Planning your year becomes easier when you know the school term dates and holidays. In New Zealand, the school calendar is designed to provide a balanced approach to learning and relaxation. Whether it’s for a family holiday or preparing for the academic year. Most school in New Zealand starts with term 1st on January 27, 2025. here’s everything you need to know about 2025-26 school terms and holidays.
Nz school term dates and holidays 2025
Term 1
The year begins with Term 1, where students settle into new classrooms, meet their teachers, and embrace fresh challenges. With Waitangi day on Thursday, 6 February, this term offers a meaningful pause to reflect on New Zealand’s heritage.
- Classes period : (January 27 to April 11, 2025)
- School holidays: (April 12 to April 27, 2025)
Term 2
Term 2 classes will take place between April 28 and June 27, 2025. As temperatures drop, term 2 offers students a time to focus on academics while celebrating key events. Matariki (Friday 20 June) adds cultural richness, while king’s birthday (Monday 2 June) gives families a reason to pause and reconnect.
- Classes period: ( April 28 to June 27, 2025)
- School break: (June 28 to July 13, 2025)
Term 3
Term 3 classes start on July 14, 2025, and conclude on September 19, 2025. Term 3 is the academic backbone of the year, with no major breaks. students and teachers focus on building knowledge and preparing for the final term.
- Classes period: (July 14 to September 19, 2025)
- School holidays: ( September 20 to October 5, 2025)
Term 4
The school year concludes with Term 4 on December 19, often filled with exams, school concerts, and end of year celebrations.This is a time to acknowledge and look forward to the long summer break. A 5-6 week break awaits, providing ample time for relaxation and exploration.
- Classes period: (October 6 to December 19, 2025)
- Summer break: ( From December 20, 2025)
NZ Schools Term dates 2026
Term dates 2026
The school year begins with Term 1, kicking off between Monday, January 26, and Monday, February 9, depending on the individual school schedule. It wraps up on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Each term follows a consistent structure, with a mix of educational focus and holiday breaks. The key dates for the 2026 school terms are:
- Term 1: ( January 26 to April 2, 2026)
- Term 2: ( April 20 to July 3, 2026)
- Term 3: ( July 20 to September 20, 2026)
- Term 4: ( October 12 to December 18, 2026)
School holidays dates 2026
Term 1 break: Term 1 comes to a close on April 2, 2026, marking the start of the first school holidays. The break runs from April 3 to April 19, 2026. This holiday coincides with the Easter celebration, including Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6), and Easter Tuesday (April 7).
Term 2 break: After an 11 week term, Term 2 ends on July 3, 2026. The winter school holidays begin on July 4 and continue through to July 19, 2026. The Māori New Year is celebrated on July 10, 2026.
Term 3 holiday: Term 3 concludes on September 25, 2026, giving way to the spring school holidays from September 26 to October 11, 2026. This break is perfect for enjoying outdoor adventures and celebrating the arrival of warmer weather.
Summer holidays: The summer holidays will start on December 19, 2026, and run until the last week of January 2027.
Students can use the NZ School finder website to find schools term dates and access more accurate information.
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