Otago Anniversary Day
Celebrates the founding of Otago province. The closest Monday to 23 March.
Otago Anniversary Day Dates 2026–2028
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Monday | |
| 2028 | Monday |
History of Otago Anniversary Day
Otago Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of Otago province, established by the Free Church of Scotland as a Scottish Presbyterian settlement in 1848. The first settlers arrived at Port Chalmers in March 1848. The discovery of gold in the Otago goldfields in 1861 transformed the region, making Dunedin New Zealand's largest and most prosperous city for a period.
How Otago Anniversary Day Is Observed
Otago Anniversary Day is a Monday long weekend in late March. The day is popular for autumn outdoor activities — Otago's landscapes are spectacular in autumn colours. Dunedin hosts various events, and the Otago Peninsula and Central Otago wine country are popular long weekend destinations.
Region Covered
Otago Anniversary Day applies to workers in the following areas: Dunedin, Queenstown, Wānaka, Oamaru. If you live or work in this region, you are generally entitled to a paid day off on this date, or equivalent time-and-a-half pay if required to work.
Employment Entitlements
Regional anniversary days are public holidays for employees who live and work in the relevant region. Under the Holidays Act 2003:
- If the anniversary day falls on a day you would otherwise work, you are entitled to a paid day off.
- If you work on the anniversary day, you must receive at least time and a half pay, plus an alternative holiday (day in lieu).
- Whether the regional anniversary applies to a specific business may depend on the relevant industry and employment agreements.
For authoritative guidance, visit Employment New Zealand — Regional Anniversary Days.
View all New Zealand regional anniversary days or explore national public holidays.