School holidays are the perfect time to explore more of Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover ideas to plan a trip that fits your family, your pace, and the season.
The New Zealand school year is usually divided into four terms. Between each of the first three terms is a two-week break, followed by a six week summer holiday after term four.
Term start dates can differ depending on schools and regions, so make sure to check in with your local school for the precise dates.
Now that you've got the dates sorted, you can start planning your family activities.
The summer holidays are the ideal time to embrace water activities, from simply hanging out at the beach to hopping in a jet boat in Queenstown. Or, you could go kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, or visit Milford Sound and feel refreshing waterfall mist as you take a boat cruise.
Autumn holidays can be a busy travel time if they coincide with Easter. If you prefer escaping the crowds, why not get off the beaten track in regions such as Taranaki or Tairawhiti.
In Gisborne, you can see the autumn colours in the Arbortoreum, or ride the Gisborne City Vintage Railway for stunning coastal views.
Around New Plymouth, you can visit the scenic Cape Egmont Lighthouse, walk the Coastal Walkway, or visit the free Brooklands Zoo to meet and greet adorable critters such as otters meerkats and monkeys.
Take your kids skiing for a fun and active winter holiday.
In Ruapehu, the whole family will enjoy a trip up the Sky Waka gondola, even if you're not skiers.
For something more relaxing, you could visit some of the country's best hot pools in top spots such as Hanmer Springs and Rotorua.
If you've been hibernating over winter, the spring holidays are a great chance to get active with your family again. The mild weather in most parts of the country makes this the perfect time for exploring short walks.
Spring is also lambing and calving season, so it's an awesome time to visit farm attractions such as the Agrodome in Rotorua.
