Planning ahead for public holidays can make a big difference, whether you’re organising travel, scheduling work, or sending money overseas. Public holidays can also affect bank processing times, so knowing the key dates in advance helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Below is a complete list of public holidays in Australia and New Zealand for 2026, including national holidays and region-specific dates.
Australia Public Holidays 2026
Australia observes a mix of national public holidays and state or territory–specific holidays. While national holidays are observed nationwide, state and regional holidays can vary by location and sometimes by local council.
National public in Australia (2026)
| Holiday | Date | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January | National |
| Australia Day | Monday, 26 January | National |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April | National |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April | National |
| Anzac Day | Saturday, 25 April | National |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December | National |
| Boxing Day | Saturday, 26 December & Monday, 28 December | National |
Note: When a public holiday falls on a weekend, an additional “observed” holiday may apply depending on the state or territory.
State and territory public holidays in Australia (2026)
| Holiday | Date | State / Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | Monday, 9 March | VIC |
| Canberra Day | Monday, 9 March | ACT |
| Adelaide Cup Day | Monday, 9 March | SA |
| Eight Hours Day | Monday, 9 March | TAS |
| Labour Day | Monday, 4 May | QLD |
| May Day | Monday, 4 May | ACT |
| Reconciliation Day | Monday, 1 June | ACT |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 8 June | ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC |
| Friday before the AFL Grand Final | Date TBC | VIC |
| Picnic Day | Monday, 3 August | ACT |
| Labour Day | Monday, 5 October | ACT, NSW, SA |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 5 October | QLD |
| Melbourne Cup | Tuesday, 3 November | VIC |
Important: State and territory holidays may differ by location and naming. Always check your local government calendar for exact dates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman – Public Holidays 2026
New Zealand public holidays 2026
New Zealand has nationwide public holidays as well as regional Anniversary Days, which apply only in specific areas.
Nationwide public holidays in New Zealand (2026)
| Holiday | Date | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January | National |
| Day after New Year’s Day | Friday, 2 January | National |
| Waitangi Day | Friday, 6 February | National |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April | National |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April | National |
| Anzac Day | Saturday, 25 April | National |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 1 June | National |
| Matariki | Friday, 10 July | National |
| Labour Day | Monday, 26 October | National |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December | National |
| Boxing Day | Saturday, 26 December & Monday, 28 December | National |
Regional anniversary days in New Zealand (2026)
Anniversary Days commemorate the founding or early settlement of specific regions. These holidays are not observed nationwide and are set by local councils.
| Region | Date | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington | Monday, 19 January | Regional |
| Auckland | Monday, 26 January | Regional |
| Nelson | Monday, 2 February | Regional |
| Taranaki | Monday, 9 March | Regional |
| Otago | Monday, 23 March | Regional |
| Southland | Tuesday, 7 April | Regional |
| Canterbury (South) | Monday, 28 September | Regional |
| Hawke’s Bay | Friday, 23 October | Regional |
| Marlborough | Monday, 2 November | Regional |
| Canterbury | Friday, 13 November | Regional |
| Chatham Islands | Monday, 30 November | Regional |
| Westland | Monday, 30 November | Regional |
Note: Businesses may be open in one region and closed in another on Anniversary Days, so it’s important to check which holiday applies to your location.
Source: New Zealand Government – Public Holidays and Anniversary Dates
Transfer timing considerations
Public holidays in Australia and New Zealand can affect bank processing and settlement times, which may cause delays to international money transfers, especially when holidays fall next to weekends or during peak periods such as Easter and the Christmas–New Year season.
Transfers made on public holidays are often processed on the next business day.
To avoid delays:
- Send money ahead of public holidays
- Allow extra time around long weekends
- Check estimated delivery times before confirming your transfer
Make the most of 2026 long weekends
Public holidays are a great opportunity to maximise your annual leave. In 2026, dates around Easter, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, and Christmas can be combined with a few leave days to create longer breaks. These periods are also popular for travel, so booking flights and accommodation early can help you avoid higher prices and limited availability.
💡 Tip: By taking leave from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April 2026, Australians can combine Easter and Anzac Day to enjoy an extended break using fewer annual leave days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will public holidays affect my international money transfer with OrbitRemit ?
Yes. Public holidays can affect bank processing and settlement times, which may delay international money transfers sent through OrbitRemit. If banks are closed, transfers are usually processed on the next business day.
Are OrbitRemit transfers processed on public holidays?
You can still book a transfer online on public holidays. However, processing typically resumes once banks reopen on the next working day.
Do public holidays cause delays even if I send money online?
Yes. Even though OrbitRemit operates online, transfers still rely on local and international banking systems. Public holidays in either the sending or receiving country may slow completion times.
What are New Zealand Anniversary Days, and do they affect transfers?
Anniversary Days are region-specific public holidays that commemorate the founding of individual regions in New Zealand. While they are not nationwide holidays, they may still impact local bank operations in the affected region, potentially slowing transfers.
How can I avoid delays when sending money with OrbitRemit?
To reduce the chance of delays:
Plan ahead for end-of-year holidays, which often have multiple public holidays close together:
- Send money before public holidays or long weekends
- Allow extra processing time during peak holiday periods
- Check estimated delivery times before confirming your transfer
Do public holidays in the receiving country matter?
Yes. Transfers can be delayed if either the sending or receiving country has a public holiday. Always check public holiday calendars for both countries involved in your transfer.
Are exchange rates affected by public holidays?
Yes. Exchange rates can be less volatile during public holidays due to reduced market activity. However, rates may move quickly once markets reopen, especially after long weekends or extended holiday periods.
To help you stay on top of rate movements, OrbitRemit lets you set up Rate Alerts in the app. This means you’ll be notified when your preferred exchange rate is reached, so you can transfer at the right time without constantly checking rates.
Will my OrbitRemit transfer be delayed during Christmas and New Year?
Christmas and New Year are among the busiest periods for international money transfers. With multiple public holidays and weekends close together, delays are more likely. Sending money early is recommended.
Where can I check official public holiday dates?
Public holiday dates are published by official government sources:
- Australia public holidays:
Fair Work Ombudsman – Public Holidays 2026 https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays/2026-public-holidays - New Zealand public holidays & Matariki:
New Zealand Government – Public holidays https://www.govt.nz/browse/work/public-holidays-and-work/
Checking official calendars helps ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Can I get help with my transfers with OrbitRemit?
Yes. OrbitRemit offers dedicated customer support if you need help with your transfer or have any questions.
📧 Email support
Email: [email protected]
Our team responds to emails within 1 business day.
💬 Live chat (via the OrbitRemit app)
Live chat is available directly in the app.
To start a chat, go to Customer Support > Chat with us.
🕒 Support hours
Monday – Friday:
8:30am – 1:00am NZST
6:30am – 11:00pm AEST
Saturday – Sunday:
2:00pm – 5:00pm NZST
12:00pm – 3:00pm AEST
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Disclaimer: Public holiday dates are sourced from official Australian and New Zealand government calendars. State, territory, and regional public holidays may vary by location and are subject to change. Always check local government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.