Public holidays & shop trading in Canterbury (2026)
Most shops in Rolleston trade normally on public holidays, but a few days each year are restricted trading days when most shops must close — Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning (until 1pm) and Christmas Day — and Canterbury also has its regional Anniversary Day, Friday 13 November in 2026.
Last updated 17 June 2026
Restricted trading days (most shops closed)
On these 3.5 days a year, most shops are required to close. Some are exempt and can open — dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, garden centres, takeaways and restaurants/cafes among them.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026
- Easter Sunday — 5 April 2026
- ANZAC Day until 1pm — Saturday 25 April 2026
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026
2026 public holidays
On most other public holidays, supermarkets and shops open as usual (sometimes with holiday hours). The nationally observed 2026 holidays, plus Canterbury's regional day, are:
- New Year — 1 & 2 January 2026
- Waitangi Day — Friday 6 February 2026
- Good Friday & Easter Monday — 3 & 6 April 2026
- ANZAC Day — Saturday 25 April 2026 (Mondayised to Mon 27 April for many workers)
- King's Birthday — Monday 1 June 2026
- Matariki — Friday 10 July 2026
- Canterbury Anniversary Day — Friday 13 November 2026 (regional)
- Labour Day — Monday 26 October 2026
- Christmas Day & Boxing Day — 25 & 26 December 2026
Frequently asked questions
- When is Canterbury Anniversary Day 2026?
- Canterbury Anniversary Day is observed on Friday 13 November 2026 (the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November).
- Are shops open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Rolleston?
- Most shops must close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning (until 1pm) and Christmas Day — these are restricted trading days. Exceptions include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, garden centres and cafes/restaurants.
- When is Matariki 2026?
- The Matariki public holiday in 2026 falls on Friday 10 July.