Waitangi Day 2026: What's open, what's not, and when you have to pay a surcharge

Every year on 6 February, the country recognises Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national day to mark the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840.

Waitangi Day falls on a Friday this year, meaning workers are entitled to a paid day off.

But, unlike Easter holidays, Christmas, or before 1pm on Anzac Day, trading restrictions don't apply.

What's open?

Shops, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality and retail venues will be open as usual on Waitangi Day, but they can choose to close if they wish - so it pays to check opening hours beforehand.

Supermarkets and malls will be open too, but some may operate with shorter hours.

When do I have to pay a surcharge?

On a public holiday, businesses often have surcharges, an additional charge, to cover the extra costs, such as paying employees time-and-a-half. Employees get paid time-and-a-half and an alternative day off under the Holidays Act when they work a public holiday if it's a usual working day for them.

Hospitality businesses that decide to open on a public holiday, including Waitangi Day, may add a 15 percent surcharge to their services.

If a business does charge a surcharge, they must have clear signage communicating this to the customer. These can include the display of signs detailing the surcharge, a message on the business's website, or by verbally letting the customer know at the time of purchase or before they order.

If customers believe they have been misled about a surcharge, they can complain to the Commerce Commission.

What's on?

Every year, a public festival is held on Waitangi Day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. It starts at 5am with a dawn service in Te Whare Rūnanga.

The dawn service on Waitangi Day 2025. Photo: RNZ / Jo Moir

For those not at the Treaty Grounds this Waitangi Day, there are still many events across the country.

Government funding has been provided to 29 community events across New Zealand to commemorate Waitangi Day this year. You can find an event near you here.

Councils also tend to organise Waitangi Day events.

Auckland City Council said Aucklanders are encouraged to make the most of the free events, cultural exchanges, great atmosphere, music and delicious kai on offer at Waitangi ki Manukau (Manukau Sports Bowl), Waitangi ki Ōmaru in Glen Innes (Point England Reserve) and Waitangi@Waititi at Parrs Park (West Auckland).

Wellington City Council has several Waitangi Day events, such as Te Rā o Waitangi, a free event that includes live music, dance and cultural performances at Waitangi Park.

Christchurch City Council said Waitangi Day activities in the Garden City and Canterbury include the 50th anniversary celebration at Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum with hāngī and performances, alongside a family event in Kaiapoi at Trousselot Park.