School Holidays in New Zealand 2025

Have you ever wondered how New Zealand’s unique landscape influences its school holidays? The academic calendar in New Zealand is structured to complement the country’s seasons and cultural events, ensuring students enjoy the best of what each season has to offer. But when exactly does the school year start? And who decides when students get their breaks? Let’s explore the New Zealand school holidays for the 2025 academic year, from public holidays to additional breaks, and what activities you can enjoy during these times.

Overview of School Holidays in New Zealand 2025

The New Zealand school year typically starts in late January or early February. In New Zealand for 2025, it starts between Monday 27 January and Friday 7 February. The exact start date can vary slightly depending on the region and the individual school’s policies. The Ministry of Education sets the school holiday dates, but international and private schools have the flexibility to determine their own start date. Therefore, it is also better to consult with your child’s school.

Knowing the Zealand school holidays, including school terms and public holidays for the year, is essential for planning family vacations and activities during these periods. The Zealand school year is divided into four terms, with holidays at the end of each term. In addition to term breaks, students also enjoy public holidays, which are often intertwined with cultural and national celebrations.

Overview of School Terms and Holidays

In New Zealand, the school year is thoughtfully divided into four terms, each lasting around 10 weeks. This structure ensures that students have regular breaks to rest and recharge. The school terms and holidays are meticulously set by the Ministry of Education, although they can vary slightly from year to year. Typically, the school year kicks off in late January or early February and wraps up in mid-December.

The school holidays are generally 5-6 weeks long, providing ample time for students to enjoy their break. However, there are specific requirements for different types of schools. For instance, primary, intermediate, and special schools must have a minimum of 384 half-days in 2024 and 386 half-days in 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, secondary and composite schools are required to have at least 380 half-days in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This careful planning ensures that the school has been open for instruction for the necessary number of days, balancing educational needs with ample holiday time.

Public Holidays in New Zealand 2025

New Zealand's public holidays in 2025 are a blend of nationwide celebrations and regional anniversaries, offering a variety of experiences throughout the year. Schools and many businesses close on these holidays, allowing families to take part in various events and activities. The government agencies responsible for setting these holidays include the New Zealand Government and regional councils.

Key national public holidays in 2025 include:

• New Year's Day (1 Jan, Wed) & Day after New Year's Day (2 Jan, Thu): The year kicks off with these two holidays, giving families an extended break to celebrate the new year.
• Waitangi Day (6 Feb, Thu): A significant day commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, with nationwide events reflecting on New Zealand's history.
• Anzac Day (25 Apr, Fri): A day of remembrance for those who served in the military, observed with ceremonies across the country.
• King's Birthday (2 Jun, Mon): Honouring the reigning monarch, this day offers a mid-year break.
• Matariki (20 Jun, Fri): Celebrating the Māori New Year, this holiday provides an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Māori culture.
• Labour Day (27 Oct, Mon): Recognising the contributions of workers, this holiday marks the start of the summer season.

Regional anniversary days celebrate the founding and history of different areas in New Zealand. Some of these include:

• Wellington Anniversary Day (20 Jan, Mon): Celebrating the Wellington region's founding.
• Auckland Anniversary Day (27 Jan, Mon): A holiday for the Auckland region, marking the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson.
• Otago Anniversary Day (24 Mar, Mon): Recognising the establishment of the Otago province.
• South Canterbury Anniversary Day (22 Sep, Mon): A day for the South Canterbury region.

The festive season in New Zealand includes:

• Christmas Day (25 Dec, Thu) & Boxing Day (26 Dec, Fri): These holidays are marked by family gatherings, gift-giving, and various community events.

These public holidays offer students and families ample opportunities to engage in cultural celebrations, take short trips, or simply relax. Moreover, for students studying a challenging curriculum, such as the IB, it is a great opportunity to catch up on school.

According to an Online IB Physics Tutor,

"Public holidays in New Zealand are a great opportunity for students to catch up on their IB studies. With a bit of extra time, they can review challenging concepts, work on past exam questions, and even explore real-world physics applications.

Regional Holidays

In addition to the national public holidays, New Zealand also celebrates regional holidays that reflect the unique history and culture of different areas. These regional holidays are a great way for communities to come together and celebrate their local heritage. For example, Auckland Anniversary Day is celebrated on the last Monday in January, marking the arrival of William Hobson in the region. Similarly, Wellington Anniversary Day is also observed on the last Monday in January, commemorating the founding of the Wellington region.

These regional holidays are usually observed by schools and businesses within the respective regions, providing a day off for families to participate in local events and activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about their local history and engage in community celebrations.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in New Zealand 2025

The Ministry of Education decides these term breaks for public schools, which typically include a two-week break at the end of Terms 1, 2, and 3, and a longer summer holiday at the end of Term 4. School term dates in New Zealand are not the same across the entire country. While the Ministry of Education sets the general framework for the school year, including the start and end dates for each term, slight variations can occur based on region and individual school policies.

The school term dates in New Zealand for 2025 are generally consistent across the country, but there are slight variations depending on the region and school type. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the term dates for 2025, according to the official release:

Term 1:

Number of weeks: Up to 11

Term start and end dates: Starts between Monday 27 January (at the earliest) and Friday 7 February (at the latest). Ends Friday 11 April.

Public holidays during Term 1:

• Waitangi Day – Thursday 6 February

School holidays: Saturday 12 April to Sunday 27 April. This break includes:

• Good Friday – 18 April
• Easter Monday – 21 April
• Easter Tuesday – 22 April (a school holiday)
• Anzac Day – Friday 25 April

Term 2:

Number of weeks: 9

Term start and end dates: Monday 28 April to Friday 27 June

Public holidays during Term 2:

• King’s Birthday – Monday 2 June
• Matariki – Friday 20 June

School holidays: Saturday 28 June to Sunday 13 July

Term 3:

Number of weeks: 10

Term start and end dates: Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September

Public holidays during Term 3: None

School holidays: Saturday 20 September to Sunday 5 October

Term 4:

Number of weeks: Up to 11

Term start and end dates: Starts Monday 6 October and ends no later than Friday 19 December

Public holidays during Term 4:

• Labour Day – Monday 27 October

School holidays: The end-of-year holiday lasts 5 to 6 weeks, from the school's closing date until the start of the new school year in 2026.

Note: For primary, intermediate, and specialist schools, Term 4 ends on a day in December that ensures a minimum of 386 half days in 2025. For secondary and composite schools, the minimum is 380 half days in 2025.

Most public schools follow a similar term structure, typically consisting of four terms spread throughout the year. However, regional differences and specific needs of schools can lead to slight variations in the exact dates for the start and end of terms. For example, schools in different regions might have different start dates for Term 1 to accommodate local events or holidays.

International and private schools may also have different term dates to align with their global curriculum and student body requirements. These schools might adjust their schedules to cater to international students or incorporate additional breaks that are not part of the public school calendar.

It's advisable for parents and students to check with their specific school for the exact term dates to ensure they align with any planned activities or holidays.

Ensuring a Smooth School Year

To ensure a smooth school year, planning and organization are key. Parents and caregivers should regularly check the school’s website or contact the school directly to confirm the term dates and holidays. This helps in scheduling appointments and activities around the school holidays, avoiding any potential conflicts.

The school holidays also present a perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to spend quality time with their children. Engaging in activities that promote learning and development can make the holidays both fun and educational. Whether it’s visiting a museum, participating in a cultural workshop, or simply spending time outdoors, these activities can enrich a child’s holiday experience.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

To make the most of the New Zealand school holidays, here are some engaging activities that students in New Zealand can enjoy:

• Private Tutoring: Enhance your learning by catching up on subjects or exploring new areas of interest. With Online tutors available, such as Online IB Maths Tutors and Online IB Biology Tutors, students can continue their education even during the holidays, ensuring they stay ahead in their studies.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty by going on hikes, visiting national parks, or trying out water sports like kayaking and surfing. Many organisations offer guided tours and activities suitable for students of all ages.
• Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops that celebrate New Zealand’s diverse culture, such as Māori arts and crafts, music, or dance. These activities not only provide entertainment but also deepen understanding of the country’s heritage.
• Science and Technology Camps: Engage in hands-on learning experiences by joining a science or technology camp. These camps offer practical activities like coding, robotics, and experiments, encouraging students to develop their STEM skills.
• Volunteer Work: Use the holidays to give back to the community. Various organisations offer volunteering opportunities for students, such as environmental clean-ups, helping at local shelters, or assisting in community events.

Planning for School Holidays

Planning for school holidays can sometimes be a daunting task, but there are plenty of resources available to help. Start by checking the school’s website or contacting the school directly to confirm the term dates and holidays. This ensures that you have the most accurate information for planning purposes.

Researching local activities and events that are suitable for children during the school holidays can also be very helpful. Many organizations, such as museums, libraries, and community centers, offer programs and activities specifically designed for children during the school holidays. These programs can provide a mix of fun and educational experiences, keeping children engaged and entertained.

Conclusion

School holidays in New Zealand offer a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural engagement, and educational opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in cultural activities, or get a head start on your studies with private tutoring, there's something for everyone. As the academic year 2025 approaches, planning ahead ensures that students can make the most of their time off while staying engaged and inspired.