Otago holidays 2026

Otago has 12 public holidays in 2026: 11 public holidays and 1 Otago-specific holiday. Dates below show the actual date and, where a holiday falls on a weekend, the day it is observed.

Per New Zealand and Otago legislation.

Public holidays observed in Otago

DateDayHolidayObservedNotes
Jan 1ThuNew Year's Day Public holiday—
Jan 2FriDay after New Year's Day Public holiday—
Feb 6FriWaitangi Day Public holiday—
Apr 3FriGood Friday Public holiday—
Apr 6MonEaster Monday Public holiday—
Apr 25SatAnzac Day Public holidayMon, Apr 27
Jun 1MonKing's Birthday Public holiday—
Jul 10FriMatariki Public holiday—
Oct 26MonLabour Day Public holiday—
Dec 25FriChristmas Day Public holiday—
Dec 26SatBoxing Day Public holidayMon, Dec 28

Dates computed from the governing statutes and last verified October 3, 2026. Years beyond officially published schedules are projected from the rule that sets the date.

Holidays only in Otago

Public holidays in Otago that the rest of New Zealand does not share.

DateDayHolidayObservedNotes
Mar 23MonOtago Anniversary Day Provincial anniversary day—Otago region.

Observances (not days off)

DateDayHolidayObservedNotes
Feb 14SatValentine's Day Observance—
Apr 5SunEaster Sunday Observance—
May 10SunMother's Day Observance—
Sep 6SunFather's Day Observance—
Oct 31SatHalloween Observance—

Long weekends in Otago, 2026

4-day weekend Thu, Jan 1 – Sun, Jan 4
New Year's Day (Thursday) Day after New Year's Day (Friday)
No leave needed.
3-day weekend Fri, Feb 6 – Sun, Feb 8
Waitangi Day (Friday)
Add Thursday, Feb 5 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Sat, Mar 21 – Mon, Mar 23
Otago Anniversary Day (Monday)
Add Tuesday, Mar 24 for a 4-day break.
4-day weekend Fri, Apr 3 – Mon, Apr 6
Good Friday (Friday) Easter Monday (Monday)
No leave needed.
3-day weekend Sat, Apr 25 – Mon, Apr 27
Anzac Day (Monday, observed)
Add Tuesday, Apr 28 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Sat, May 30 – Mon, Jun 1
King's Birthday (Monday)
Add Tuesday, Jun 2 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Fri, Jul 10 – Sun, Jul 12
Matariki (Friday)
Add Thursday, Jul 9 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Sat, Oct 24 – Mon, Oct 26
Labour Day (Monday)
Add Tuesday, Oct 27 for a 4-day break.
4-day weekend Fri, Dec 25 – Mon, Dec 28
Christmas Day (Friday) Boxing Day (Monday, observed)
No leave needed.

What closes

Government offices, courts and most schools close on the public holidays above. Shops usually open with reduced hours, subject to local trading rules.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays does Otago have in 2026?

Otago has 12 public holidays in 2026: 11 public holidays plus 1 Otago-specific holiday (Otago Anniversary Day).

What is the next holiday in Otago?

The next holiday in Otago is Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026 (53 days away).

Are Otago holidays the same as the rest of New Zealand?

Mostly. Otago observes the public holidays shared across New Zealand, plus its own: Otago Anniversary Day. Other regions have different regional days, so check the page for the region you need.

Other regions