SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
New Zealand school holidays
Skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports are very popular in New Zealand and during winter school holidays many families travel to the South Island to enjoy the slopes. The winter season often includes the spring holidays also, providing a second opportunity to enjoy the season. School holiday dates vary each year, so it’s always a good idea to check that when planning your trip.
| Winter School Holidays | Spring School Holidays | |
| 2016 Holiday Dates | Saturday 9th July – Sunday 24th July 2016 | Saturday 24th September – Sunday 9th October 2016 |
Australian school holidays
With many flights from Australia directly to the Christchurch and Queenstown airports now available, the winter season is also enjoyed by Trans-Tasman visitors. The school holidays are very similar to New Zealand’s:
| Winter School Holidays | Spring School Holidays | |
| Queensland and Victoria | Saturday 25th June – Sunday 10th July 2016 | Saturday 17th September – Sunday 2nd October 2016 |
| NSW, WA, TAS and ACT | Saturday 2nd July – Sunday 17th July 2016 | Saturday 24th September – Sunday 9th October 2016 |
| Northern Territory | Saturday 25th June – Sunday 24th July 2016 | Saturday 1st October – Sunday 9th October 2016 |
| South Australia | Saturday 9th July – Sunday 24th July 2016 | Sunday 1st October – Sunday 16th October 2016 |
(*QLD holiday ends Monday 3rd October)
Northern Hemisphere
Visitors from the Northern Hemisphere have more flexibility with their travel dates, taking the advantage of summer school holidays. Depending on the location, the summer holidays can start as early as May and end in October.
Other dates
In 2016 daylight savings start on Sunday 25th September. That day, at 2am, clocks go forward by an hour, changing from 2am to 3am. The South Canterbury Anniversary is celebrated on Monday, 26th September and this day is observed as a public holiday within the region.
