The Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on the map. Today, the most popular tours in New Zealand have either something to do with the hobbits, the elves, and Mount Doom or a combination thereof. These tours have become popular for a reason: New Zealand is naturally breathtaking, a world that is indeed a world away from the hustle of 21st century living. Even better, New Zealand is sparsely populated (less than 5 million) so getting there is never a crowded experience.
But if you plan a jaunt to the southern hemisphere cousin of Australia, it helps to know days when the crowds can become a problem. Below is the list of New Zealand public holidays 2014.
New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Most of the Kiwis (an endearing term for the locals) are of European descent, so it is not surprising that some of the New Year traditions are transplanted varieties from the northern hemisphere. Large wooden poles reminiscent of Yule logs are tossed on this day, and those with particularly strong Celtic origins even dance with swords on the eve of New Year’s, apart from the usual merriment of dancing, feasting and drinking at the start of the Gregorian year.
Waitangi Day – Thursday, 6 February 2014
New Zealand was first inhabited by the Maori, Polynesian seafarers who came from nearby scattered islands of the Pacific. But then Captain James Cook sighted what was then the coastline of Nova Zeelandia, and even reported sightings of seals and whales, which drove 18th and 19th century whaling expeditions down south. This started the colonization of New Zealand, an event that is remembered in the Treaty of Waitangi. As a nod to its Maori cultural roots, “haka powhiri” welcome ceremonies and other cultural performances are conducted all over the country after the typical official ceremonies of gun salute and Air Force acrobatics are performed.
Good Friday – Friday, 18 April 2014
Most Kiwis of European descent are Irish and Anglican Catholics, so Good Friday is a rather important celebration in New Zealand marked with a liturgical service and burial procession rituals. As in Australia, hot cross buns are very popular on this day, and are typically prepared on the days leading to Good Friday.
Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April 2014
Spring symbolisms are not easily transplanted in the southern hemisphere because of the reversal of the seasons. But the Easter bunny has gained foothold in New Zealand, and Easter egg hunts and egg rolling have become major celebrations especially for the children in attendance. The adults typically celebrate this long weekend tramping (hiking), hunting and camping, or attending sports tournaments.
ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April 2014
New Zealand is a young country (one of the last lands in southern hemisphere to be colonized by human settlers) and its participation in World Wars is a rather honorable achievement. On this day, the fallen servicemen and women of the (Australian and) New Zealand Army Corps are commemorated in a “stand to” Dawn Service and honored in a more formal ceremony of wreath-laying and parade of colors later in the day.
Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 9 June 2014
The Sovereign’s birthday has traditionally been in June, because the monarch when James Cook claimed this land for the British crown celebrated his birthday in June. In effect, the reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth celebrates two birthdays, the other on April 21, her actual birthday. On this day, Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, gets busy as the Queen hands out awards to those that have been included in her Honour’s List.
Labor Day – Monday, 27 October 2014
While not synchronized with the usual May Day (which is on May 1), New Zealand’s Labor Day is no less historic. In fact, it even started earlier than the US counterpart which started the celebrations worldwide. In 1840, a carpenter decided that working longer than 8 hours is not ideal, and refused to work longer than that thereafter; hence, the start of Labor Day in New Zealand, a day that honors the social and economic contributions of workers and reminds their employers of their inherent rights.
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014
Instead of the ubiquitous poinsettia, the holiday season in New Zealand is celebrated with indigenous “pohutukawa,” which blooms in blazing red at around this time. In place of the evergreen Christmas tree, Kiwis decorate their homes with flaxes and ferns but continue with the traditions of playing carols, giving gifts and exchanging cards. Instead of shivering indoors before a Yule log, Kiwis hold barbecue parties and get a tan instead, their Christmas season being the height of summer.
Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December 2014
The day after Christmas or Boxing Day is the start of the two-week Christmas holidays when most business is closed. Traditionally, this day referred to “boxing” the gifts after the exchange the day before, and modern Kiwis take time to enjoy well-deserved holidays and extended breaks in the sunny and bright outdoors after putting post-Christmas effects to order.
