Anzac Day, on 25 April, is New Zealand's national day of remembrance. It marks the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and today honours everyone who has served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping.
Anzac Day dates
| Holiday | Actual date | Observed weekday date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anzac Day 2026 | Sat, 25 Apr 2026 | Mon, 27 Apr 2026 Observed | Monday |
| Anzac Day 2027 | Sun, 25 Apr 2027 | Mon, 26 Apr 2027 Observed | Monday |
Dawn services and commemorations
Communities across the country hold dawn services at war memorials, usually starting before sunrise, followed by civic services later in the morning. Services are open to everyone. Many people wear a red poppy, traditionally sold by the RSA in the days before Anzac Day. Dress warmly: late April mornings can be cold, especially inland and in the South Island.
The morning trading restriction
Anzac Day is a restricted trading day until 1pm. Most shops cannot open before 1pm, with exemptions similar to Easter, such as many dairies, service stations and pharmacies. After 1pm, shops may open as usual. Alcohol sales are also restricted on Anzac Day morning.
How weekend dates move
Since 2014, Anzac Day has been Mondayised. When 25 April falls on a Saturday or Sunday, people who would not normally work that day observe it on the following Monday. Commemorations still take place on 25 April itself.
Combining Anzac Day with other breaks
Anzac Day often falls during or near the autumn school holidays, and in some years only a week or two after Easter. That makes late April a good time for a longer family trip. Check the school holiday dates below before booking.
Make the most of your leave
These plans count national public holidays and weekends for someone who usually works Monday to Friday. They are worked out from the dates above; regional anniversaries and your own roster can make them better or worse.
Anzac Day 2026
- No leave → 3 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Mon, 27 Apr 2026.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Tue, 28 Apr 2026. Leave on Tue, 28 Apr 2026.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Wed, 29 Apr 2026. Leave on Tue, 28 Apr 2026, Wed, 29 Apr 2026.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Thu, 30 Apr 2026. Leave on Tue, 28 Apr 2026, Wed, 29 Apr 2026, Thu, 30 Apr 2026.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Sun, 3 May 2026. Leave on Tue, 28 Apr 2026, Wed, 29 Apr 2026, Thu, 30 Apr 2026, Fri, 1 May 2026.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 to Mon, 4 May 2026. Leave on Tue, 28 Apr 2026, Wed, 29 Apr 2026, Thu, 30 Apr 2026, Fri, 1 May 2026, Mon, 4 May 2026.
In 2026 this falls during the school term for state and state-integrated schools. Nearby regional days: Southland anniversary (Tue, 7 Apr 2026).
Anzac Day 2027
- No leave → 3 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Mon, 26 Apr 2027.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Tue, 27 Apr 2027. Leave on Tue, 27 Apr 2027.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Wed, 28 Apr 2027. Leave on Tue, 27 Apr 2027, Wed, 28 Apr 2027.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Thu, 29 Apr 2027. Leave on Tue, 27 Apr 2027, Wed, 28 Apr 2027, Thu, 29 Apr 2027.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Sun, 2 May 2027. Leave on Tue, 27 Apr 2027, Wed, 28 Apr 2027, Thu, 29 Apr 2027, Fri, 30 Apr 2027.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Sat, 24 Apr 2027 to Mon, 3 May 2027. Leave on Tue, 27 Apr 2027, Wed, 28 Apr 2027, Thu, 29 Apr 2027, Fri, 30 Apr 2027, Mon, 3 May 2027.
In 2027 this falls during school holidays for state and state-integrated schools, so expect busier roads and accommodation.
Try your own dates in the leave planner →
If you work on the day
If a public holiday falls on a day you would otherwise work and you do work, the Holidays Act 2003 entitles you to be paid at least time and a half, and to an alternative holiday (a paid day off in lieu). If you would otherwise work but have the day off, you are paid as usual. Rosters, shift patterns and employment agreements affect the details, so check Employment New Zealand's guidance or talk to your employer.
Weekend dates and Mondayisation
Six holidays can move when they fall on a weekend: New Year's Day, the Day after New Year's Day, Waitangi Day, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For someone who does not normally work on that weekend day, the holiday is observed on the following Monday (or Tuesday, when two holidays fall on the same weekend). If you do normally work on the weekend day, the holiday stays on its actual date for you.
Questions people ask
Can shops open on Anzac Day?
Most shops must stay closed until 1pm on Anzac Day, unless an exemption applies. They can open after 1pm.
If Anzac Day is on a Saturday, do I get a day off?
If you would not normally work on Saturday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday under the Mondayisation rules.
Ideas for the long weekend
Many towns hold moving dawn services, and Wellington's Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is worth a visit. Late April is also good for quieter autumn road trips. Start with: Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland to Wellington road trip.
Plan a trip
Looking for somewhere else? Browse getaway ideas and road trips, or see every long weekend in 2027.
Other holiday guides: New Year · Waitangi Day · Easter · King's Birthday · Matariki · Labour Day · Christmas