A state memorial service was held at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, with a national minute of silence observed at the start of the service at 2pm.
In Dunedin, there was no official event, but Mayor Aaron Hawkins flew to Wellington to attend the state service and a street party was held in Halfway Bush.
Mr Hawkins said it was a privilege to represent Dunedin at the event, and described it as a solemn occasion in acknowledgement of Her Majesty’s service as the head of state.
"[It had] easily the most beautiful arrangement of Hine E Hine I’ve ever heard," he said.
Businesses that had elected to stay open for the day saw a similar amount of foot traffic to a standard Monday, but not that of a public holiday such as Labour Day.
Craic Irish Tavern owner Claire Grenfell said her business had been open during the day, but for a shorter time than normal.
"It wasn’t as busy as some public holidays before, but we ticked along really well," she said.
Wal’s Plant Land general manager Kevin Lilley said his nursery had had a steady flow of traffic through the doors.
"We’ve been steady all day. It will stay steady right through, but no busier than any other public holiday," he said.
In Halfway Bush, Fenwick St residents Ben Crowl, Nathan Bailey and Tessa Day banded together to set up a street party for all those in their cul-de-sac.
Mr Crowl said they had hired a bouncy castle for the children, and sent one of the younger boys down to the shop to buy more milk for the Earl Grey tea they intended to drink.
"We thought this was the best time to have a bit of fun, and it’s an opportune moment," Mr Crowl said.
Cucumber sandwiches in hand, the children seemed to be enjoying munching on the food and were making the most of an extra day off school.
The group said they intended to observe the minute of silence.
The New Zealand flag has been flown at half-mast around the country since the Queen’s death on September 8.
To mark the conclusion of the national period of mourning, the flags on all government departments, buildings and naval vessels should have been raised to full mast at 8am today.
