NZ Holidays
Construction workers in hard hats building together celebrating Labour Day and workers rights in New Zealand

Labour Day

Labour Day celebrates the achievements of workers and the establishment of the eight-hour working day in New Zealand. Observed on the fourth Monday in October, it marks the beginning of spring activities.

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Upcoming Dates

YearDateDayObserved
2026MondaySame day
2027MondaySame day
2028MondaySame day

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History & Origins

Labour Day in New Zealand commemorates the struggle for an eight-hour working day. Samuel Parnell, a carpenter, is credited with establishing the eight-hour day in Wellington in 1840, refusing to work more than eight hours. The first Labour Day was celebrated in 1890 with a march in several cities, and it became a public holiday in 1900.

Traditions & Customs

  • Community events and festivals
  • Spring garden shows and markets
  • Long weekend getaways
  • Outdoor activities as spring weather improves
  • Labour movement commemorations

Fun Facts

NZ was one of the first countries to establish an eight-hour working day

Samuel Parnell famously said 'We have 24 hours — eight for work, eight for sleep, eight for recreation'

The first Labour Day march was held on 28 October 1890

Labour Day always falls on the fourth Monday in October

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Where to Go

Iconic red Wellington Cable Car with panoramic city and harbour views in New Zealand capital

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.

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Tranquil beach view in Christchurch the Garden City of New Zealand

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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Historic Dunedin Railway Station with its iconic Flemish Renaissance clock tower and black basalt and white Oamaru limestone facade in New Zealand

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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The snowcapped Mount Taranaki volcano in Taranaki New Zealand

New Plymouth

Taranaki

A coastal city dominated by the stunning Mount Taranaki volcano. Known for its coastal walkway, art gallery, and stunning gardens.

Mount TaranakiCoastal WalkwayGovett-Brewster Art Gallery

Stay in New Plymouth

Find the best deals on hotels and accommodation in New Plymouth for your holiday getaway.

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Travel Tips

  1. 1Spring is blooming — visit botanical gardens and parks
  2. 2Great time for whale watching in Kaikoura
  3. 3The weather is warming up, perfect for outdoor activities
  4. 4Consider visiting the Hawke's Bay wine region