South Canterbury holidays 2026
South Canterbury has 12 public holidays in 2026: 11 public holidays and 1 South Canterbury-specific holiday. Dates below show the actual date and, where a holiday falls on a weekend, the day it is observed.
Public holidays observed in South Canterbury
| Date | Day | Holiday | Observed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thu | New Year's Day Public holiday | — | |
| Jan 2 | Fri | Day after New Year's Day Public holiday | — | |
| Feb 6 | Fri | Waitangi Day Public holiday | — | |
| Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday Public holiday | — | |
| Apr 6 | Mon | Easter Monday Public holiday | — | |
| Apr 25 | Sat | Anzac Day Public holiday | Mon, Apr 27 | |
| Jun 1 | Mon | King's Birthday Public holiday | — | |
| Jul 10 | Fri | Matariki Public holiday | — | |
| Oct 26 | Mon | Labour Day Public holiday | — | |
| Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas Day Public holiday | — | |
| Dec 26 | Sat | Boxing Day Public holiday | Mon, 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 South Canterbury
Public holidays in South Canterbury that the rest of New Zealand does not share.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Observed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 28 | Mon | South Canterbury Anniversary Day Provincial anniversary day | — | South Canterbury (Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate districts). |
Observances (not days off)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Observed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14 | Sat | Valentine's Day Observance | — | |
| Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday Observance | — | |
| May 10 | Sun | Mother's Day Observance | — | |
| Sep 6 | Sun | Father's Day Observance | — | |
| Oct 31 | Sat | Halloween Observance | — |
Long weekends in South Canterbury, 2026
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 South Canterbury have in 2026?
South Canterbury has 12 public holidays in 2026: 11 public holidays plus 1 South Canterbury-specific holiday (South Canterbury Anniversary Day).
What is the next holiday in South Canterbury?
The next holiday in South Canterbury is Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026 (53 days away).
Are South Canterbury holidays the same as the rest of New Zealand?
Mostly. South Canterbury observes the public holidays shared across New Zealand, plus its own: South Canterbury Anniversary Day. Other regions have different regional days, so check the page for the region you need.