Stores Open on Christmas Day in New Zealand
Kia ora and Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday 25 December 2025, is a restricted trading day under New Zealand’s Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 — one of four such days each year (along with Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on Anzac Day). This means almost all retail shops must close nationwide to allow time for family and celebration. Major supermarkets, department stores, and shopping centres are fully shut, but essential services and a few small independents remain available for urgent needs like milk, snacks, fuel, or medicine.
Here’s the current breakdown based on the latest trading rules and reports:
Major Supermarkets: Fully Closed Today
No big grocery runs possible — the main chains observe the full closure:
- Countdown (Woolworths NZ) — All stores closed nationwide.
- New World — All stores closed.
- Pak’nSave — All stores closed.
Get your festive shopping done by Christmas Eve (24 December), when most supermarkets run extended hours!
What’s Still Open? Essentials & Allowed Exceptions
Under restricted trading rules, the following can operate (often with limited hours or product restrictions):
- Dairies (convenience stores/superettes) & fruit shops — Many small local dairies stay open for basics like milk, bread, snacks, ice, batteries, and small household items. Hours vary (often mornings to evening) — check your neighbourhood one as they’re independently run.
- Petrol stations — Most BP, Z, Mobil, and others remain open (many 24/7) for fuel, plus convenience items like snacks, drinks, and emergency goods. Great for quick grabs!
- Pharmacies — Most local and chain pharmacies (e.g., Life Pharmacy, Unichem) open for prescriptions, pain relief, and health essentials. Hours can be reduced (e.g., 9am–5pm or shorter) — call ahead.
- Fast food & takeaways — Select locations from McDonald’s, KFC (often 11am–7pm), Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and others operate, especially in urban or high-traffic areas. Use apps or websites to find open stores near you.
- Cafés, restaurants & hospitality — No trading restrictions apply, so many stay open (though plenty choose to close for staff holidays). Expect a possible 15% public holiday surcharge if dining out — some offer special Christmas menus!
Liquor stores, major shopping centres, Kmart, The Warehouse, and similar retailers are closed. No bottle shops or big retail today.
Quick Tips for Today’s Shoppers
- Plan ahead — Stock up fully on Christmas Eve for the big day.
- Check locally — Use store apps, websites, Google, or phone calls — hours and openings vary by location and owner.
- Nationwide rules — These restrictions apply everywhere; no major regional exemptions for Christmas Day.
- Stay safe & enjoy — Focus on whānau time, and if you’re out, drive carefully!
Looking Forward: Boxing Day (26 December)
Most stores reopen tomorrow! Supermarkets like Countdown, New World, and Pak’nSave typically start early (often 7am or 8am), shopping centres open, and sales kick off. Ideal for restocking or snagging deals.
