When is Labour Weekend 2025?
Labour Weekend 2025 falls on Friday, October 24 – Monday, October 27, 2025 in New Zealand. With the clocks moving forward for Daylight Saving Time and spring in full swing, it’s the perfect opportunity for your first road trip of the warmer season.
Why Labour Weekend is Perfect for a Road Trip
With the clocks moving forward and spring in full swing, Labour Weekend is your chance to kickstart warmer months with the first road trip of the season. Whether you’re after lazy afternoons, city buzz, coastal adventures, or family fun, here’s your guide to the best Labour Weekend escapes across New Zealand.
Looking for the perfect place to stay? Browse Bachcare holiday homes for Labour Weekend.
North Island Destinations
Auckland – Labour Weekend Urban Adventures & Island Escapes
Drive time from: Wellington (8hrs) | Hamilton (2hrs) | Tauranga (3hrs)
What to Do:
- Food & Markets: Weekend markets, waterfront dining at Wynyard Quarter
- Shopping: Boutique stores in Ponsonby
- Island Hopping: Ferry to Waiheke Island for wineries and coastal walks, or Rangitoto Island
- Labour Weekend Special Event: Armageddon Expo 2025
- Dates: Friday 24 – Monday 27 October, 2025
- Location: Auckland Showgrounds
- Special: Celebrating 30 years of Armageddon Expo!
- Hours: Fri 6-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon 10am-5pm
- Family-friendly: Kids 0-4 get free entry
Nearby: Matakana (1 hour north)
- Matakana Farmers Market: Artisan bread, fresh produce, coffee
- Tāwharanui Regional Park: Swimming and coastal walks
- Sculptureum: Private art collection with 800+ pieces
Tauranga – Beach Paradise & Mount Maunganui
Drive time from: Auckland (3hrs) | Hamilton (2hrs) | Rotorua (1hr)
Perfect For:
- Beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts
- Families seeking coastal activities
- Food and shopping enthusiasts
- Great for families – check family-friendly Bachcare stays.
Must-Do Activities:
- Mount Maunganui Beach: Surfing, swimming, coastal walks
- Mauao (Mount Maunganui): Iconic volcanic cone climbing
- Water Activities: Sailing, fishing, dolphin watching
- Dining: Beachside cafés and gourmet night market
- Shopping: Bayfair Shopping Centre (open throughout weekend)
Hamilton – Labour Weekend River City Charm
Drive time from: Auckland (2hrs) | Tauranga (2hrs) | Cambridge (30mins)
Hidden Gems:
- River Walks: Perfect for leisurely mornings
- Food Scene: Street food to fine dining options
- Zealong Tea Estate: Luxury high tea and farm-to-table dining
Labour Weekend Day Trip: Cambridge (30 minutes)
- St Andrew’s Craft Fair: Annual Labour Weekend extravaganza
- When: Labour Day Monday, 9am – 2pm
- Location: 85 Hamilton Rd, Grounds of historic St Andrew’s Anglican Church
- Features: 130+ craft stalls, local artisans, heritage setting
- Historic Charm: Heritage buildings, antique shops, horse paddocks
Taupō & Rotorua – Geothermal Wonderland
Drive time from: Auckland (4hrs) | Wellington (5hrs) | Hamilton (2hrs)
Taupō Highlights:
- Natural Attractions: Huka Falls, geothermal pools, Lake Taupō
- Labour Weekend Events:
- Graffiato Street Art Festival: Annual street art celebration
- Labour Weekend Extravaganza: Special Saturday event programming
- Activities: Lakeside dining, scenic drives, adventure sports
Rotorua Must-Sees:
- Geothermal Parks: Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu
- The Redwoods Treewalk: Daytime exploration + magical nighttime illumination
- Unique Experience: Walk suspension bridges connecting 27 heritage Redwood trees
Wellington – Capital Culture & Coastal Beauty
Drive time from: Auckland (8hrs) | Christchurch (8hrs by ferry)
Wellington Essentials:
- Attractions: Te Papa museum, vintage cable car, waterfront walks
- Labour Weekend Wellington Event: Wellyfest (Wellington Folk Festival)
- When: 24 to 27 October 2025
- Location: Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre
Day Trip: Martinborough (1.5 hours)
- Wine Region: Premium wineries and wine tasting
- Dining: Award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés
South Island Destinations
Christchurch – Garden City Delights
Drive time from: Dunedin (5hrs) | Kaikōura (2hrs) | Hanmer Springs (1.5hrs)
City Highlights:
- Food: Riverside Market for artisan pastries and local produce
- Wildlife: Pōhatu Penguins, Hector’s Dolphin cruises
- Events: Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival (5-day event)
Day Trip: Akaroa (1.5 hours)
- French Heritage: Charming French-influenced seaside town
- Activities: Historic walks, harbor cruises, local boutiques
Dunedin – Wildlife & Victorian Architecture
Drive time from: Christchurch (5hrs) | Queenstown (4hrs)
Top Experiences:
- Architecture: Edwardian facades, inner-city walking tours
- Natural Wonders: Tunnel Beach sea arch (visit at low tide)
- Otago Peninsula: Northern royal albatross, rare penguins, fur seals, sea lions
Perfect For:
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Photography lovers
- History and architecture buffs
Kaikōura – Marine Life Capital
Drive time from: Christchurch (2hrs) | Picton (2hrs)
Marine Adventures:
- Whale Watching: Year-round sperm whales, seasonal migrations
- Water Activities: Kayaking with dolphins, seal colony visits
- Walking: Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
Local Specialties:
- Crayfish: Fresh from roadside shacks
- Stargazing: Clear night skies perfect for astronomy
Hanmer Springs – Thermal Relaxation Hub
Drive time from: Christchurch (1.5hrs) | Kaikōura (2hrs)
Relaxation & Adventure:
- Thermal Pools: Famous hot springs and spa treatments
- Nature Walks: Heritage Forest, Conical Hill Track
- Adrenaline Activities: Bungy jumping, jet boating, mountain biking
- Dining: Local bistros, day spas, wine and woodfire experiences
Twizel – Adventure Sports Capital
Drive time from: Christchurch (3hrs) | Queenstown (2hrs) | Dunedin (3.5hrs)
Labour Weekend Special:
- Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend
- When: Friday-Sunday of Labour Weekend 2025 (check website for confirmation)
- Events: Multi-sport festival with kayak (20km), mountain bike (16-40km), trail running (10-21km)
- Family Options: Mini Dusky mountain bike (10km), Mini Pyramid run/walk (5km)
- Setting: Stunning Mackenzie High Country scenery
- Note: Check website for 2025 event confirmation
FAQs About Labour Weekend in New Zealand
Q: When is Labour Weekend in NZ 2025?
A: Labour Weekend runs from Friday 24 October to Monday 27 October 2025.
Q: What are the best Labour Weekend events?
A: Top picks include Armageddon Expo (Auckland), Graffiato Street Art Festival (Taupō), St Andrew’s Craft Fair (Cambridge), Wellyfest Folk Festival (Wellington), and the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival.
Q: Where’s the best place for a family Labour Weekend getaway?
A: Hanmer Springs, Rotorua, and Mount Maunganui are great choices. Browse family-friendly Bachcare holiday homes.
Q: What’s the weather like for Labour Weekend?
A: Expect mild spring weather with longer days. Pack a jacket for cool evenings, especially in the South Island.
