When to Arrive in New Zealand! 2025 School Term Dates

For teachers planning to move to New Zealand in 2025, timing your arrival with the school terms is key for a smooth transition. The school year kicks off with Term 1, which starts between 27 January and 7 February. Arriving at least a couple of weeks earlier will allow you time to settle into your new environment, get familiar with the school, and prepare for the term ahead.

If starting mid-year suits you better, Term 2 begins on 28 April. This is a great alternative if you can’t make it for Term 1, and still allows you to experience the majority of the academic year.

For those taking up relief roles or short-term positions, arriving before Term 3 or Term 4 is also possible, with Term 3 starting on 14 July and Term 4 on 6 October.

Arriving before the start of any term ensures you’ll have time to adapt and be fully prepared for your students.

Term 1

• Number of weeks: Up to 11 weeks
• Start and End Dates: Starts between Monday 27 January and Friday 7 February, ends Friday 11 April (92-108 half days)
• Public Holidays:
  • Waitangi Day – Thursday 6 February
• School Holidays: Saturday 12 April to Sunday 27 April
  Includes:
  • Good Friday – 18 April
  • Easter Monday – 21 April
  • Easter Tuesday (school holiday) – 22 April
  • Anzac Day – Friday 25 April

Term 2

• Number of weeks: 9 weeks
• Start and End Dates: Monday 28 April to Friday 27 June (86 half days)
• Public Holidays:
  • 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 weeks
• Start and End Dates: Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September (100 half days)
• Public Holidays: None
• School Holidays: Saturday 20 September to Sunday 5 October

Term 4

• Number of weeks: Up to 11 weeks
• Start and End Dates: Monday 6 October, ends no later than Friday 19 December (up to 108 half days)
• Public Holidays:
  • Labour Day – Monday 27 October
• School Holidays: 5 to 6 weeks (from school's closing date until the following year's opening date)

For more details, visit NZ school terms and holidays.