School holidays NZ 2027
There are 3 school holiday breaks in 2027, 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 2027 dates
In 2027, New Zealand state and state-integrated schools have 3 term-break holidays plus the summer break. The first runs from 10 April 2027 to 26 April 2027, and the summer break starts no later than 18 December 2027.
| School holiday break | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 break | Saturday 10 April 2027 | Monday 26 April 2027 | 17 days |
| Term 2 break | Saturday 3 July 2027 | Sunday 18 July 2027 | 16 days |
| Term 3 break | Saturday 25 September 2027 | Sunday 10 October 2027 | 16 days |
| Summer break | From 18 December 2027 | Late January 2028 | 5–6 weeks |
Dates reviewed August 2026 against the Ministry of Education.
Term dates 2027
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 2027?
Term 1 2027 starts within an MoE window between 28 January 2027 and 3 February 2027. Each school chooses its exact start day inside that window. Check with your school for the exact date.
When does term 2 start in 2027?
Term 2 2027 starts on 27 April 2027. Term 2 starts Tuesday because Anzac Day observed (Mon 26 April) is the last day of the term break.
When are the school holidays in 2027?
There are 3 term breaks during the year (after terms 1, 2 and 3) plus a summer break. The first term break runs from 10 April 2027 to 26 April 2027.
How long is the summer break in 2027?
The 2027 summer break starts no later than 18 December 2027 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.