Halloween in New Zealand

Kids take part in costume day in schools and communities. Pic: Prakash

Halloween is a growing, friendly celebration in New Zealand. It mixes classic elements like costumes and pumpkin carving with local community events, school activities, and springtime warmth — much like Australia, but with its own local flavour.

Halloween Date for 2025

Name Date Day Holiday Type
Halloween 31 Oct Friday Observance

Are Businesses Closed?

Halloween is not a public holiday. Businesses and Offices are open according to their normal hours.

Are Schools Closed?

Schools stay open in Halloween. Kids go trick-or-treating after school.

What Halloween looks like in New Zealand

Halloween in New Zealand is mostly an evening for costumes, treats, and fun. Many families and communities take part in trick-or-treating, school dress-up days, and local festivals. Retail and hospitality businesses promote themed foods, decorations, and events in the weeks leading up to October 31.

Key features of NZ celebrations

Here are common elements you’ll see across New Zealand:

  • Trick-or-treating: Popular in many suburbs and especially active in newer neighbourhoods. Participation varies by street and community.
  • Community events: Schools, libraries, and community centres often host safe, organised Halloween activities for children.
  • Pumpkin carving: Pumpkins and lanterns are common, and many families enjoy carving or decorating pumpkins together.
  • Costume parties: Workplaces, clubs, and bars host themed parties for all ages.
  • Market and festival culture: Farmers' markets, night markets, and pop-up events sometimes include Halloween stalls and entertainment.

Similarities to Halloween in Australia

Halloween in New Zealand shares many traits with the Australian celebration:

  • Spring timing: Like Australia, New Zealand celebrates Halloween in spring, so evenings are generally mild and outdoor events are common.
  • Community-led approach: Both countries rely on local events, schools, and organised venues rather than uniform, country-wide trick-or-treat traditions.
  • Creative local twists: Both countries blend classic Halloween motifs with local culture — spring flowers, beach or garden themes, and family barbecues or picnics.

Ways New Zealand differs from Australia and other countries

Although similar to Australia, New Zealand has its own nuances:

  • Scale and reach: Halloween participation can be smaller in rural or tight-knit communities, where local events and school celebrations are more common than street trick-or-treating.
  • Māori and Pacific influences: In some areas, local cultural events and community celebrations reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse heritage, creating unique, blended festivities.
  • Smaller urban centres: In medium and smaller towns, Halloween is often celebrated through community halls, school fetes, and markets rather than large commercial displays.

Our Tips

Here's our tips to make Halloween fun for everybody:

  • Be clear if you are welcoming trick-or-treaters: a lit porch or a sign helps.
  • Respect neighbours who don’t celebrate; check where trick-or-treating is welcome in your street.
  • Offer allergy-safe or non-food treats as options for children with dietary needs.
  • Plan activities for a range of ages — not everyone wants scares; some prefer crafts or costume photo booths.
  • Supervise your kids to keep them safe on street and the driveways. Dark costumes are less visible to the drivers in the evening.