand school dates are based around 4 terms, with school holidays in each season.

School Holidays

Actual school terms and observed school holiday dates may vary between primary, intermediate and secondary schools around New Zealand. Shops, attractions, amenities and accommodations become very busy during school holidays, so it is advisable to book your New Zealand holiday well in advance if you are planning to travel during school holidays.

201520162017
Summer School Holidays Sat 20 Dec 14 - Sun 25 Jan Sat 19 Dec 15 - Sun 31 Jan Wed 21 Dec 16 - Sun 29 Jan
Autumn School Holidays Fri 3 Apr - Sun 19 Apr Sat 16 Apr - Sun 1 May Fri 14 Apr - Sun 30 Apr
Winter School Holidays Sat 4 Jul - Sun 19 Jul Sat 9 Jul - Sun 24 Jul Sat 8 Jul - Sun 23 Jul
Spring School Holidays Sat 26 Sep - Sun 11 Oct Sat 24 Sep - Sun 9 Oct Sat 30 Sep - Sun 15 Oct

Public Holidays

New Zealand has several public holidays throughout the year. A public holiday is a nationally observed day that most people do not work. For those people who do work, over time rates apply and an extra day is given in lieu. Many shops, attractions and amenities are closed on New Zealand public holidays, so if travelling over public holidays, it is advisable to ensure the places you intend to visit are indeed open. Accommodation tariffs, food and other costs can be more expensive on public holidays.

2015201620172018
New Year's Day Thurs 1 Jan Fri 1 Jan Sun 1 Jan or
Tues 3 Jan
Mon 1 Jan
Day after New Year's Day Fri 2 Jan Sat 2 Jan or
Mon 4 Jan
Mon 2 Jan Tues 2 Jan
Waitangi Day Fri 6 Feb Mon 8 Feb Mon 6 Feb Tues 6 Feb
Good Friday Fri 3 Apr Fri 25 Mar Fri 14 Apr Fri 30 Mar
Easter Monday Mon 6 Apr Mon 28 Mar Mon 17 Apr Mon 2 Apr
ANZAC Day Mon 27 Apr Mon 25 Apr Tues 25 Apr Wed 25 Apr
Queen's Birthday Mon 1 Jun Mon 6 Jun Mon 5 Jun Mon 4 Jun
Labour Day Mon 26 Oct Mon 24 Oct Mon 23 Oct Mon 22 Oct
Christmas Day Fri 25 Dec Sun 25 Dec or
Tues 27 Dec
Mon 25 Dec Tues 25 Dec
Boxing Day Sat 26 Dec or
Mon 28 Dec
Mon 26 Dec Tues 26 Dec Wed 26 Dec

Provincial Holidays

Provincial holidays are a public holiday observed in the province where the employee works. Each province has one such day per year. Many businesses will be closed on their provincial public holiday.

2015 2016 2017 2018
Auckland Mon 26 Jan Mon 1 Feb Mon 30 Jan Mon 29 Jan
Taranaki Mon 9 Mar Mon 14 Mar Mon 13 Mar Mon 12 Mar
Hawke's Bay Fri 23 Oct Fri 21 Oct Fri 20 Oct Fri 19 Oct
Wellington Mon 19 Jan Mon 25 Jan Mon 23 Jan Mon 22 Jan
Marlborough Mon 2 Nov Mon 31 Oct Mon 30 Oct Mon 29 Oct
Nelson Mon 2 Feb Mon 1 Feb Mon 30 Jan Mon 29 Jan
Canterbury Fri 13 Nov Fri 11 Nov Fri 17 Nov Fri 16 Nov
Canterbury (South) Mon 28 Sep Mon 26 Sep Mon 25 Sep Mon 24 Sep
Westland Mon 30 Nov Mon 28 Nov Mon 4 Dec Mon 3 Dec
Otago Mon 23 Mar Mon 21 Mar Mon 20 Mar Mon 26 Mar
Southland Tues 7 Apr Tues 29 Mar Tues 18 April Tues 3 April
Chatham Islands Mon 30 Nov Mon 28 Nov Mon 27 Nov Mon 3 Dec
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