New Zealand School Holidays 2027
Looking for New Zealand school holidays 2027? You'll find the complete 2027 school calendar for New Zealand, New Zealand right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced from Ministry of Education New Zealand and covers 4 terms and 4 school breaks in school year 2027/28. Whether you're planning family travel during the school holidays, booking vacation care, or need to know when the 2027 school year starts and ends, this comprehensive New Zealand school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Summer Holidays
Dec 19 – Jan 25, 2027
New Zealand Term Dates 2027/28
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 72 | Starts between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February (schools choose within the window; 88-96 half days). Ends Friday 9 April 2027. | ||
| Term 2 | 67 | Tuesday 27 April to Friday 2 July 2027 (94 half days). | ||
| Term 3 | 68 | Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 2027 (100 half days). | ||
| Term 4 | 68 | Monday 11 October to no later than Friday 17 December 2027 (up to 98 half days). |
New Zealand School Holidays in school year 2027/28
| Break | Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Holidays (Term 1 Break) | Apr 10 – Apr 26, 2027 | 17 |
| Winter Holidays (Term 2 Break) | Jul 3 – Jul 18, 2027 | 16 |
| Spring Holidays (Term 3 Break) | Sep 25 – Oct 10, 2027 | 16 |
| Summer Holidays | Dec 18 – Jan 30, 2028 | 44 |
New Zealand Public Holidays 2027
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waitangi Day | 1 | Falls on Saturday; observed Monday 8 February 2027. | ||
| Waitangi Day (Observed) | 1 | — | ||
| Good Friday | 1 | — | ||
| Easter Monday | 1 | — | ||
| Easter Tuesday | 1 | School holiday only (not a nationwide public holiday). | ||
| ANZAC Day | 1 | Falls on Sunday; observed Monday 26 April 2027. | ||
| ANZAC Day (Observed) | 1 | — | ||
| King's Birthday | 1 | First Monday in June. | ||
| Matariki | 1 | — | ||
| Labour Day | 1 | Fourth Monday in October. | ||
| Christmas Day | 1 | — | ||
| Boxing Day | 1 | — |
New Zealand School 2027 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2027
February 2027
March 2027
April 2027
May 2027
June 2027
July 2027
August 2027
September 2027
October 2027
November 2027
December 2027
Add New Zealand School Holidays to your calendar
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Data last verified Sep 6, 2026. Dates come from the official source listed above — always confirm with your school or education authority before making important plans.
Detailed 2027 New Zealand School Year Information
Term 1
Thu, Jan 28, 2027 – Fri, Apr 9, 2027
Starts between Thursday 28 January and Wednesday 3 February (schools choose within the window; 88-96 half days). Ends Friday 9 April 2027.
Term 2
Tue, Apr 27, 2027 – Fri, Jul 2, 2027
Tuesday 27 April to Friday 2 July 2027 (94 half days).
Term 3
Mon, Jul 19, 2027 – Fri, Sep 24, 2027
Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 2027 (100 half days).
Term 4
Mon, Oct 11, 2027 – Fri, Dec 17, 2027
Monday 11 October to no later than Friday 17 December 2027 (up to 98 half days).
New Zealand School Holidays 2027/28 — Key Dates
These New Zealand school holiday dates for 2027 are sourced directly from Ministry of Education New Zealand. NZ school terms are set nationally by the Ministry of Education. The 2026 school year runs from late January to mid-December. Primary/intermediate schools require a minimum of 378 half-days; secondary/composite schools require 376 half-days. Schools have flexibility to choose start dates between 26 January and 9 February.
Planning Tips for 2027 New Zealand School Holidays
🏛️ One national calendar with a soft start
The Ministry of Education sets all four terms nationally; only Term 1 and Term 4 have start/end windows schools choose within. Terms 2 and 3 are fixed for everyone.
✨ Matariki is the newest holiday
The Matariki public holiday (Māori New Year) falls in late June or July and moves each year with the lunar calendar — check the exact date when planning winter travel.
⛄ Ski season collides with Term 3
The July winter break (two weeks) is peak ski season on the North Island's Mt Ruapehu and South Island fields — book Queenstown and Ruapehu accommodation well ahead.
🌞 Summer runs into February
The December-February summer break is 5-6 weeks; schools return in early February. Late February after schools resume is the quietest, cheapest travel window.
Data & source details Who this calendar applies to, where it came from, and when we will check it again
- Applies to
- Not yet recorded
- Does not apply to
- Not yet recorded
- Governance level
- National
- Date status
- Binding on schools
- Source document
- Not yet recorded
- Published by the authority
- Ministry of Education New Zealand
- Last checked by us
- Sep 6, 2026
- Next scheduled review
- Not yet recorded
- Known exceptions
- Not yet recorded
- Data version
- Not yet recorded
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Ministry of Education New Zealand
Source last checked: September 6, 2026
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Note: NZ school terms are set nationally by the Ministry of Education. The 2026 school year runs from late January to mid-December. Primary/intermediate schools require a minimum of 378 half-days; secondary/composite schools require 376 half-days. Schools have flexibility to choose start dates between 26 January and 9 February.
Report a date error or source changeNew Zealand School Holidays 2027 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
What are teacher training days / professional development days?
Teacher training days (also called PD days, INSET days in the UK, or pupil-free days in Australia) are days when students do not attend school but teachers participate in training. These are typically attached to the beginning or end of holiday periods.
Looking for School Holidays in Other Countries?
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