January
ASB Classic
A week of professional tennis on Auckland's waterfront, one of the first WTA/ATP tournaments of the international season.
Auckland Anniversary Day & Regatta
A regional public holiday marking Auckland's founding, paired with one of the country's oldest sporting events — a yacht and boat regatta on the Waitematā Harbour.
February
Waitangi Day
New Zealand's national day, marking the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. A public holiday nationwide, with formal commemorations, kapa haka and waka events at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
March
Pasifika Festival
One of the world's largest celebrations of Pacific Island culture, with island-themed villages showcasing food, music, dance and crafts from across the Pacific.
April
ANZAC Day
A national day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and all who have served, marked by dawn services and parades in cities and towns across the country.
May
New Zealand International Comedy Festival
New Zealand's largest comedy festival, bringing local and international stand-up, improv and cabaret acts to venues across the country for several weeks.
June
Matariki
The Māori New Year, marked by the rise of the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades) in the dawn sky. A public holiday since 2022, observed with remembrance, whānau gatherings and community events across the country.
Queenstown Winter Festival
A multi-day festival marking the start of the ski season, with fireworks, live music and events across Queenstown's mountains and town centre.
September
World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show
A theatrical stage show judging avant-garde, wearable art garments from designers around the world — part fashion show, part performance art.
October
Labour Day
A public holiday commemorating the introduction of the eight-hour working day in New Zealand in the 1840s.
Diwali Festival of Lights
Large public festivals of Indian food, music and dance marking Diwali, among the biggest such celebrations held outside India.
November
New Zealand Cup and Show Week
A week of horse racing, agricultural shows and entertainment built around the New Zealand Trotting Cup and New Zealand Cup, a Canterbury tradition since the 1800s.
December
Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Zealand's Christmas falls in summer — public holidays widely marked with family gatherings, beach days and barbecues alongside the traditional festivities.
New Year's Eve
Countdown celebrations across the country, with fireworks displays in every major city as one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year.