School Holidays and Term Dates 2026
| TERM 1 | |
| Term dates | Starts between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February, and ends Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Public holidays | Waitangi Day – Friday 6 February |
| School holidays | Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026. Includes Good Friday – 3 April, Easter Monday – 6 April, and Easter Tuesday – 7 April |
| TERM 2 | |
| Term dates | Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2026 |
| Public holidays | Anzac Day – Saturday 25 April, observed Monday 27 April, and King’s Birthday – Monday 1 June |
| School holidays | Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026. Includes Matariki – Friday 10 July |
| TERM 3 | |
| Term dates | Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September 2026 |
| Public holidays | None |
| School holidays | Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026 |
| TERM 4 | |
| Term dates | Monday 12 October to no later than Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Public holidays | Labour Day – Monday 26 October |
| School holidays | Start no later than Saturday 19 December 2026 and run for 5 or 6 weeks, from the school’s closing date until the opening date the following year. |
You’ll find a full guide to New Zealand term dates and school holiday dates in our guide.
For many New Zealand families, school holidays are a time to slow down, relax and reconnect.
With the break from busy school days, there’s more time to spend together as a family and make memories.
Here’s why school holidays are such a special time for families.
More Time for Connection
During the school term, it can be hard to find quality time to connect as a family.
Between work, school and extracurricular activities, the days can feel like they’re just flying by.
School holidays offer a chance to slow down and really connect with your kids.
Whether it’s cooking together, going on adventures or just spending some extra time talking and laughing, those meaningful moments are sure to be cherished long after the holidays are over.
Making Memories
With everyone’s schedule a little more relaxed during the holidays, there’s more opportunity to do things as a family and create lasting memories.
Whether it’s going on day trips to new places or simply enjoying some quality time at home, making memories is one of the best parts of school holidays.
And who knows, maybe your kids will even remember some of those special moments when they’re grown up and have families of their own!
A Break from the Busyness of School Days
For kids (and parents!), school can be pretty full-on.
There’s homework to worry about, tests to study for and maintaining friendships.
School holidays provide a much-needed break from all that stress and pressure.
It’s a chance for kids to recharge their batteries and come back refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges the new school term might bring.
School holidays are a wonderful time for families to connect, make memories and take a break from the busyness of everyday life.
So enjoy this precious time with your loved ones and make the most of every moment!
