Anzac Day 2026 falls on Saturday, April 25, and while the day is marked with dawn services and national remembrance, it also brings strict rules around shopping, business hours, and public holiday pay.
This year, there’s added confusion because the public holiday is also observed on Monday, April 27. For shoppers, workers, and business owners, understanding what applies on each day can make a real difference.
What’s open and what’s closed on Anzac Day
Anzac Day is one of the few days in the year when trading restrictions are legally enforced. Under the Shop Trading Hours Act, most retail stores must remain closed until 1pm on April 25.
This means supermarkets, large retail chains, and shopping malls will not open in the morning. The rule is designed to preserve the significance of the day, allowing people to attend dawn services and reflect without commercial distractions.
Businesses that fail to follow the rules can face fines of up to $1000, making compliance essential.
However, not all businesses are affected. Some are allowed to operate during the restricted hours, including:
• Cafés, restaurants, and takeaway shops
• Pharmacies and medical services
• Petrol stations and small convenience stores
• Bars and duty-free shops
• Service-based businesses like real estate agencies
Even among exempt businesses, opening hours may vary, as some choose to close voluntarily or open later in the day.
After 1pm on Saturday, most shops can reopen and trade as normal.
What changes because of the Monday public holiday
Since Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the public holiday is “Mondayised” to April 27. This ensures workers who don’t usually work weekends still receive a public holiday benefit.
However, an important detail often overlooked is this: trading restrictions only apply on the actual date — Saturday. Shops are not required to close again on Monday.
For workers, pay and entitlements depend on their usual work schedule:
• If you normally work Monday to Friday, your public holiday applies on Monday
• If you usually work Saturdays, your public holiday applies on Saturday
• If you work both days, you only receive one public holiday entitlement
For those with irregular hours, employers and employees may need to agree on which day counts as the official holiday.
You can check the official public holiday rules on the government website here: New Zealand public holiday entitlements.
Alcohol rules and cafe surcharges explained
There are also specific rules around alcohol sales. Bottle stores are required to remain closed during the morning of Anzac Day, in line with trading restrictions.
However, recent changes mean that businesses with an on-licence — such as bars and restaurants — can now operate under their usual licence conditions, even earlier in the day.
For customers heading out, another thing to expect is a public holiday surcharge. Many cafés and restaurants apply an additional charge, usually between 10% and 15%, to cover higher wage costs.
Businesses must clearly inform customers about any surcharge before they make a purchase. This can be done through signage, menus, or online notices. The surcharge must reflect actual costs and must not mislead customers.
Some venues may apply surcharges on both Saturday and Monday if they face increased staffing costs on each day.
What it means for your weekend plans
For shoppers, the key is planning ahead. If you need groceries or retail items, it’s best to shop before Saturday or wait until after 1pm.
For those heading out for coffee or meals, expect limited options early in the morning and possible surcharges later in the day.
For workers, particularly in retail and hospitality, understanding your schedule is essential to know which day your public holiday benefits apply.
Anzac Day remains one of just a handful of restricted trading days each year — alongside Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday — highlighting its importance across the country.
While the rules around trading and pay can seem complex, the purpose of the day remains clear. From dawn services to community gatherings, Anzac Day continues to be a time to remember those who served and reflect on the sacrifices made.
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