King's Birthday is observed on the first Monday in June. It celebrates the sovereign's official birthday rather than the monarch's actual birthday, and it was called Queen's Birthday until 2023. For most people it is simply the first long weekend of winter.
King's Birthday dates
| Holiday | Actual date | Observed weekday date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| King’s Birthday 2026 | Mon, 1 Jun 2026 | Mon, 1 Jun 2026 | Monday |
| King’s Birthday 2027 | Mon, 7 Jun 2027 | Mon, 7 Jun 2027 | Monday |
Why June?
New Zealand has marked the sovereign's birthday with a public holiday for well over a century. The date has long been fixed to the first Monday in June, which gives a reliable winter long weekend regardless of whose birthday it is. The holiday was renamed King's Birthday after King Charles III became monarch.
The start of the snow season
In many years, ski areas aim to open around King's Birthday weekend, although opening depends entirely on snowfall and snowmaking. If you are planning a ski trip, check each ski area's opening announcements and road conditions before you travel, and carry chains for alpine roads.
Winter road travel
Days are short in June. Plan to arrive before dark, check NZTA Waka Kotahi road conditions for passes such as the Desert Road, Lewis Pass and Crown Range, and allow extra time for ice and fog. The road trip guides on this site include rest stops and warnings for popular routes.
Shops, pay and school
King's Birthday is a normal trading day for shops. Work on the day attracts time and a half and an alternative holiday if it would otherwise be a working day for you. It falls during term 2, so families do not usually have school holidays alongside it.
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.
King's Birthday 2026
- No leave → 3 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Mon, 1 Jun 2026.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Tue, 2 Jun 2026. Leave on Tue, 2 Jun 2026.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Wed, 3 Jun 2026. Leave on Tue, 2 Jun 2026, Wed, 3 Jun 2026.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Thu, 4 Jun 2026. Leave on Tue, 2 Jun 2026, Wed, 3 Jun 2026, Thu, 4 Jun 2026.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Sun, 7 Jun 2026. Leave on Tue, 2 Jun 2026, Wed, 3 Jun 2026, Thu, 4 Jun 2026, Fri, 5 Jun 2026.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Sat, 30 May 2026 to Mon, 8 Jun 2026. Leave on Tue, 2 Jun 2026, Wed, 3 Jun 2026, Thu, 4 Jun 2026, Fri, 5 Jun 2026, Mon, 8 Jun 2026.
In 2026 this falls during the school term for state and state-integrated schools.
King's Birthday 2027
- No leave → 3 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Mon, 7 Jun 2027.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Tue, 8 Jun 2027. Leave on Tue, 8 Jun 2027.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Wed, 9 Jun 2027. Leave on Tue, 8 Jun 2027, Wed, 9 Jun 2027.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Thu, 10 Jun 2027. Leave on Tue, 8 Jun 2027, Wed, 9 Jun 2027, Thu, 10 Jun 2027.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Sun, 13 Jun 2027. Leave on Tue, 8 Jun 2027, Wed, 9 Jun 2027, Thu, 10 Jun 2027, Fri, 11 Jun 2027.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Sat, 5 Jun 2027 to Mon, 14 Jun 2027. Leave on Tue, 8 Jun 2027, Wed, 9 Jun 2027, Thu, 10 Jun 2027, Fri, 11 Jun 2027, Mon, 14 Jun 2027.
In 2027 this falls during the school term for state and state-integrated schools.
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.
Questions people ask
Is King's Birthday on the King's actual birthday?
No. It is the official birthday, observed on the first Monday in June.
When did Queen's Birthday become King's Birthday?
The holiday was renamed in 2023, following the accession of King Charles III.
Ideas for the long weekend
Snow-season trips to Queenstown or the Central Plateau are popular when ski areas open; Rotorua's hot pools are a cosy alternative. Start with: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland to Taupō 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 · Anzac Day · Matariki · Labour Day · Christmas