NZ School Terms 2027
Find the NZ school term dates for 2027, including Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, and Term 4. Check start and finish dates and plan the school year with confidence.
NZ School Terms 2027 at a Glance
NZ School Terms 2027 Contents
Jump to any section below to find the 2027 New Zealand school term information you need.
NZ School Term Dates 2027
Here are the main NZ school term dates for 2027. Use these dates to understand when each school term begins and ends.
| School Term | Start Date | Finish Date | Holiday After Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 28 January – 3 February | 9 April | 10 Apr – 26 Apr |
| Term 2 | 27 April | 2 July | 3 Jul – 18 Jul |
| Term 3 | 19 July | 24 September | 25 Sep – 10 Oct |
| Term 4 | 11 October | No later than 17 December | Summer Holiday |
Term 1 School Term Dates 2027
New Zealand schools begin Term 1 between 28 January and 3 February 2027. The term finishes on Friday, 9 April 2027.
Schools choose their opening date within this window.
The first school term ends on Friday, 9 April.
The first school holiday runs from Saturday, 10 April.
Why Does Term 1 Start on Different Dates?
The Ministry of Education gives schools a start-date window for Term 1. This allows schools to set their own opening day.
Your child’s school may start on 28 January, 29 January, or a later date. Always check the school’s published calendar before planning around the term.
Term 2 School Term Dates 2027
NZ Term 2 starts on Tuesday, 27 April 2027 and ends on Friday, 2 July 2027. These dates apply to state and state-integrated schools.
Term 2 begins on Tuesday after the Term 1 holiday.
The second school term ends on Friday, 2 July.
The second school holiday runs from Saturday, 3 July.
Public Holidays During Term 2
Two national public holidays fall during the 2027 Term 2 period. These are the King’s Birthday and Matariki.
Term 3 School Term Dates 2027
NZ Term 3 starts on Monday, 19 July 2027 and ends on Friday, 24 September 2027. This term runs for about ten weeks.
Term 3 begins on Monday after the July school holiday.
The third school term ends on Friday, 24 September.
The third school holiday runs from Saturday, 25 September.
What Happens During Term 3?
Term 3 covers the final part of winter and the start of spring. Students return after the July school holiday and continue regular classes.
Families can use this term to plan activities before the final school term begins. Check your school’s calendar for sports days, events, and teacher-only days.
Term 4 School Term Dates 2027
NZ Term 4 starts on Monday, 11 October 2027. Schools must finish the school year no later than Friday, 17 December 2027.
Term 4 begins on Monday, 11 October.
Schools must finish no later than Friday, 17 December.
The summer break starts after the school year ends.
Why Can Term 4 Finish on Different Dates?
Schools have flexibility around the final day of Term 4. However, they must finish the school year by 17 December 2027.
Your school may finish earlier than the national latest date. Check the school’s own calendar for the exact final day.
2027 New Zealand School Term Calendar
Use this NZ school term calendar to see the main term dates and school holidays for 2027. Keep in mind that some schools may choose different opening or closing dates.
| Term | Starts | Finishes | School Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 28 Jan – 3 Feb | 9 Apr | 10–26 Apr |
| Term 2 | 27 Apr | 2 Jul | 3–18 Jul |
| Term 3 | 19 Jul | 24 Sep | 25 Sep – 10 Oct |
| Term 4 | 11 Oct | No later than 17 Dec | Summer holiday |
At a Glance
Why Can NZ Term 1 Dates Vary?
Not every New Zealand school starts Term 1 on the same day. The Ministry of Education provides a start-date window for schools.
Schools can choose an opening date within this period.
Why Do Schools Have This Flexibility?
The flexible start window helps schools organise their annual calendar. Schools can plan their opening day around their local needs and schedule.
This means two schools in the same area can have slightly different start dates. The national term framework still guides the overall school year.
What Date Should Parents Use?
Use your child’s school calendar when you need the exact Term 1 start date. The national dates are useful for general planning.
Look for the school’s published 2027 calendar.
Confirm the dates before planning trips or childcare.
Why Can NZ Term 4 Finish Dates Vary?
New Zealand schools do not always finish Term 4 on the same day. Schools have some flexibility when setting their final school day.
Schools must finish the school year no later than Friday, 17 December 2027.
What Does “No Later Than” Mean?
A school can finish Term 4 before 17 December. The date depends on the school’s own annual calendar.
The school year must still meet the required national school calendar rules. The summer holiday begins after the school year finishes.
Why Should Parents Check the Exact Date?
Confirm the final school day before booking summer travel.
Use the school’s exact closing date when arranging childcare.
Plan camps and activities around your child’s actual holiday dates.
Teacher-Only Days & School Closures in 2027
School term dates do not show every day when students may be out of class. Schools can also have teacher-only days and other planned closures.
Teacher-Only Days
Schools may close for staff training, planning, or curriculum development.
Public Holidays
National public holidays can affect the normal school timetable.
Local Closures
Local anniversary days and special circumstances can affect school opening.
What Are Teacher-Only Days?
A teacher-only day is a day when students do not attend school. Teachers use the time for professional development, planning, or other school work.
These days are not shown as separate national school holidays. Each school should provide families with its own dates.
Other Reasons a School May Close
- National public holidays
- Local anniversary days
- Teacher-only or curriculum days
- Emergency situations
- Other school-specific closures
Planning Around NZ School Term Dates 2027
Knowing the 2027 school term dates can make family planning much easier. Use the term calendar to organise travel, childcare, activities, and appointments.
Plan Family Travel
Check the school calendar before booking trips during the school year.
Arrange Childcare
Use term dates and school holidays to plan childcare ahead of time.
Plan Activities
Check term dates before booking sports, camps, lessons, or events.
Check Dates Before Booking Travel
School holidays are often busy periods for family travel. Confirm your child’s exact school dates before making bookings.
Keep Your School Calendar Handy
National term dates do not include every school-specific event. Your school may also schedule teacher-only days, events, or local closures.
Simple 2027 Planning Checklist
- Save the 2027 school term dates.
- Check your school’s exact Term 1 start date.
- Check the school’s Term 4 finish date.
- Look for teacher-only days and planned closures.
- Check dates before booking family travel.
Important Dates Parents Should Check
National term dates give you a useful starting point for planning. Your child’s school calendar may include additional dates you need to know.
Term 1 Start Date
Confirm the exact day your child’s school opens for Term 1.
Teacher-Only Days
Check for staff-only days when students do not attend classes.
Public Holidays
Note national and local holidays that affect the school timetable.
Term 4 Finish Date
Check when your school plans to finish the 2027 school year.
Dates Worth Adding to Your Calendar
| Date or Event | Why Check It? |
|---|---|
| Term 1 Start | The start date can vary by school. |
| Teacher-Only Days | Students may not attend school on these days. |
| Public Holidays | They can change the normal school schedule. |
| Term 4 Finish | Schools can finish before the national latest date. |
Where Can You Find the Exact Dates?
Check your school’s official website, parent portal, newsletter, or school calendar. These sources provide school-specific dates and changes.
FAQs About NZ School Terms 2027
Here are common questions about New Zealand school term dates in 2027.
When does Term 1 start in New Zealand in 2027?
Term 1 starts between 28 January and 3 February 2027. Your school chooses its exact opening date within this window.
When does Term 1 finish in 2027?
Term 1 finishes on Friday, 9 April 2027. The first school holiday starts on Saturday, 10 April.
When does Term 2 start and finish in 2027?
Term 2 starts on Tuesday, 27 April and finishes on Friday, 2 July 2027.
When does Term 3 start and finish in 2027?
Term 3 starts on Monday, 19 July and finishes on Friday, 24 September 2027.
When does Term 4 start in 2027?
Term 4 starts on Monday, 11 October 2027.
When does the 2027 school year finish?
Schools must finish the school year no later than Friday, 17 December 2027. Some schools may finish earlier.
Can NZ schools have different term dates?
Yes. Term 1 has a flexible start window. Term 4 can also finish before the national latest date.
Are teacher-only days included in national term dates?
Teacher-only days are separate from the main national term dates. Check your school’s calendar for these days.
Where can I check my school’s exact 2027 dates?
Check your school’s official website, parent portal, newsletter, or published calendar. These sources show school-specific dates and closures.
Official Sources for NZ School Terms 2027
We recommend checking official government and school sources for the latest dates. School-specific calendars can include extra closures and important events.
New Zealand Ministry of Education
Check the official national school term dates and holiday information.
Check Official DatesNew Zealand Government
Check national public holiday dates and regional anniversary days.
View Public HolidaysAlways Check Your School Calendar
National dates do not show every school-specific event. Your school may publish teacher-only days, local closures, and special events.
Check your school’s website or parent portal before making important plans. This is especially useful for travel, childcare, and appointments.
Planning Your 2027 School Year?
Use the NZ school term dates alongside the school holiday calendar to plan the full year with confidence.
View NZ School HolidaysDates can change in some circumstances. Always confirm important dates with your school.
NZ School Terms 2027: Quick Summary
New Zealand schools have four main terms during the 2027 school year. Terms 2 and 3 have fixed national dates, while Term 1 and Term 4 allow some flexibility.
Start date varies by school.
Nationally set dates.
Nationally set dates.
Schools may finish earlier.
What Parents Should Remember
- Check your school’s exact Term 1 start date.
- Check for teacher-only days and other closures.
- Confirm your school’s Term 4 finish date.
- Use official sources for national term information.
- Keep your school’s 2027 calendar available for planning.
Plan Your 2027 School Year
Check school terms and holidays together to plan travel, childcare, and family activities.
View NZ School Holidays 2027*17 December 2027 is the latest possible Term 4 finish date.
Know Your NZ School Terms 2027
The 2027 school year has four main terms across New Zealand. Use the national dates as your planning guide, then check your school’s calendar.
Remember that Term 1 can start on different dates. Term 4 can also finish before the national latest date.
*17 December 2027 is the latest possible school year finish date.