Canterbury Anniversary Day: 2026 and 2027 dates
Canterbury Anniversary Day, also known as Canterbury Show Day, commemorates the founding of the Canterbury settlement in 1850, when the First Four Ships arrived at Lyttelton. It is observed on the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November, traditionally the middle Friday of the Canterbury A&P Show.
Also known as Canterbury Show Day.
2026
13 November 2026
2027
12 November 2027
Rule: Second Friday after the first Tuesday in November (Canterbury Show Day).
2026 public holidays in Canterbury
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Canterbury Anniversary Day.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Day after New Year's Day | 2 January 2026 | Friday |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February 2026 | Friday |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Monday |
| Anzac Day mondayised | 27 April 2026 | Monday |
| King's Birthday | 1 June 2026 | Monday |
| Matariki | 10 July 2026 | Friday |
| Labour Day | 26 October 2026 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday |
| Boxing Day mondayised | 28 December 2026 | Monday |
| Canterbury Anniversary Day regional | 13 November 2026 | Friday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Second Friday after the first Tuesday in November (Canterbury Show Day).
2027 public holidays in Canterbury
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Canterbury Anniversary Day.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2027 | Friday |
| Day after New Year's Day mondayised | 4 January 2027 | Monday |
| Waitangi Day mondayised | 8 February 2027 | Monday |
| Good Friday | 26 March 2027 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 29 March 2027 | Monday |
| Anzac Day mondayised | 26 April 2027 | Monday |
| King's Birthday | 7 June 2027 | Monday |
| Matariki | 25 June 2027 | Friday |
| Labour Day | 25 October 2027 | Monday |
| Christmas Day mondayised | 27 December 2027 | Monday |
| Boxing Day mondayised | 28 December 2027 | Tuesday |
| Canterbury Anniversary Day regional | 12 November 2027 | Friday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Second Friday after the first Tuesday in November (Canterbury Show Day).
Frequently asked questions
When is Canterbury Anniversary Day 2026?
Canterbury Anniversary Day 2026 is observed on 13 November 2026. The statutory rule is: second friday after the first tuesday in november (canterbury show day).
When is Canterbury Anniversary Day 2027?
Canterbury Anniversary Day 2027 is observed on 12 November 2027.
Who observes Canterbury Anniversary Day?
Workers in the Canterbury region observe Canterbury Anniversary Day. The day is set under the Holidays Act 2003 s.44 and traces back to the original 19th-century New Zealand provinces.
Is Canterbury Anniversary Day a public holiday under the Holidays Act?
Yes. Provincial anniversary days are listed as public holidays under section 44 of the Holidays Act 2003. They are observed on top of the 11 nationwide public holidays, so most workers in Canterbury get 12 paid public holidays a year in total.