New Zealand Public Holidays Explained
INTRO Look out for New Zealand public holidays. Was it Freud who said when he arrived in New Zealand the country appeared closed? Bit rude of him but the underlying message is don’t get caught out when your visit coincides with a National Holiday. Or at least make sure you know what’s available and what’s open. The other reason to know about New Zealand public holidays is to recognise the significance of some of the days the population of New Zealand turn out to celebrate. 
IN A NUTSHELL New Zealand Shops can trade on 51 out of 52 Sundays in the year. They can also open on any public holiday except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day. Easter Sunday is currently the one Sunday when shops are not allowed to open but this is under review (like everything in politics and the national interest). – yawn!
Starting at the beginning of the year you have the following Public holidays in New Zealand. Click on a picture for details and dates
What is Daylight Saving Time? Answer: It’s the time during which clocks are set one hour ahead of local standard time; widely adopted during summer to provide extra daylight in the evenings. Simples! Daylight Saving in New Zealand starts on the last Sunday in September, when 2.00am becomes 3.00am, and ends on the first Sunday in April the following year, when 3.00am becomes 2.00am. So, for 2009 daylight saving ends on Sunday 5 April and begins again on Sunday 27 September. For 2010 daylight saving ends on Sunday 4 April 2010 and begins again on Sunday 26 September 2010. Any years after this and we’re sure you can work it out says Phil! 
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Some of you on your New Zealand holidays may be travelling with children (or you may wish to avoid them! – ah bless them…) In any case here are the New Zealand School Holiday Dates. We’re not giving precise dates but you’ll find they are pretty much around the same time year on year, Autumn Holidays run from around April 10 - April 25 Back to Home Page From New Zealand Public Holidays |
