NZ School Holidays 2027
Find the NZ school holidays 2027, school term dates, holiday breaks, and summer holiday dates. Use this guide to plan your year with confidence.
NZ School Holidays 2027 at a Glance
NZ School Holiday Dates 2027
The 2027 NZ school year has three term breaks and a longer summer holiday. Check each holiday period below before making your plans.
10 April – 26 April 2027
This break comes after Term 1 and runs for more than two weeks.
3 July – 18 July 2027
The mid-year break follows Term 2 and provides a two-week school holiday.
25 September – 10 October 2027
This spring break comes between Term 3 and Term 4.
From 18 December 2027
The summer holiday begins after Term 4. It lasts for five or six weeks.
NZ School Terms 2027
New Zealand schools follow four main terms in 2027. Terms 2 and 3 have fixed national dates, while some Term 1 and Term 4 dates can vary.
28 January – 9 April
Schools can start Term 1 between 28 January and 3 February 2027.
27 April – 2 July
Term 2 begins on 27 April and ends on 2 July 2027.
19 July – 24 September
Term 3 starts on 19 July and finishes on 24 September 2027.
11 October – 17 December
Term 4 starts on 11 October and finishes no later than 17 December 2027.
NZ School Holiday Calendar 2027
Use this simple 2027 calendar to see the school terms and holiday breaks in order. It makes it easier to plan school, travel, childcare, and family activities.
| Period | Dates | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 28 Jan – 9 Apr | School Term | Start date can vary by school. |
| Term 1 Holiday | 10 Apr – 26 Apr | School Holiday | First main school break. |
| Term 2 | 27 Apr – 2 Jul | School Term | National term dates. |
| Term 2 Holiday | 3 Jul – 18 Jul | School Holiday | Mid-year school break. |
| Term 3 | 19 Jul – 24 Sep | School Term | National term dates. |
| Term 3 Holiday | 25 Sep – 10 Oct | School Holiday | Spring school break. |
| Term 4 | 11 Oct – 17 Dec | School Term | Finish date is no later than 17 Dec. |
| Summer Holiday | From 18 Dec | Summer Break | Usually lasts 5 or 6 weeks. |
First Holiday Break
10 April to 26 April 2027
Long Summer Break
Starts from 18 December 2027
Term 1 School Holidays 2027
The first NZ school holiday break of 2027 runs from 10 April to 26 April. It follows the end of Term 1 and gives families a useful autumn break.
When Is the First School Holiday in 2027?
The first school holiday period starts on Saturday, 10 April 2027. It ends on Monday, 26 April 2027. Schools then return for Term 2 on Tuesday, 27 April.
Why This Break Matters
This break separates Term 1 from Term 2. Families can use it for travel, activities, or time at home.
Planning Around Easter
Easter falls earlier in 2027 than this school holiday period. Check public holiday dates separately when planning travel.
Term 2 School Holidays 2027
The Term 2 school holidays run from 3 July to 18 July 2027. This mid-year break gives students and families time to rest before Term 3.
When Are the Term 2 School Holidays?
The second school holiday period starts on Saturday, 3 July 2027. It ends on Sunday, 18 July 2027. Students return to school for Term 3 on Monday, 19 July.
Mid-Year School Break
This break comes after Term 2 and marks the middle of the school year. It is a useful time for family trips, rest, and winter activities.
Matariki and Public Holidays
Matariki falls on 25 June 2027, before the Term 2 holiday begins. Check public holidays separately when planning your schedule.
Term 3 School Holidays 2027
The Term 3 school holidays run from 25 September to 10 October 2027. This spring break comes before the final school term of the year.
When Are the Term 3 School Holidays?
The third school holiday period starts on Saturday, 25 September 2027. It ends on Sunday, 10 October 2027. Students return to school for Term 4 on Monday, 11 October.
Spring School Break
This break comes after Term 3 and before the final term. Families can use this time for travel, activities, or rest.
Preparing for Term 4
Term 4 begins on 11 October 2027. Students should check their school calendar before returning.
NZ Summer Holidays 2027–2028
The NZ summer holidays begin after Term 4 in December 2027. This is the longest school break and usually lasts five or six weeks.
When Do the NZ Summer Holidays Start in 2027?
The summer holiday starts no later than Saturday, 18 December 2027. Schools may finish Term 4 earlier, depending on their calendar. The summer break then continues for five or six weeks.
The Longest School Break
The summer holiday is longer than the other school breaks. It gives families more time for travel, holidays, and summer activities.
When Does School Start Again?
The next school year begins in late January or early February. Your school’s own calendar will show the exact return date.
Public Holidays During the NZ School Year 2027
Public holidays are separate from school holidays. Some can fall during school terms, while others may occur during scheduled school breaks.
| Public Holiday | 2027 Date | School Calendar Context |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Summer holiday period |
| Day after New Year’s Day | 4 January | Observed public holiday |
| Waitangi Day | 8 February | Observed public holiday |
| Good Friday | 26 March | Before the first school holiday |
| Easter Monday | 29 March | During Term 1 |
| Anzac Day | 26 April | Observed during the first school holiday |
| King’s Birthday | 7 June | During Term 2 |
| Matariki | 25 June | During Term 2 |
| Labour Day | 25 October | During Term 4 |
| Christmas Day | 27 December | Observed during summer holiday |
| Boxing Day | 28 December | Observed during summer holiday |
Why NZ Schools Can Have Different Dates
New Zealand has national rules for school terms and holidays. However, individual schools can have some flexibility in their calendars.
Term 1 Start Dates
Schools do not all have to start Term 1 on the same day. In 2027, Term 1 can begin between 28 January and 3 February.
Term 4 Finish Dates
Schools can finish Term 4 on different dates. For 2027, the school year must finish no later than 17 December.
Teacher-Only Days
Schools can close for teacher-only days. These days are not part of the standard national school holiday periods.
Private School Calendars
Private schools can have different term and holiday arrangements. Parents should check their school’s published calendar.
National Dates vs Your School Calendar
The national dates provide the main framework for New Zealand schools. They do not always show every day your child attends school. Your school’s calendar gives the most accurate local information.
Planning Around NZ School Holidays 2027
Knowing the 2027 school holiday dates can make family planning much easier. Use the holiday calendar to organise travel, childcare, activities, and time off work.
Plan Family Travel Early
School holidays are popular periods for family travel. Check dates early before booking flights, hotels, or holiday activities.
Arrange Childcare
Parents who work during school breaks may need extra childcare. Check available programmes before the holiday begins.
Book Holiday Activities
Camps, sports programmes, and other activities can fill quickly. Compare options and confirm dates before making arrangements.
Check Your Work Schedule
If you need time off work, compare your leave dates with school breaks. This helps avoid last-minute changes to your family plans.
Best Times to Plan Ahead
Important Things Parents Should Check
National school holiday dates are useful for planning. Parents should also check a few school-specific details before making arrangements.
Check Your School Calendar
Your school’s calendar gives the most accurate attendance dates. Use it to confirm term starts, finishes, and planned closures.
Look for Teacher-Only Days
Schools can have teacher-only days during the school year. These dates may affect childcare and family plans.
Check Regional Holidays
Regional anniversary days vary across New Zealand. Check your local anniversary day when planning school or travel dates.
Confirm Private School Dates
Private schools can use different term and holiday arrangements. Contact the school or check its published calendar for exact dates.
Check Holiday Activity Dates
Holiday programmes may use different opening and closing dates. Confirm their schedule before registering your child.
Confirm Return-to-School Date
Check the first day of the next term before extending a holiday. This helps families avoid missing the start of school.
A Simple Checklist for 2027
Frequently Asked Questions About NZ School Holidays 2027
Find quick answers about NZ school holidays, school terms, public holidays, and school-specific dates in 2027.
Official Sources
Use these official New Zealand Government sources to verify school holiday and public holiday information.
Plan Ahead for NZ School Holidays 2027
Keep the 2027 school holiday dates handy when planning travel, childcare, activities, and family time. Always confirm exact dates with your school.
View 2027 Holiday Dates ↑