School holidays NZ 2026
There are 3 school holiday breaks in 2026, plus the summer break. Term dates are recommended by the Ministry of Education and apply to state and state-integrated schools.
New Zealand school holidays 2026 dates
In 2026, New Zealand state and state-integrated schools have 3 term-break holidays plus the summer break. The first runs from 3 April 2026 to 19 April 2026, and the summer break starts no later than 19 December 2026.
| School holiday break | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 break | Friday 3 April 2026 | Sunday 19 April 2026 | 17 days |
| Term 2 break | Saturday 4 July 2026 | Sunday 19 July 2026 | 16 days |
| Term 3 break | Saturday 26 September 2026 | Sunday 11 October 2026 | 16 days |
| Summer break | From 19 December 2026 | Late January 2027 | 5–6 weeks |
Dates reviewed August 2026 against the Ministry of Education.
Term dates 2026
Terms 2 and 3 are fixed by the Ministry of Education. Terms 1 and 4 sit inside flexible windows so each school can choose start and end days that fit its calendar.
These dates apply to state and state-integrated schools and kura. Private schools may differ.
Frequently asked questions
When does term 1 start in 2026?
Term 1 2026 starts within an MoE window between 26 January 2026 and 9 February 2026. Each school chooses its exact start day inside that window. Check with your school for the exact date.
When does term 2 start in 2026?
Term 2 2026 starts on 20 April 2026.
When are the school holidays in 2026?
There are 3 term breaks during the year (after terms 1, 2 and 3) plus a summer break. The first term break runs from 3 April 2026 to 19 April 2026.
How long is the summer break in 2026?
The 2026 summer break starts no later than 19 December 2026 and runs for 5 to 6 weeks. Exact start and end dates vary by school.
Do all NZ schools follow the same holiday dates?
No. The Ministry of Education sets recommended term dates for state and state-integrated schools, but each school sets its own exact start and end days within the recommended window. Private schools and kura may follow different dates entirely. Always check with your school.
Is Easter Tuesday a school holiday?
Yes. Under the Education and Training Act, Easter Tuesday is treated as a school holiday for state and state-integrated schools, even though it is not a public holiday for most workers. It usually sits inside the term 1 break.
Term dates in your inbox
One short email when the Ministry of Education confirms or changes school term dates. A few a year, nothing else.