Does your annual leave vanish faster than your phone battery on 1%? With just four weeks a year, it’s never quite enough to quench your thirst for adventure—or to recover from the relentless hamster wheel of work and adult life admin. But what if we told you there’s a way to stretch those precious 20 days into nearly 50 days of holidays using New Zealand’s 2025 public holidays? With a few clever hacks (and a dash of forward planning), you can unlock a year filled with long weekends, extended getaways, and proper breaks that actually feel like holidays. This year holiday smarter, not harder – let us show you how!

Waitangi Day (Thursday, 6 February)

Who doesn’t love a mid-week break? By taking Friday, 7 February, off, you can turn this into a 4-day weekend (Thursday to Sunday). Whether you’re planning a mini road trip, a lazy staycation, or a quick getaway to one of New Zealand’s stunning regions, this is your first chance in 2025 to maximise your public holiday.

Days off gained: +4 days (1 public holiday + 1 annual leave day + 2 weekend days).

Easter Weekend (Friday, 18 April – Monday, 21 April)

Easter 2025 offers prime holiday potential. Combine the long weekend with just three days of leave (Tuesday, 22 April, to Thursday, 24 April) to unlock a 10-day holiday from 18 to 27 April. Picture this: chocolate, family time, and exploring New Zealand’s autumn beauty.

Days off gained: +10 days (4 public holidays + 3 annual leave days + 3 weekend days).

ANZAC Day (Friday, 25 April)

This year, ANZAC Day 2025 falls on a Friday, creating an effortless 3-day weekend (Friday to Sunday). No extra leave needed! Attend a dawn service, then escape for a peaceful retreat or enjoy some quality downtime with loved ones.

Days off gained: +3 days (1 public holiday + 2 weekend days).

King’s Birthday (Monday, 3 June)

Boost your public holiday game with this winter weekend. Add Friday, 31 May, for a 4-day escape (Friday to Monday). Whether you’re hitting the slopes, warming up in a cosy cabin, or exploring New Zealand’s rugged winter landscapes, this is a perfect mid-year getaway opportunity.

Days off gained: +4 days (1 public holiday + 1 annual leave day + 2 weekend days).

Labour Day (Monday, 27 October)

Spring into action with another built-in long weekend. Add Friday, 24 October, to turn Labour Day 2025 into a 4-day adventure (Friday to Monday). Whether you’re chasing outdoor thrills or enjoying some seaside relaxation, this is the ultimate excuse to soak up New Zealand’s spring vibes.

Days off gained: +4 days (1 public holiday + 1 annual leave day + 2 weekend days).

Christmas & Boxing Day (Thursday, 25 December – Friday, 26 December)

Maximise the festive season by taking annual leave on Monday, 22 December, Tuesday, 23 December, and Monday, 29 December, to Wednesday, 31 December. That’s seven days of leave for a massive 16-day break from 20 December to 4 January 2026. Whether it’s summer BBQs, beach days, or festive fun, this is the perfect way to cap off your year.

Days off gained: +16 days (4 public holidays + 7 annual leave days + 5 weekend days).

Bonus 2025 Public Holiday Tips

Regional Anniversary Days: Depending on your location, take 1 extra leave day around your regional public holiday for a custom mini-break.

Plan Ahead: Popular dates book up quickly, so get in early to lock in your 2025 adventures.

Don’t Let 2025 Public Holidays Go to Waste! Life’s too short to miss out on opportunities for a good break. By following these simple hacks, you can stretch your 20 days of annual leave into nearly 50 glorious days off. Start planning now to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking destinations, relax with loved ones, and make 2025 your most adventurous year yet.

Book your getaway today and make it your new years resolution to make 2025 public holidays work for you! Find a park >