New Year's Day in New Zealand
1 January is New Year's Day in New Zealand and a national public holiday. The day is usually quieter than New Year's Eve: people rest after the celebrations, enjoy family time, head to beaches and parks, join early swims or local events, and many communities stage New Year markets or races.
New Year's Day - Dates
This year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Wed, 1 Jan 2025 | Public holiday |  Add |
Next year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan 2026 | Public holiday | Add |
Last year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Mon, 1 Jan 2024 | Public holiday | Add |
Are Businesses Closed?
New Year's Day is a public holiday. Most businesses and offices are closed.
Are Schools Closed?
Schools are closed throughout the Christmas and New Year. This period is included in the summer school holidays in New Zealand. Schools open with their new term only at the end of January or early February.
What makes New Year's Day in New Zealand unique?
New Zealand's New Year has a few features that set it apart from many other countries:
- Summer timing: New Year falls in mid-summer, so the mood is outdoorsy - beaches, lakes and barbecue areas are central. This is very different from countries that celebrate in winter.
- "First sunrise" and "first swim" culture: Many Kiwis greet the year's first sunrise from beaches, headlands or volcanic peaks (for example local volcanic cones around Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland). Others join organised open-water swims or chilly-river dips. These rituals combine physical refreshment with a symbolic fresh start.
- Community events over large-scale parades: While some cities host large New Year's Eve fireworks, New Year's Day itself tends to focus on community markets, family-friendly concerts and local sporting events rather than single national spectacles. Wellington and other cities run free family events on and around New Year's Eve which often continue through 1 January. Browse Wellington council's events.
- Tourism and regional spread: New Zealand's tourism patterns mean the holiday period sees strong domestic travel - visitors disperse across multiple regions rather than concentrating in one capital. Tourism New Zealand's market data shows steady visitor flows and highlights the importance of seasonal travel in the summer months.
New Year's Day in New Zealand looks very similar to Australia one. Thanks to the warm weather and stunning beaches in both of these island countries.
How major cities and regions observe New Year's Day
Auckland
Many Aucklanders and visitors use New Year's Day to visit beaches (such as Mission Bay), climb local volcanic cones for sunrise, or enjoy family picnics. Council-run events and transport planning around this time are extensive.
Wellington
Wellington combines waterfront leisure with community events. The city's family-friendly NYE programs often continue into 1 January with food trucks, markets and easy riverside walks for a calmer start to the year.
Christchurch
Christchurch's parks and Hagley Park provide space for chilled New Year's Day gatherings and local concerts; many families use the day for barbecues and visiting local attractions. Community events and markets are common in the days around 1 January.
Queenstown and the Southern Lakes
Queenstown is a popular holiday hub. Many visitors spend New Year's Day at lakefront parks, on cruises, or exploring nearby trails. Expect tourist-focused activities and smaller organised events suited to families and adventure travellers.
Regional beach towns and holiday areas
Across the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Tasman and other coastal regions, New Year's Day is often a continuation of holiday life - local markets, beach cricket and pop-up community barbecues are common.
Practical tips for locals and visitors
- Check council and event pages before you go - services, road closures and public-transport timetables change over the holiday period.
- Bring sun protection, water and a lightweight shade - New Zealand summer sun can be intense even on partly cloudy days.
- Consider joining organised community swims or events instead of private fireworks - they are safer for families, pets and wildlife.
- Respect mātauranga Māori and local sacred sites - if you plan to watch the first sunrise from a Maunga (volcanic cone) or other significant site. Visit Maunga official site for more info.
- Book accommodation and restaurant bookings early in popular holiday towns - many places sell out across the New Year week.
FAQ
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in New Zealand?
Yes - New Year's Day (1 January) is a national public holiday. Additionally, there's following public holiday on 2 January as a "Day after New Year's Day".
What do people usually do on New Year's Day?
People often relax after New Year's Eve, go to beaches or lakes, join community swims or markets, visit family and enjoy barbecues. Many local events and markets run in the days around New Year's Day.