Plan your escapes early with our guide to the 2026 public holiday calendar, featuring every long weekend and key date for the year.

The 2026 calendar is officially here, and it’s a great one for those who love a long weekend. To help you maximize your time off, we have compiled the  public holiday calendar so you can book your trips before the rest of the country catches on.

Key dates in the 2026 public holiday calendar include Waitangi Day falling on a Friday (Feb 6), giving us an early February three-day weekend. Easter is also perfectly timed in early April (Apr 3–6), followed closely by the Monday-ised ANZAC Day on April 27. Winter fans should mark July 10 for Matariki, which provides the ultimate excuse for a mid-winter mission to the snow.

2026 Public Holidays:

New Year’s Day: Thursday, Jan 1

Waitangi Day: Friday, Feb 6

Good Friday: Friday, April 3

Easter Monday: Monday, April 6

ANZAC Day (Observed): Monday, April 27

King’s Birthday: Monday, June 1

Matariki: Friday, July 10

Labour Day: Monday, Oct 26

Christmas Day: Friday, Dec 25

Boxing Day (Observed): Monday, Dec 28

By using this  public holiday calendar, you can strategically plan your leave to get the most relaxation possible. “Avoid the last-minute scramble—curate your perfect 2026 itinerary while the options are endless.”