Annual Leave Calculator (NZ)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate NZ annual leave — 4 weeks vesting at each 12-month anniversary (not continuous accrual), the one-week cash-up option, and what your balance really is mid-year.
Quick answer: NZ leave vests as 4 whole weeks at each anniversary — between anniversaries you technically hold last year’s remainder plus an 8%-accruing value (not "days earned monthly"). One week per year may be cashed up by request; balances never expire.
The Vesting Model (Why NZ Balances Confuse Everyone)
Unlike monthly-accrual systems, the Holidays Act grants 4 weeks in a lump at each 12-month anniversary. Mid-year you hold: (a) entitled weeks from past anniversaries (takeable as of right), and (b) accrued value building toward the next vest (takeable only as advance leave by agreement — or paid as the 8% if you leave first). Payslips showing "accrued days" mid-year are showing (b) — not yet an entitlement.
Worked Example
7 months past anniversary with 1.5 entitled weeks left: you can DEMAND 1.5 weeks; the ~2.3 weeks "accruing" need employer agreement as advance leave. Leave before the anniversary and the accruing part pays as 8% of the period’s gross instead.
The Rules Around It
| Cash-up | Up to ONE week per year, employee-requested, employer may decline — paid at the greater-of rate |
| Taking leave | Employer must allow 2 weeks consecutive if wanted; 14 days’ notice conventions |
| Closedowns | Annual shutdowns can require leave (or 8% payout for the not-yet-entitled) |
| No expiry | Entitled weeks never lapse — they accumulate and cash out at exit |
| Sick/bereavement/FV leave | Separate buckets (10 days sick after 6 months) — don’t burn annual leave for them |
Reform Watch
The Holidays Act’s replacement (an hours-based accrual system) has been in legislative progress — timelines have slipped repeatedly; until commencement, the vesting model above governs. Whatever passes, greater-of-style pay protections and existing balances carry over — recheck this page’s rules after the new Act commences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much annual leave in NZ?
Four weeks, vesting as a lump at each 12-month anniversary — plus 11-12 public holidays and separate sick leave; entitled weeks never expire.
Can I take leave before my anniversary?
Only as advance leave by agreement — the accruing portion isn’t an entitlement until it vests (or pays as 8% at exit).
Can I cash up annual leave?
Up to one week per year, at your request (employer may decline), paid at the greater-of rate — the rest must be taken or kept.
Why does my payslip show accrued days I can’t take?
It’s the between-anniversary accrual — real value (it pays out at 8% if you leave) but not a demandable entitlement until the vest date.
Is the Holidays Act changing?
A replacement (hours-based accrual) has been progressing — current rules apply until commencement; balances and pay protections carry over.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026