School Holidays 2025: Dates, Travel Ideas & Family Getaways

The 2025 school year in New Zealand is divided into four terms, each with its own start and end dates. According to the Ministry of Education, most primary, intermediate, and secondary schools and kura follow a similar structure, though some private schools may vary slightly. Term 1 usually kicks off in late January or early February and runs until mid-April, with the Easter break falling early this year (April 18–21). Term 2 spans late April to early July, while Term 3 typically begins mid-to-late July and ends late September. Term 4 starts in October and wraps up in mid-to-late December, depending on your school’s calendar and professional development days. Public holidays during the school year, like ANZAC Day (25 April), Matariki (20 June), and Labour Day (27 October), are scattered across the terms and can affect holiday planning. Knowing your school’s confirmed term dates and holiday dates is essential if you’re considering travel in 2025 and looking ahead to 2026 school terms as well.

Long weekends and teacher-only development days offer the perfect chance to plan a quick family escape without dipping too heavily into annual leave. With Matariki and Labour Day falling on Fridays and Mondays, these public holidays create excellent opportunities for short trips, especially if you combine them with a day or two of leave or school-approved absences. Mid-term breaks or “refresh” weekends also vary slightly across schools but are usually announced in advance. If you’re keeping an eye on the opening date of school the following term, you might just find a quiet window where a short holiday fits perfectly. Regardless of whether it’s a road trip to a nearby beach town, a cabin escape in the South Island, or even an all-inclusive long weekend in Southeast Asia, the trick is planning around your school's calendar. Many New Zealand school families now check both the current and next year’s school term dates to coordinate smarter travel for the 2025 and 2026 holidays.

If you're planning a family getaway during the 2025 school holidays and term breaks, booking early can make all the difference. The best time to secure flights and accommodation is at least three to six months in advance, especially for peak periods like April 2025 (Easter), the July winter break, and the December summer holidays. Waiting until the last minute often means higher prices, fewer choices, and more stress. Keep in mind that school term dates and holidays tend to align across most New Zealand primary and secondary schools, so demand spikes quickly during these windows. Some families even look ahead to the 2026 school holidays and plan based on the opening date of school the following year to make the most of off-peak deals. If you're considering international travel, especially to nearby destinations like Australia or Southeast Asia, Club Med’s early-bird packages can help secure family-friendly resorts with ease. For local trips, holiday parks and baches also book out fast, so early planning remains key.

Family travel doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you plan around school holiday dates and make savvy choices. Domestic trips around NZ during the April 2025 or July breaks can often be more affordable than you’d expect, particularly when compared to international options. That said, all-inclusive overseas packages can deliver surprising value once you factor in meals, activities, and accommodation. To stretch your travel budget, consider booking flights well in advance and travelling mid-week where possible. Flexibility helps, but so does aligning your plans with school term dates and holidays for the best experience. Many New Zealand families also use layby or travel payment plans to lock in 2025 school terms travel while keeping costs manageable.

Travelling during the New Zealand school holidays means keeping kids happy, safe, and entertained, especially on longer trips. Start with smart packing: include weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, games, and a few comfort items to make the journey easier. If you're heading off in April 2025 or over the summer, remember to pack sun protection and plenty of layers for changeable weather. For younger children, plan regular breaks and stick to familiar routines as much as possible. Older kids and teens benefit from having a say in the itinerary, so involve them in choosing activities or destinations, even if it’s just a weekend away. With so many schools and kura operating on similar term schedules, destinations can get busy fast. Booking family-friendly accommodation early and checking local safety guidelines helps everything go more smoothly. If you're exploring NZ or heading abroad, a little preparation goes a long way during school holidays and term breaks.

_The long summer school holidays are the perfect time to explore the best of New Zealand, from white-sand beaches to scenic camping spots and family-friendly adventures. If you’re planning to stay close to home or go on a road trip across the country, there’s no shortage of ideas to make the most of this break between the end of 2024 and the start of the 2025 school term. Popular North Island destinations include the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, and Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders and adventure parks. Down south, families love Queenstown’s lakeside charm, Wanaka’s relaxed atmosphere, and the sunny beaches of Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. If you’re after something simple, classic Kiwi camping near rivers or coastlines is always a hit. For thrill-seeking kids and teens, consider a few days at one of NZ’s theme parks or water parks. Book early as this break lines up with the opening date of school the following year, which means the spots fill fast.
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The April 2025 school holidays arrive during New Zealand’s autumn and offer mild temperatures and crisp days, which is ideal for both outdoor exploring and cosy indoor fun. This is a great time for families who prefer to avoid the heat and peak crowds of summer. For nature lovers, head to Central Otago or Taranaki for beautiful autumn colours, easy walking trails, and family picnic spots. If you’re staying in the city, make the most of interactive museums, local galleries, and educational attractions like Wellington’s Te Papa or Auckland Zoo. These are perfect for younger children, intermediate students, and teens alike. Short road trips or weekend getaways to nearby regional towns offer a change of scenery without the long travel times. Planning around school term dates and public holidays helps maximise this shorter break, especially when combined with a teacher-only day or a weekend at the beginning or end.

The July school holidays offer the ideal window for embracing New Zealand’s alpine experiences. For many families, this is the season to swap jandals for snow boots and head to the ski fields. Queenstown and Wānaka are winter hotspots, known not just for skiing and snowboarding but also for their cosy lodges, scenic gondola rides, and family-friendly restaurants. Up north, Mt Ruapehu provides a more accessible snow destination for those based around Auckland or Wellington. Snowplay isn’t limited to skiing because children of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy tobogganing, snowball fights, or simply relaxing with hot chocolate in a mountain lodge. Many resorts offer beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools, which makes it easier for primary and intermediate students to get started on the snow. Be sure to book accommodation well ahead of time, as these dates fall during a popular period across the 2025 school terms. Consider layering your itinerary with indoor options too, like movie nights or museum visits, in case the weather turns.

Spring school holidays bring warmer weather and longer days, which create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures across New Zealand. It’s an ideal time for families who enjoy balance, a bit of sunshine, a few fewer crowds, and still plenty to do before the busy Christmas lead-up. In the North Island, Rotorua and Taupō offer geothermal parks, bike trails, and family-friendly walks. Meanwhile, the South Island bursts into colour with blooming gardens in Christchurch and nature trails around Dunedin or Nelson. Wildlife parks, bird sanctuaries, and local playgrounds also shine during spring. If you’re combining term dates and public holidays smartly, it’s easy to fit in a relaxing long weekend or mini escape before the final school term begins.

Not every school holiday needs to involve travel. Many families take advantage of learning-based programmes to keep tamariki engaged while parents work or manage home routines. Councils and community centres across New Zealand often run school holiday activities tailored to different age groups, from new entrants to secondary students. Science and discovery centres like MOTAT, Stardome, or Otago Museum frequently host hands-on workshops, STEM events, and themed days during breaks. These programmes foster creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in a way that feels like fun, not school. Holiday camps are also a great option, especially those offering sport, art, or outdoor education experiences. Regardless of whether it's learning a new skill or exploring local parks with trained guides, these initiatives turn time away from school into a valuable opportunity to grow.

When it comes to school holidays, Club Med makes family travel effortless. Their premium all-inclusive resorts bundle everything from meals, kids’ clubs, activities, and entertainment into one neat package. That means less planning and more quality time together. From toddlers to teens, tamariki are well looked after with age-tailored experiences, which give parents the chance to relax or explore. Club Med’s resorts are designed with families in mind. Think family suites, splash pools, and dining options even picky eaters will enjoy. If you're after sun-soaked beaches or snow-filled slopes, the blend of fun, learning, and cultural discovery makes every Club Med trip a rewarding break.

Planning ahead for the 2025 school terms? Consider Club Med’s standout family resorts in the Asia-Pacific region. Club Med Bali offers cultural immersion and beachfront bliss, while Phuket blends Thai charm with island adventure. Cherating Beach in Malaysia is ideal for nature-lovers since it features wildlife walks and jungle fun. If winter holidays are on your mind, Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido in Japan delivers ski-in/ski-out convenience, snowy activities, and hot chocolate stations to delight the kids. Each resort caters to both play and downtime, and they tend to fill up fast during New Zealand’s school breaks, so early booking is key.

Club Med’s Early Bird Sale lets families secure savings of up to 20%* when booking early, perfect for aligning with 2025 school holidays. With flexible change policies and local support via their New Zealand-based team, you can plan ahead without second-guessing. Packages include everything from airport transfers to professional childcare, so budgeting is straightforward and surprises are minimal. Regardless of whether it’s your first Club Med escape or a returning family tradition, the peace of mind and value make a real difference. Take the stress out of the school holiday rush and turn it into something magical.