School holidays NZ 2028
There are 3 school holiday breaks in 2028, 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 2028 dates
In 2028, New Zealand state and state-integrated schools have 3 term-break holidays plus the summer break. The first runs from 14 April 2028 to 30 April 2028, and the summer break starts no later than 16 December 2028.
| School holiday break | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 break | Friday 14 April 2028 | Sunday 30 April 2028 | 17 days |
| Term 2 break | Saturday 8 July 2028 | Sunday 23 July 2028 | 16 days |
| Term 3 break | Saturday 30 September 2028 | Sunday 15 October 2028 | 16 days |
| Summer break | From 16 December 2028 | Late January 2029 | 5–6 weeks |
Dates reviewed August 2026 against the Ministry of Education.
Term dates 2028
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 2028?
Term 1 2028 starts within an MoE window between 31 January 2028 and 8 February 2028. Each school chooses its exact start day inside that window. Check with your school for the exact date.
When does term 2 start in 2028?
Term 2 2028 starts on 1 May 2028.
When are the school holidays in 2028?
There are 3 term breaks during the year (after terms 1, 2 and 3) plus a summer break. The first term break runs from 14 April 2028 to 30 April 2028.
How long is the summer break in 2028?
The 2028 summer break starts no later than 16 December 2028 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.