About ANZAC Day 2027

ANZAC Day (April 25) is one of New Zealand's most significant national days of remembrance. It commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915 — and honours all New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations worldwide.

In 2027, ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday (April 25), which means Monday April 26 becomes a public holiday — creating a meaningful long weekend for families to gather, reflect, and remember together.

Dawn services are held throughout New Zealand at approximately 6:00am, as the sun rises. The Kerikeri RSA holds its own dawn service — and Kerigold Chalets is just 2 minutes away, making it the ideal base for attending without a long early-morning drive.

ANZAC Day 2027 Key Details

  • ANZAC Day: Sunday April 25, 2027 (Public Holiday)
  • Observed Holiday: Monday April 26, 2027
  • Dawn Service: Approximately 6:00am at Kerikeri RSA
  • Location: Throughout Kerikeri and Bay of Islands
  • Season: Autumn — mild temperatures 16–21°C
  • Significance: Commemorates NZ and Australian soldiers
  • Distance from Kerigold Chalets: 2 minutes to Kerikeri RSA

After the dawn service, RSA clubs traditionally host a morning tea for returned veterans and their families. The rest of ANZAC Day is spent quietly — visiting historic sites, walking the Kerikeri Basin Track, or simply gathering with family. Traditionally, ANZAC biscuits are baked and shared — the golden oat biscuits originally sent by families to soldiers overseas.

Things to Do ANZAC Day Weekend in Kerikeri

ANZAC Weekend Activities

  • Dawn Service at Kerikeri RSA — just 2 minutes from Kerigold Chalets
  • Paihia and Russell dawn services (Bay of Islands)
  • Morning tea at RSA after the service
  • Remembrance walk at the historic Kerikeri Basin
  • Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds — check opening hours ahead of your visit
  • Afternoon beach visit — Matauri Bay or Coopers Beach
  • Rainbow Falls walk — beautiful 27-metre waterfall
  • Winery tour in the afternoon
  • Family gathering with home-baked ANZAC biscuits

The Kerikeri Stone Store — New Zealand's oldest stone building — sits just minutes from the RSA and makes a moving backdrop for a quiet ANZAC Day visit. The Kerikeri River Track winds along the river past the Mission Station and Kororipo Pa, connecting you to the deep history of this region.