New Zealand's academic year is divided into four terms, with holiday breaks in between. The terms are set by the government for both state and state-integrated schools. Private schools may have slightly different schedules, so check with them directly.
It's important for both parents and students to understand the school term dates, holidays, and public holidays to plan trips, childcare, and academic schedules. We'll look at the official 2025 term dates here.
Understanding the NZ School Calendar
The first thing you need to know about the New Zealand school calendar is that it's divided into four terms, each lasting approximately ten weeks.
The school year in New Zealand begins in late January or early February and runs through to mid-December.
There are breaks between each term, including a long summer holiday at the end of the year.
Most state and state-integrated schools follow the structure, while private schools can set academic calendars.
Term Lengths and Structure
Every term in New Zealand is carefully structured to ensure that there's an even distribution of learning time across the year:
- Term 1: Begins between late January and early February and ends in April.
- Term 2: Runs from late April to the start of July.
- Term 3: Covers mid-July to late September.
- Term 4: Starts in mid-October and concludes in mid-December.
While the dates are set by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, schools do have some flexibility in determining the start and end dates of Term 1 and Term 4.
There are breaks for public holidays like Waitangi Day, Easter, and Labour Day, which may fall outside the school term. Teachers also have teacher-only days across the year, during which they participate in training and professional development.
For those living in Hamilton, knowing the top schools in Hamilton can help you plan your child's academic future effectively.
NZ School Term Dates 2025
Here is a breakdown of state and state-integrated schools' official 2025 term dates. Private schools mightn't align with these.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Between Monday, 27 January, and Friday, 7 February | Friday, 11 April | 10 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday, 28 April | Friday, 27 June | 9 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday, 14 July | Friday, 19 September | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | Monday, 6 October | No later than Friday, 19 December | 10 weeks |
Note: The start date for Term 1 may vary slightly by school, as schools have flexibility in setting their start date.
Don't forget about the scheduled public holidays and teacher-only days.
School Holidays in New Zealand 2025
The school holidays in New Zealand provide both students and families with well-deserved breaks between terms. The holidays, just like the terms, are fixed for state and state-integrated schools.
As always, check with private schools, as they can set their own dates.
Here are the school holidays in 2025 broken down, including the term breaks and the summer holiday at the end of the academic year.
When planning holidays, it’s also a good time to consider school choices. If you're looking for top-performing schools, explore our guide to the best high schools in New Zealand.
2025 School Holiday Dates
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 Holidays (Autumn Break) | Saturday, 12 April | Sunday, 27 April | 2 weeks |
| Term 2 Holidays (Winter Break) | Saturday, 28 June | Sunday, 13 July | 2 weeks |
| Term 3 Holidays (Spring Break) | Saturday, 20 September | Sunday, 5 October | 2 weeks |
| Summer Holidays (End of Year Break) | No later than Saturday, 20 December | Late January / Early February 2026 | 5-6 weeks |
Long Summer Holidays
The summer break in New Zealand is the longest school holiday period in the academic calendar. It lasts five to six weeks from mid-December until late January or Early February of the following calendar year.
This makes it a common time for families to take holidays as schools are closed for maintenance and planning for the next academic year.
Don't forget that many community centres, schools, and private organisations offer holiday programmes, sports camps, and tutoring sessions for parents who are looking for activities or childcare during the long break.
If you're in Tauranga and looking for top-performing schools, our guide to the best high schools in Tauranga will help you explore the best options.
Public Holidays in New Zealand 2025
New Zealand schools also close for public holidays throughout the year, which means that individual days may also be days off for school students. However, when the public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it's "Monday-ised" and observed the following Monday.
Here are the national public holidays for New Zealand in 2025.
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January
- Day After New Year’s Day – Thursday, 2 January
- Waitangi Day – Thursday, 6 February
- Good Friday – Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April
- Easter Tuesday (Schools Only) – Tuesday, 22 April
- ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April
- King’s Birthday – Monday, 2 June
- Matariki – Friday, 20 June
- Labour Day – Monday, 27 October
- Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December
For families moving or looking for excellent education options, you can also explore the top schools in Auckland to find the best fit for your child.
How to Make the Most of School Holidays
School holidays aren't just for rest. They're also a great opportunity for students to recharge, explore new interests, and prepare for the next term.
1. Enrich Learning with Fun Activities
- Visit museums, libraries, and cultural centres to expand knowledge beyond the classroom.
- Encourage children to explore hobbies like music, art, or coding.
- Try hands-on activities like science experiments or creative writing projects.
2. Stay Active & Healthy
- Enroll in holiday sports programs or outdoor adventure camps.
- Plan family outings, such as hiking, beach trips, or cycling.
- Maintain a healthy routine with good sleep, balanced meals, and exercise.
3. Get a Head Start on Learning
- Use holiday time to review past lessons and prepare for the next term.
- High school students can work on exam revision, essay writing, or math practice.
- Consider private tutoring to get ahead in difficult subjects.
4. Spend Quality Family Time
- School holidays are a great time for family bonding through travel, board games, or cooking together.
- Encourage kids to help with household tasks and develop life skills.
5. Plan Ahead for the Next Term
- Check if school supplies need replenishing before the term starts.
- Set new academic goals for the next school term.
- Adjust sleep schedules a few days before school resumes to ease back into the routine.
Public Holidays School Closures 2025
| Holiday | Date | School Closure |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, 1 January | Schools closed (summer break) |
| Day After New Year’s | Thursday, 2 January | Schools closed (summer break) |
| Waitangi Day | Thursday, 6 February | Schools closed |
| Good Friday | Friday, 18 April | Schools closed |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 21 April | Schools closed |
| Easter Tuesday (Schools Only) | Tuesday, 22 April | Schools closed (Only for state and state-integrated schools) |
| ANZAC Day | Friday, 25 April | Schools closed |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 2 June | Schools closed |
| Matariki | Friday, 20 June | Schools closed |
| Labour Day | Monday, 27 October | Schools closed |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 December | Schools closed (summer break) |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 December | Schools closed (summer break) |
Note: Easter Tuesday is a school holiday but not a public holiday, meaning only state and state-integrated schools will be closed on this day.
Don't forget to plan for the exam dates, too!
NZ School Term Dates 2026
If you're planning ahead, here are the official school term dates 2026. This is particularly useful for parents, students, and teachers who want to prepare for the upcoming academic year (or plan big holidays!).
2026 Term Dates for New Zealand Schools
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Between Monday, 26 January, and Monday, 9 February | Thursday, 2 April | 9-10 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April | Friday, 3 July | 10 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July | Friday, 25 September | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 October | No later than Friday, 18 December | 10 weeks |
Note: Term 1 start dates vary slightly between schools, as each school has flexibility in setting its exact start date within the given timeframe.
As with other years, these term dates ensure that the terms are evenly distributed across the year, allowing for rest, travel, and family time.
Important School Closure Days
There are also days throughout the year when schools close for specific reasons, such as teacher-only days, inset days, and voluntary closures for special events.
Teacher Training and Inset Days
Both state and state-integrated schools in New Zealand have teacher-only days or inset days scheduled throughout the academic year.
These are non-instructional days when students won't attend school. Still, teachers will participate in professional development, curriculum planning, and training sessions.
- The Ministry of Education allows schools to schedule these training days as needed.
- Parents should check with their child's school for dates, which vary by school and region.
- Some schools align these days with long weekends or term breaks to minimise family disruptions.
Bank Holidays and Voluntary Closures
In addition to the national public holidays during which schools are closed, some schools may also close for local events. These could include:
- Regional Anniversary Days – These vary depending on the region (e.g., Auckland Anniversary Day, Wellington Anniversary Day).
- Local Festivals & Shows – Some schools close for agricultural shows, local fairs, or cultural festivals.
- Union Meetings – Schools remain open, but some classes may be disrupted due to teacher union meetings (held twice a year).
Remember that these closures are not standardised across all schools. You should check your school's official calendar or contact the school directly to learn about regional variations.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Parents & Students
Staying on top of school term dates, holidays, and closures can make life much easier. Families can plan holidays, childcare, and academic schedules far more effectively.
Here are some of our favourite tips for staying prepared.
Checking the Academic Calendar & PDF Resources
- Most schools provide official term date calendars on their websites.
- The Ministry of Education website offers downloadable PDFs of term dates and holiday schedules.
- Some local councils also publish school calendars, especially for regional holidays.
If you're based in Wellington, finding the right school is crucial. Our guide to the best high schools in Wellington provides insights into the top educational institutions in the capital.
How to Stay Updated on Term Dates
- Bookmark your school’s website for the latest updates.
- Subscribe to email newsletters or notifications from your child’s school.
- Check social media pages for school announcements.
- Download the NZ school term date PDF, if available, to reference it anytime.
Christchurch parents and students can check out our list of the best high schools in Christchurch to make informed decisions about their education.
Best Study Techniques for Holiday Breaks
While school holidays are a great time to relax, they’re also an opportunity for students to stay on top of their learning. Here are some tips to make the most of the break:
- Use revision schedules to maintain study habits.
- Create flashcards to reinforce key concepts.
- Set aside time for reading, writing, or creative projects.
- Consider private tutoring for extra academic support during the holidays.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
