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Photo: “St Paul's, Arrowtown, Otago, New Zealand” by Bernard Spragg. NZ, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian public holiday observed two days before Easter Sunday. In New Zealand, it marks the beginning of the Easter long weekend and many businesses close for the day.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday | Same day | |
| 2027 | Friday | Same day | |
| 2028 | Friday | Same day |
What's Open?
- Good Friday is a restricted trading day — most shops, malls and supermarkets must close.
- Exempt shops can still open, including dairies, service stations, pharmacies, cafés and takeaways (selling ready-to-eat food), and shops in a few tourist areas with a long-standing exemption, such as Queenstown and Taupō.
- Garden centres can't open on Good Friday (their exemption covers Easter Sunday only).
- Since 3 April 2026, bars, pubs and restaurants can serve alcohol during their normal hours on restricted trading days — customers no longer need to be dining. Bottle stores and supermarkets still can't sell alcohol on these days.
- Bank branches and government offices are closed, and NZ Post doesn't make standard deliveries.
- Public transport in most cities runs to a Sunday or public holiday timetable.
Pay & Leave Rules
- If you work on a public holiday that would otherwise be a working day for you, you must be paid at least time and a half for the hours you work, and you also get an alternative holiday (a paid day off in lieu) to take later.
- If the day would otherwise be a working day and you don't work, you're paid your relevant daily pay or average daily pay for the day off.
- This holiday always falls on a weekday, so Mondayisation never applies.
- Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, so the standard public holiday pay rules don't apply to it — but shop workers can refuse to work on Easter Sunday in areas where councils allow shops to open.
See Employment New Zealand for full details.
History & Origins
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus and has been a public holiday in New Zealand since the colonial era. It is the most tightly regulated day of the Easter weekend.
Under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990, Good Friday is one of only three and a half restricted trading days a year, along with Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and the morning of ANZAC Day. Since 2016, councils can allow shops to open on Easter Sunday, but that option has never applied to Good Friday.
Alcohol rules were relaxed in 2026: from 3 April 2026, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol during their normal hours on Good Friday, though bottle stores and supermarkets still can't sell it.
Traditions & Customs
- Church services and processions
- Hot cross buns — a beloved Kiwi Easter tradition
- Family gatherings and shared meals
- Beginning of autumn outdoor adventures
- Easter egg hunts for children
Fun Facts
Good Friday is one of the most restricted trading days in NZ
New Zealanders consume millions of hot cross buns each Easter
The date changes each year based on the lunar calendar
It always falls on a Friday, creating a four-day weekend with Easter Monday
Where to Go
Christchurch
Canterbury
The Garden City, rebuilt and reimagined after the 2011 earthquake. A gateway to the Southern Alps with innovative architecture and beautiful parks.
Christchurch Botanic GardensCardboard CathedralHagley Park
Stay in Christchurch
Find the best deals on hotels and accommodation in Christchurch for your holiday getaway.
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Dunedin
Otago
A charming city with Scottish heritage, home to New Zealand's oldest university. Known for wildlife encounters and stunning Otago Peninsula.
Otago Peninsula wildlifeBaldwin StreetLarnach Castle
Stay in Dunedin
Find the best deals on hotels and accommodation in Dunedin for your holiday getaway.
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Hamilton
Waikato
A vibrant inland city on the Waikato River, gateway to the Hobbiton movie set, Waitomo Caves, and the lush Waikato farmland.
Hamilton GardensHobbitonWaitomo Caves
Stay in Hamilton
Find the best deals on hotels and accommodation in Hamilton for your holiday getaway.
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Wellington
Wellington
New Zealand's compact capital city, famous for its creative culture, craft coffee scene, Te Papa museum, and dramatic harbour setting.
Te Papa MuseumWellington Cable CarCuba Street
Stay in Wellington
Find the best deals on hotels and accommodation in Wellington for your holiday getaway.
Browse HotelsMake the most of Good Friday
Good Friday falls in autumn. Here are some ideas that suit the season.
Travel Tips
- 1Plan ahead as many shops, restaurants and services close on Good Friday
- 2The four-day weekend is perfect for a short getaway
- 3Autumn colours make this a beautiful time to visit wine regions
- 4Book accommodation early as it's a popular travel weekend
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Good Friday 2027?+
Good Friday 2027 is on Friday, 26 March 2027.
Are shops open on Good Friday in New Zealand?+
Most aren't. Good Friday is a restricted trading day, so only exempt shops such as dairies, service stations, pharmacies, cafés and takeaways can open, plus shops in a few areas with long-standing exemptions like Queenstown.
Can I buy alcohol on Good Friday?+
Since 3 April 2026 you can order a drink at a bar, pub or restaurant during their normal hours without needing to eat. Bottle stores and supermarkets still can't sell alcohol on Good Friday.
Are supermarkets open on Good Friday?+
No. Supermarkets must close on Good Friday. Stock up on Thursday.
Is Easter Saturday a public holiday?+
No. Only Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Easter Saturday is a normal trading day, and Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day but not a public holiday.