New Zealand's academic year is divided into four terms, with holiday breaks in between. The government sets the terms for both state and state-integrated schools. Private schools may have slightly different schedules, so check with them directly. Parents and students should understand school term dates, holidays, and public holidays to plan trips, childcare, and academic schedules. We'll look at the official 2026 term dates here, along with the confirmed dates for 2027.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand state and state-integrated schools follow a four-term year, with the 2026 autumn, winter, and spring breaks running from 3–19 April, 4–19 July, and 26 September–11 October, respectively.⁵
- Schools and kura can use up to four approved curriculum half-days in each of 2026 and 2027, with at least six weeks’ notice given to parents and whānau.³
- Public holidays including Waitangi Day, King’s Birthday, Matariki and Labour Day can create additional days away from school during the academic year.²
- State and state-integrated schools must also close on Easter Tuesday and their observed provincial anniversary day.⁶
- Other permitted closures can include curriculum professional development, board-approved closures, emergencies and lawful strikes, so individual school calendars remain important.⁴
- The Education Counts Schools Directory provides school websites and contact details for families who need to confirm dates directly with their school.¹
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. Breaks occur between terms, including a long summer holiday at the end of the year. Most state and state-integrated schools follow this structure, while private schools can set their own academic calendars.
In 2026, the autumn school holidays run from 3 to 19 April, the winter holidays from 4 to 19 July, and the spring holidays from 26 September to 11 October. The summer break begins no later than 19 December and usually lasts five or six weeks, depending on each school’s closing date and its opening date the following year.⁵
terms, with holiday breaks separating each term and a longer summer break at the end of the year.⁵
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 New Zealand Ministry of Education sets the dates, schools have some flexibility in setting the start and end dates for Term 1 and Term 4. Breaks for public holidays like Waitangi Day, Easter, and Labour Day 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 2026
Here is a breakdown of the official 2026 term dates for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools may use different calendars.
| Term | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 3 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday 20 July 2026 | Friday 25 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday 12 October 2026 | No later than Friday 18 December 2026 |
Note: The Term 1 start date may vary slightly by school, as schools can set their start date.
Don't forget about the scheduled public holidays and teacher-only days.
School Holidays in New Zealand 2026
School holidays in New Zealand give students and families 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 2026, including the breaks between terms 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.
2026 School Holiday Dates
| Holiday period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn holidays | Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Winter holidays | Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026 |
| Spring holidays | Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026 |
| Summer holidays | Start no later than Saturday 19 December 2026 and run for 5 or 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 2026
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 main public holidays affecting the New Zealand school calendar in 2026.
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January
- Day after New Year’s Day – Friday, 2 January
- Waitangi Day – Friday, 6 February
- Good Friday – Friday, 3 April
- Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April
- Easter Tuesday (schools only) – Tuesday, 7 April
- Anzac Day – Saturday, 25 April; observed Monday, 27 April
- King’s Birthday – Monday, 1 June
- Matariki – Friday, 10 July
- Labour Day – Monday, 26 October
- Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day – Saturday, 26 December; observed Monday, 28 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.
Easter Tuesday is a school holiday for state and state-integrated schools even though it is not a national public holiday. Private schools may follow different opening and closing arrangements, so families should check the individual school calendar.⁵
Public Holidays and School Closures 2026
| Holiday or closure | Date | School impact |
|---|---|---|
| Waitangi Day | Friday 6 February 2026 | Schools close if the date falls within their Term 1 calendar |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April 2026 | Falls at the start of the Term 1 school holidays |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April 2026 | Falls during the Term 1 school holidays |
| Easter Tuesday | Tuesday 7 April 2026 | School holiday for state and state-integrated schools |
| Anzac Day observed | Monday 27 April 2026 | Schools close during Term 2 |
| King's Birthday | Monday 1 June 2026 | Schools close during Term 2 |
| Matariki | Friday 10 July 2026 | Falls during the Term 2 school holidays |
| Labour Day | Monday 26 October 2026 | Schools close during Term 4 |
Note: Easter Tuesday is a school holiday but not a public holiday, so only state and state-integrated schools will be closed that day.
Don't forget to plan for the exam dates, too!
NZ School Term Dates 2027
If you're planning, here are the official school term dates for 2027. This is particularly useful for parents, students, and teachers who want to prepare for the upcoming academic year (or plan big holidays!).
2027 Term Dates for New Zealand Schools
| Term | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February 2027 | Friday 9 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 27 April 2027 | Friday 2 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday 19 July 2027 | Friday 24 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday 11 October 2027 | No later than Friday 17 December 2027 |
Note: Term 1 start dates vary slightly between schools, as each school can set 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.
Not every New Zealand school starts and finishes the year on the same date. Schools and kura have some flexibility over when Term 1 begins and when Term 4 finishes, while Terms 2 and 3 use nationally fixed dates, so always check your school’s own calendar before booking travel, childcare or other holiday plans.⁵
Important School Closure Days
Schools also close on days throughout the year 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 schedule teacher-only days, or inset days, throughout the academic year. These are non-instructional days when students won't attend school. Teachers will still 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.
approved curriculum half-days during each of the 2026 and 2027 school years for professional learning and planning.³
Bank Holidays and Voluntary Closures
In addition to national public holidays when schools are closed, some schools may also close for local events. These could include:
- Regional anniversary days – State and state-integrated schools close for their observed provincial anniversary day, which varies by region.⁴
- Local events – Schools may close for approved local events, including some gala or show days.⁴
- Paid union meetings – Boards can choose whether to keep a school open during an authorised paid union meeting, provided the required annual instructional time is still met.⁴
Remember that these closures are not standardised across all schools. 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.
References
- Education Counts. “New Zealand Schools.” Education Counts, Ministry of Education. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/directories/list-of-nz-schools. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
- Employment New Zealand. “Public Holidays and Anniversary Dates.” Employment New Zealand, modified 25 Sept. 2026. https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/public-holidays/public-holidays-and-anniversary-dates. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
- Ministry of Education. “Curriculum Days 2026 & 2027 to Support Implementation.” Tāhūrangi, 1 Sept. 2025. https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/curriculumdays. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
- Ministry of Education. “School Opening and Closing for Instruction.” Education in New Zealand. https://www.education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/administration-and-management/school-opening-and-closing-instruction. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
- Ministry of Education. “School Terms and Holidays Dates.” Education in New Zealand. https://www.education.govt.nz/term-dates-and-holidays. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
- New Zealand Legislation.Education (When State Schools Must Be Open and Closed) Regulations 2024. New Zealand Government, 7 May 2024. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2024/0053/8.0/whole.html. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.
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