Labour Day 2026 falls on Monday 26 October, a nationwide public holiday and 3-day long weekend. In Kerikeri it marks the start of the busy season. The days are warmer and longer, and the fishing picks up.
Labour Day falls on the fourth Monday of October. In 2026 that's Monday 26 October, which makes a long weekend from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October. For many people it's the first long weekend since King's Birthday in June.
A nationwide public holiday with no shop-trading restrictions. Supermarkets, cafes and most shops in Kerikeri stay open.
Daylight saving has already started, so the evenings are long. People head north to fish, dive, surf and get back on the water.
Late October brings warm, mostly dry days and comfortable nights. You won't need heavy winter gear.
Kerikeri has limited accommodation, and Kerigold usually fills for Labour Weekend. Most bookings come in about a month ahead.
Your long weekend base →
Cook the day's catch →
Long spring evenings →
You can launch at Waipapa Landing, Quinces Landing, Opito Bay, Doves Bay or Te Ngaere Bay. If you don't have a boat, plenty of people fish off the rocks along Kerikeri Inlet Road, where the water is easy to reach in several spots.
| Launch | Drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waipapa Landing | 5 min | Concrete all-tide ramp, trailer parking, toilets |
| Quinces Landing | 15 min | Kerikeri Inlet access |
| Opito Bay | 15 min | Boat ramp, sheltered water |
| Doves Bay | 15 min | Kerikeri Inlet, next to Opito Bay |
| Te Ngaere Bay | 30 min | Sand ramp, so a 4WD is best. Near Matauri Bay |
Snapper start to bite from late October into November. Kingfish get much more active in spring, and kahawai and trevally are around too. Bottom fish deep water and you may pick up hāpuku and tarakihi.
Look for birds diving on bait fish. The work-ups are where the fish are feeding, so that's where to put your line.
Hunting & Fishing Kerikeri is a short walk from Kerigold. The BP next door sells bait as well.
No boat? Kerikeri Inlet Road has several spots with easy access to the water, and you can fish straight off the rocks.
Yes. There's safe parking on the property for boats and trailers overnight. Depending on which unit you're in, your boat can sit right beside your chalet.
Park the boat and trailer on site overnight instead of on the street.
Outdoor taps let you rinse rods, reels and gear at the end of the day.
Fish goes on the outdoor BBQ, not in the units, so every chalet stays fresh for the next guest.
Ask us for bags to seal up fish waste. We have bins to keep the smell down.
Kerikeri has markets and history in town, and the waterfalls are still running strong in late October. Paihia and Russell make easy day trips.
The Packhouse Market runs Saturday and Sunday. The Kerikeri Farmers Market is on Sunday morning.
The Stone Store is New Zealand's oldest stone building, a 5-minute drive from Kerigold.
Rainbow Falls and Charlie's Rock are still running strong after winter and spring rain.
Paihia is about 25 minutes away, and the ferry runs from there across to Russell.
You can, but the sea is still chilly. Plenty of people swim anyway, and surfers are out in wetsuits. See our Kerikeri beaches and swimming guide for the best spots.
Drive out to Matauri Bay and walk up to the Rainbow Warrior memorial for sunrise or sunset. The sun comes up over Motukawanui and the Cavalli Islands, and the view from the top is one of the best in Northland. It's only about 25 minutes' drive from Kerigold.
There's plenty within walking distance of Kerigold, and more in town or a short drive away. See our full Kerikeri restaurant guide for details.
The Bakehouse is next door. The Black Olive and Madly Indian are a short walk, and the town centre is 2 minutes (300 m) away.
Plough & Feather is a gastropub looking over the Kerikeri Basin. Māha, nearby, is excellent.
Sovrano Estate, near the airport, pairs its own wines with beautiful food.
Burger Fiasko, Chuckles Chicken and the Turkish kebab shop are good for a fast feed. The Rocksalt pub does really good meals.
Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October. Private orchard chalets with boat parking on site. Book direct on 09 407 3200.