Introduction

Planning a holiday in New Zealand and want to know when the school holidays are? This article will provide you with an overview of the school holiday dates in New Zealand and help you plan your trip accordingly.

Term Dates

The academic year in New Zealand is divided into four terms, with breaks in between for school holidays. The term dates may vary slightly between different regions and schools, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the specific school or region you’re interested in.

Term 1

The first term usually begins in late January or early February and runs for approximately 10 to 11 weeks. It includes a two-week break for the school holidays, providing students and families with some time to relax and recharge.

Term 2

The second term starts after the Term 1 holidays and typically lasts for around 10 weeks. Similar to Term 1, there is a two-week break for the school holidays, allowing students to take a breather from their studies and enjoy some leisure time.

Term 3

Term 3 commences after the Term 2 holidays and spans for approximately 10 to 11 weeks. Students and teachers eagerly look forward to the two-week school holiday break during this term, as it gives them an opportunity to explore and engage in extracurricular activities.

Term 4

The final term of the academic year, Term 4, commences after the Term 3 holidays and extends for about 8 to 9 weeks. This term also includes a two-week break for the school holidays, marking the end of the academic year and the beginning of summer.

Additional Breaks

In addition to the term breaks, New Zealand schools also observe public holidays and other special occasions. These breaks provide extended periods of time for families to plan vacations and spend quality time together.

Easter Break

The Easter break is a significant holiday period in New Zealand. It usually consists of a four-day long weekend, with Good Friday and Easter Monday being public holidays. Families often take advantage of this break to plan trips or engage in various Easter-related activities.

Mid-Year Break

During winter, New Zealand schools have a two-week mid-year break. This break falls around the middle of the year and allows students and families to enjoy some time off during the colder months. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore winter activities or escape to warmer destinations.

Christmas Break

The much-anticipated Christmas break in New Zealand marks the end of the academic year. It generally lasts for six weeks, providing an extended holiday period for students and families to celebrate Christmas, enjoy summer activities, and prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Conclusion

Now that you know when the school holidays are in New Zealand, you can plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Whether you’re visiting during the term breaks or taking advantage of the additional holiday periods, New Zealand offers a range of activities and attractions to suit everyone’s interests.