Public holidays

Services on public holidays

On public holidays, trains, buses and ferries run a Sunday timetable except:

• When ANZAC Day or Waitangi Day falls on a Saturday, a Saturday timetable will run
• When ANZAC Day or Waitangi Day falls on a weekend, the public holiday takes place the following Monday and a Sunday timetable will run
• Christmas and New Year holiday period has a special timetable, and will be available online from early December each year.

2026 Public Holidays 

Fares

Off-peak fares apply on public holidays, except when using cash. Normal fares (including peak fares) apply on non-public holidays over the Christmas and New year period, even though services run reduced timetables. 

Metlink Contact Centre

The Metlink Contact Centre operates on public holidays. Special hours apply over the holiday period.

Buses replacing trains

Public holidays and weekends are often used to complete important maintenance on the rail network. Buses replacing trains timetables differ from regular train timetables.

School Holidays

School buses do not run during school holidays. Child concessions will still work for child fares during school holidays. For details on your school's bus service, check the timetable or see the Schools guide.

School holidays dates can be found on the Ministry of Education website(external link).