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When are school terms and holidays?

How the New Zealand school year is divided into terms, who sets the dates, how much teaching time schools must provide, when schools close during term, and the official term and holiday dates as the Ministry of Education publishes them.

Every statement on this page comes from an official source: Ministry of Education, New Zealand Legislation (Education (When State Schools Must Be Open and Closed) Regulations 2024, r 7), New Zealand Government (govt.nz) and New Zealand Legislation (Education (When State Schools Must Be Open and Closed) Regulations 2024, r 6).

How is the school year structured?

Schools and kura must be open for instruction for a specified number of half-days each year, on every school day (not a public holiday or weekend) during all 4 terms.1

Who decides the dates: Holidays and the required number of half-days are legal requirements for state and state-integrated schools and kura.2 Under the regulations, the Minister of Education may, by notice before 1 July in any year, specify the terms schools must observe during the next year.3

  • Term 1 can start between Auckland Anniversary Day (the Monday closest to 29 January) and the day after Waitangi Day (6 February).4
  • Term 4 must end no later than 20 December in any year.5
  • All other term dates are set by the Minister of Education.6

Easter and the first term: Where possible, the end of Term 1 is aligned with the Easter holidays, which can make Term 1 shorter or longer depending on when Easter falls.7

Why do schools near each other have different dates?

Schools and kura kaupapa Māori have some flexibility to decide when Term 1 starts and when Term 4 finishes; Terms 2 and 3 are fixed.8 Flexible dates let each school meet the required teaching time and fit in local events and teacher-only days.9

Secondary and primary schools: Secondary schools need to open for slightly fewer days a year than primary and intermediate schools, and may close earlier at the end of the year.10

If the differences cause problems for your family: The Ministry encourages schools to line up term dates with other local schools where possible; if variation between local schools affects your family, you can talk to your principal.11

Always check your own school's dates. Dates and times may vary between schools and age groups, so contact the school for the specific dates and times for your child.12

How much teaching time must schools provide?

Counting teaching time: A half-day is a period of 2 hours or more during which the school is open for instruction.13 On each day of term a school must be open for 1 half-day before noon and 1 half-day after noon.14 A school is open for instruction when compulsory organised teaching and learning is taking place for all year levels, which can include online learning and school trips.15

Setting the minimum: The Minister may, by notice before 1 July in any year, specify the number of half-days schools must be open during the next year.16

  • 2026: primary, intermediate and specialist schools must be open for instruction for a minimum of 378 half-days, and secondary and composite schools for a minimum of 376.17
  • If a school does not use the curriculum-related half-day exceptions granted for 2026, its minimum goes back to 382 (primary) and 380 (secondary).18
  • 2027: primary, intermediate and specialist schools are required to be open for instruction for a minimum of 376 half-days, and secondary and composite schools for a minimum of 376.19
  • 2028: primary, intermediate and specialist schools are required to be open for instruction for a minimum of 382 half-days, and secondary and composite schools for a minimum of 380.20

Exceptions: Schools may close for instruction for up to 4 curriculum-related half-days in 2026 and 2027 for staff professional development, and up to 4 discretionary half-days a year with 6 weeks' notice to the school community.21 Schools must still meet the minimum half-day requirement even when using these exceptions.22

School boards may vary the start and end time of the school day, but must first consult with parents, staff and their community.23

When are schools closed during term?

During a term, schools close for Saturdays and Sundays, teacher-only days, public holidays and local anniversary days, the Tuesday after Easter Monday, and any emergency that requires the school to close.24 Schools might also choose to close for local events like gala and show days, or for religious holidays in some communities.25

From 2026, schools need to record the reasons for full school closed days during term time in their student management system.26

Taking time off school for family holidays or other activities is not an acceptable reason for being away.27

Published term and holiday dates

These are the dates published by the Ministry of Education. In 2026, schools can choose their start and end dates as long as they start between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February, and end no later than 18 December 2026.28

  • Term 1, 2026: starts between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February and ends Thursday 2 April 2026.29
  • Term 2, 2026: Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026.30
  • Term 3, 2026: Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September 2026.31
  • Term 4, 2026: Monday 12 October to no later than Friday 18 December 2026, with Labour Day (Monday 26 October) a public holiday.32

Holidays:

  • Term 1 holidays, 2026: Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026.33
  • Term 2 holidays, 2026: Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026.34
  • Term 3 holidays, 2026: Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026.35
  • Summer holidays start no later than Saturday 19 December 2026 and run for 5 or 6 weeks, from the school's closing date until it opens the following year.36
Terms and holidays, in order

  1. Starts between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February

    First term begins29

  2. ends Thursday 2 April 2026

    First term ends29

  3. Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026

    First-term holidays33

  4. Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026

    Second term30

  5. Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026

    Second-term holidays34

  6. Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September 2026

    Third term31

  7. Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026

    Third-term holidays35

  8. Monday 12 October to no later than Friday 18 December 2026

    Fourth term32

  9. Start no later than Saturday 19 December 2026

    Summer holidays begin36

In 2027, schools can choose their start and end dates as long as they start between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February, and end no later than 17 December 2027.37

  • Term 1, 2027: starts between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February and ends Friday 9 April 2027.38
  • Term 2, 2027: Tuesday 27 April to Friday 2 July 2027.39
  • Term 3, 2027: Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 2027.40
  • Term 4, 2027: Monday 11 October to no later than Friday 17 December 2027.41

Holidays:

  • Term 1 holidays, 2027: Saturday 10 April to Monday 26 April 2027.42
  • Term 2 holidays, 2027: Saturday 3 July to Sunday 18 July 2027.43
  • Term 3 holidays, 2027: Saturday 25 September to Sunday 10 October 2027.44
  • Summer holidays start no later than Saturday 18 December 2027 and run for 5 or 6 weeks.45
Terms and holidays, in order

  1. Starts between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February

    First term begins38

  2. ends Friday 9 April 2027

    First term ends38

  3. Saturday 10 April to Monday 26 April 2027

    First-term holidays42

  4. Tuesday 27 April to Friday 2 July 2027

    Second term39

  5. Saturday 3 July to Sunday 18 July 2027

    Second-term holidays43

  6. Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 2027

    Third term40

  7. Saturday 25 September to Sunday 10 October 2027

    Third-term holidays44

  8. Monday 11 October to no later than Friday 17 December 2027

    Fourth term41

  9. Start no later than Saturday 18 December 2027

    Summer holidays begin45

In 2028, schools can choose their start and end dates as long as they start between Monday 31 January and Tuesday 8 February, and end no later than 15 December 2028.46

  • Term 1, 2028: starts between Monday 31 January and Tuesday 8 February and ends Thursday 13 April 2028.47
  • Term 2, 2028: Monday 1 May to Friday 7 July 2028.48
  • Term 3, 2028: Monday 24 July to Friday 29 September 2028.49
  • Term 4, 2028: Monday 16 October to no later than Friday 15 December 2028.50

Early learning and private schools

Private schools: Private schools have more legal freedom than state and state-integrated schools and can vary their opening hours and school year.51 Private schools can have different terms and holidays, and can also open on Easter Tuesday.52

Early learning services: Some early childhood services choose to follow the school terms and holidays.53 Full-time daycare services are usually open through the school holidays but close over Christmas.54

Sources

Every statement on this page comes from an official page, quoted in full here.

Each numbered statement above is followed here by the words of the official page it comes from. Every quote was checked against its page on .

  1. “Schools and kura must be open for instruction: for a specified number of half days each year on every school day (not a public holiday or weekend) during all 4 terms.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  2. “Holidays and mandatory half-days are statutory requirements for state and state-integrated schools and kura.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  3. “The Minister may, by notice before 1 July in any year, specify (by reference to specific dates, specified days, the number of half-days determined under regulation 6 , or any 2 or more of those means)— (a) the terms that schools must observe during the next year”

    New Zealand Legislation (Education (When State Schools Must Be Open and Closed) Regulations 2024, r 7) · legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2024/53/en/… ↑

  4. “Term 1 can start between Auckland Anniversary Day (the Monday closest to 29 January) and the day after Waitangi Day (6 February)”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  5. “Term 4 must end no later than 20 December in any year”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  6. “all other term dates are set by the Minister of Education.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  7. “Where possible, we align the end of the first term with the Easter holidays. This can make Term 1 shorter or longer depending on when Easter falls.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  8. “Schools and kura kaupapa Māori have some flexibility to decide when Term 1 starts, and when Term 4 finishes. Terms 2 and 3 are fixed.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  9. “Having flexible dates allows each school to meet this requirement and accommodate local events and teacher-only days.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  10. “Secondary schools need to open for slightly fewer days per year than primary and intermediate schools. They may close earlier at the end of the year.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  11. “We encourage schools to align term dates with other local schools where possible. If your family is impacted by variation in term dates between local schools, you can talk to your principal.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  12. “Dates and times may vary between schools and age groups. Contact your child’s school for specific information Contact the school for the specific dates and times for your child.”

    New Zealand Government (govt.nz) · govt.nz/browse/education/school-and-college/school-te… ↑

  13. “A half day is a period of 2 hours or more during which the school is open for instruction.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  14. “On each day of term a school must be open for 1 half day before noon and 1 half day after noon.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  15. “A school is open for instruction when compulsory organised teaching and learning is taking place for all student year levels. This can include online learning and school trips outside the classroom.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  16. “The Minister may, by notice before 1 July in any year, specify the number of half-days on which schools must be open during the next year.”

    New Zealand Legislation (Education (When State Schools Must Be Open and Closed) Regulations 2024, r 6) · legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2024/53/en/… ↑

  17. “Primary, intermediate and specialist schools must be open for instruction for a minimum of 378 half days in 2026. Secondary and composite schools must be open for instruction for a minimum of 376 half days in 2026.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  18. “If a school does not use the curriculum-related half-day exceptions granted for 2026, the minimum reverts to 382 (primary) and 380 (secondary).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  19. “Primary, intermediate and specialist schools are required to be open for instruction for a minimum of 376 half days in 2027. Secondary and composite schools are required to be open for instruction for minimum of 376 half days in 2027.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  20. “Primary, intermediate and specialist schools are required to be open for instruction for a minimum of 382 half days in 2028. Secondary and composite schools are required to be open for instruction for a minimum of 380 half days in 2028.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  21. “Schools may close for instruction under the following approved circumstances: up to 4 curriculum-related half days in 2026 and 2027 for staff professional development up to 4 discretionary half days per year, with 6 weeks’ notice to the school community”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  22. “Schools must make sure they still meet the minimum half-day requirement even when using these exceptions.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  23. “Boards may vary the start and end time of the school day but must first consult with parents, staff and their community.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  24. “During a school term, schools will close for: Saturdays and Sundays teacher-only days public holidays and local anniversary days the Tuesday following Easter Monday any emergency that requires the school to close.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  25. “Schools might also choose to close for local events like gala and show days, or for religious holidays in some communities.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  26. “From 2026, schools will need to record reasons for full school closed days during term time in their student management system.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  27. “Taking time off school for whānau | family holidays or other activities is not an acceptable reason for being away.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/atte… ↑

  28. “Schools have flexibility to choose the start and end dates of their school year, so long as they start between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February, and end no later than 18 December 2026.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  29. “Term 1 (up to 10 weeks) # Starts between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February and ends Thursday 2 April 2026 (78-96 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  30. “Term 2 (11 weeks) # Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026 (106 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  31. “Term 3 (10 weeks) # Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September 2026 (100 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  32. “Term 4 (up to 10 weeks) # Monday 12 October to no later than Friday 18 December 2026 (up to 98 half days). Public holiday: Labour Day – Monday 26 October.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  33. “2026 school holidays # Term 1 # Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  34. “Term 2 # Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  35. “Term 3 # Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  36. “Summer holidays # Start no later than Saturday 19 December 2026 and run for 5 or 6 weeks (from school's closing date until opening date of school the following year).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  37. “Schools have flexibility to choose the start and end dates of their school year, so long as they start between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February, and end no later than 17 December 2027.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  38. “Term 1 (up to 11 weeks) # Starts between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February and ends Friday 9 April 2027”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  39. “Term 2 (10 weeks) # Tuesday 27 April to Friday 2 July 2027 (94 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  40. “Term 3 (10 weeks) # Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 2027 (100 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  41. “Term 4 (up to 10 weeks) # Monday 11 October to no later than Friday 17 December 2027 (up to 98 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  42. “2027 school holidays # Term 1 # Saturday 10 April to Monday 26 April 2027.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  43. “Term 2 # Saturday 3 July to Sunday 18 July 2027.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  44. “Term 3 # Saturday 25 September to Sunday 10 October 2027.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  45. “Summer holidays # Start no later than Saturday 18 December 2027 and run for 5 or 6 weeks”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  46. “Schools have flexibility to choose the start and end dates of their school year, so long as they start between Monday 31 January and Tuesday 8 February, and end no later than 15 December 2028.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  47. “Term 1 (up to 11 weeks) # Starts between Monday 31 January and Tuesday 8 February and ends Thursday 13 April 2028”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  48. “Term 2 (10 weeks) # Monday 1 May to Friday 7 July 2028 (98 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  49. “Term 3 (10 weeks) # Monday 24 July to Friday 29 September 2028 (100 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  50. “Term 4 (up to 9 weeks) # Monday 16 October to no later than Friday 15 December 2028 (up to 88 half days).”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  51. “Private schools have greater legislative freedom than state and state-integrated schools and can vary their opening hours and school year.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/adm… ↑

  52. “Private schools can have different terms and holidays. They can also open on Easter Tuesday.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  53. “Some early childhood services choose to follow the school terms and holidays.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑

  54. “Full-time daycare services are usually open through the school holidays but close over Christmas.”

    Ministry of Education · education.govt.nz/school-terms-and-holidays-dates ↑