The following lists events that happened during 1888 in New Zealand.

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government and law

The 10th New Zealand Parliament continues.

Main centre leaders

Events

Undated

Sport

Athletics

The first New Zealand Championships are held.

National Champions, Men

Source:

Horse racing

The Auckland Cup of 1887 is moved to January 1888. Future Auckland Cup's are normally scheduled for New Year's Day. Avondale Racecourse in Auckland is established.

Major race winners

Lawn bowls

National Champions

Note: As the New Zealand Bowling Association at this time consists largely of South Island clubs, the first truly "national" championships are not deemed to have begun until 1914.

Polo

The first polo club in New Zealand is formed in Auckland.

Rowing

National Championships are held for the first time. They are held at separate venues; the single sculls in Wellington, the coxed fours in Wanganui. From the following year the Championships will be held at a single venue.

National Champions (Men)

Rugby union

The South Canterbury, Wanganui and Marlborough unions are formed. The first ever British Isles rugby team tour takes place, visiting New Zealand and Australia. The visitors win all their New Zealand games except for one, losing to Auckland. The first New Zealand Native team to visit Britain leaves at the end of the year.

Shooting

Ballinger Belt – Hon Major Purnell (NZ Volunteers)

Tennis

National championships

Births

Deaths