Hide clues around the house that can only be unlocked by solving a maths problem. Each answer points to the next hiding spot.
Christchurch School Holidays
NZ students are on term 3 holidays (spring) until Sunday 11 October 2026, returning Monday 12 October 2026. Christchurch is a flat, green city with Hagley Park at its heart, the Port Hills on its edge and Banks Peninsula a short drive away. Schools follow the national term calendar.
NZ school terms & holidays 2026
| Period | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Between Mon 26 Jan 2026and Mon 9 Feb 2026 (each school chooses) | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | up to 10 weeks |
| Term 1 holidays (autumn)Between Term 1 and Term 2 | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Sun 19 Apr 2026 | 17 days |
| Term 2 | Mon 20 Apr 2026 | Fri 3 July 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Term 2 holidays (winter)Between Term 2 and Term 3 | Sat 4 July 2026 | Sun 19 July 2026 | 16 days |
| Term 3 | Mon 20 July 2026 | Fri 25 Sept 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Term 3 holidays (spring)Between Term 3 and Term 4 | Sat 26 Sept 2026 | Sun 11 Oct 2026 | 16 days |
| Term 4 | Mon 12 Oct 2026 | No later than Fri 18 Dec 2026Many schools finish earlier | up to 10 weeks |
| Summer holidaysEnd of 2026 → start of 2027 | Sat 19 Dec 2026or earlier, if your school finishes early | Wed 27 Jan 2027or later, depending on your school | 40 days |
- Term 1 begins on a day each school chooses between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February.
- Term 4 ends no later than Friday 18 December; summer holidays run for 5 or 6 weeks from your school's closing date.
- Easter Tuesday is a school holiday.
- Schools also close for teacher-only days, public holidays and local anniversary days. Secondary schools may close earlier at the end of the year than primary schools.
- Applies to
- New Zealand state schools, kura and state-integrated schools
- Source
- NZ Ministry of Education – school terms and holidays dates
- Status
- Confirmed by official source
- Last checked
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- Updated
- Saturday 10 October 2026
All New Zealand dates and countdown
Looking for an organised holiday program in Christchurch?
See What's OnFree and low-cost things to do in Christchurch
Ideas, not endorsements. Opening hours, prices and holiday programs change, so check each place's official website before you go.
Christchurch Botanic GardensGardens beside the Avon River in Hagley Park.
Hagley ParkLarge parkland for cycling, picnics and play.
Tūranga – Christchurch Central LibraryThe central library with family spaces.
Port HillsWalking tracks with views over the city and harbour.
New Brighton beach and pierA long beach and pier on the city's east.
Local tips for Christchurch families
- Weather: Warm, dry summers with hot nor'west days and cold, frosty winters.
- Check opening details for museums before you go, as some cultural buildings have been closed for earthquake strengthening and redevelopment.
- Your local library is one of the best free school holiday resources: most run craft, reading and STEM sessions during the break.
Free things to do these school holidays
Keep Christchurch kids busy, happy and learning with free activities you can start today — no bookings needed.
A printable bingo card of reading challenges — read in a cubby, read to a pet, read a comic — to keep books fun all holidays.
Using only paper and tape, design a bridge between two books that holds as many coins as possible.