Holidays

Holidays in New Zealand

If you want to experience Christmas in summer temperatures, it’s best to travel to the other side of the world – and New Zealand is an excellent address. New Zealanders love to spend the Christmas holidays outdoors with family and friends.

The two main national holidays are Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day. They reflect the country’s diverse culture and history, which is also influenced by the Maori people.

Overview

New Year’s Day – January 1

Day after New Year – January 2

Waitangi Day – February 6

Karif Friday – Friday before Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday – day after Easter Sunday

ANZAC Day – April 25

Queen`s Birthday – first Monday in June

Labour Day – fourth Monday in October

Christmas Day – December 25

Boxing Day – December 26

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Waitangi Day

On February 6, New Zealanders celebrate their national holiday. It is named after the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document in 1840. The treaty made New Zealand part of the British Empire and gave the Maori the rights of British citizens. On Waitangi Day, flags are raised, speeches are made and celebrations are held. In many cities public concerts and festivals take place, where also the Maori present their cultural traditions. Since the day is also Bob Marley’s birthday, reggae is often played. In the capital Wellington people celebrate and dance at the “One Love” festival. Since February is summer in New Zealand, many people just spend the day on the beach.

ANZAC Day

April 25 is a public holiday in New Zealand, Australia and Tonga. On ANZAC Day, New Zealanders commemorate the fallen soldiers of the First World War. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was an army corps of the British Empire forces during the First World War. They landed in Turkey on 25 April 1915, then fought at the Battle of Gallipoli, in the Middle East and in France and Belgium. On ANZAC Day, parades are traditionally held by the armed forces, police, firefighters and other organisations.

Queen`s Birthday

The birthday of the Queen of England falls on April 21, but it is officially celebrated in New Zealand on the first Monday in June. New Zealanders like to get on their skis then, because the Queen`s Birthday is also the official opening of the ski season.

Christmas

At Christmas, New Zealanders tend to enjoy a light BBQ on the beach rather than a hearty roast because of the summer temperatures. Maybe there will be a Christmas Cake afterwards. There are no Christmas markets in New Zealand. But you can get into the spirit at the Santa Parade, where you can meet Santa Clauses, bagpipers in kilts, Mickey Mouse and many other funny characters. People like to dress up for the Santa Parade, so it’s more like our carnival parades. In New Zealand you can celebrate Christmas in a different way than in Germany.