Swap the long summer break for cool winter days with family in India. Here is when to go, when to book, and how to make it easy with the kids.
At a glance: is the NZ summer break a good time to visit India?
Yes. It is one of the best times to go. Term 4 ends no later than Friday 18 December 2026. Term 1 2027 starts between late January and early February, depending on your school. That gives most Kiwi families around six weeks. North India is cool and dry, and the south is warm but comfortable. December is peak season, so book your flights as early as you can, ideally before the end of October.
Why the Kiwi summer break is perfect for India
For most families, the long summer holiday is the only time everyone is free for more than two weeks. Kids are out of school. Many workplaces slow down over Christmas. And India is in its most pleasant season.
While Auckland heads into beach weather, much of India cools down. It is the season for weddings, family gatherings and long lunches on the roof. Grandparents get proper time with the grandkids, not a rushed ten days.
Here is what to expect from December to January:
Where you are going | December to January | Pack |
Delhi, Punjab and Amritsar | Mild days, cold nights, and morning fog | Warm jackets, jumpers and beanies for the kids |
Ahmedabad and Gujarat | Sunny, dry and comfortable | Light layers and a jacket for evenings |
Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru | Warm days, cooler evenings | Summer clothes and one warm layer |
Kochi and Chennai | Warm and humid. Chennai can still see some rain in early December | Light cottons, sunscreen and an umbrella |
NZ school term dates 2026–27: plan your window
Before you book, check your child’s school dates. The Ministry of Education sets the rules, but each school chooses its own last day of Term 4 and first day of Term 1 within a set window.
Key date | When | What it means for flights |
Term 4 2026 ends | No later than Friday 18 December 2026 | The weekend of 19 and 20 December is likely to be one of the busiest times to fly out |
Christmas and New Year | 25 December to 1 January | Peak fares. Flying out a few days before or after can help |
Term 1 2027 starts | From Thursday 28 January 2027, depending on your school | Late January return flights fill quickly. Aim to be home a few days early to beat jet lag |
Your school newsletter or website will have the exact dates. If your school finishes earlier in December, you may find better fares by leaving before the rush.
Book before the Christmas peak: 6 tips
1. Book as early as you can
The summer break is the busiest time of year for flights from New Zealand to India. As seats fill, the lower fares go first. Booking in September or October gives you the best choice of dates and stopovers.
2. Start with today's fares
Our site shows fares from Auckland to Delhi and Mumbai from NZD $920 per person, Bengaluru from NZD $992 and Ahmedabad from NZD $1,020 (checked 24 September 2026, prices change daily). Summer holiday dates are usually higher, so use these as a starting point and check live fares for your dates.
3. Avoid the busiest days
The first Saturday of the holidays and the last weekend before school starts are the most popular. Moving your trip by two or three days can make a real difference.
4. Choose your stopover with care
A long trip with kids is easier with a short, daytime connection. Our guide to the best Auckland to India stopover compares Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
5. Teachers and students: use MannPass
If you work in a school, the summer break is your big chance to travel. Verified New Zealand students, teachers, lecturers and education staff can join MannPass for free and get $25 off selected return flights between New Zealand and India. It is valid for 30 days, can be renewed, and cannot be combined with other offers.
6. Spread the cost
Booking for a whole family adds up. Ask our team about your payment options, so you can secure your seats now.
Christmas, New Year and more: India with Kiwi kids
Six weeks is plenty of time for family visits and a few adventures too. Some ideas:
Christmas in India. Goa, Kerala and Mumbai come alive with lights, midnight services and festive food. Kochi is lovely at this time of year.
New Year’s Eve with the whole family. Many families plan a get-together with cousins, aunties and uncles. It is a great way for kids to meet relatives they only know from video calls.
Lohri and Makar Sankranti in mid-January. Bonfires in Punjab, kite flying in Gujarat, and Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu. Kids love them.
Short trips. Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, go on a wildlife safari, or see the backwaters of Kerala.
Practical tips for families:
Check passports and visas now. New Zealand passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website well before you fly, and check each child’s passport has plenty of validity left.
Plan for fog in the north. Winter fog can delay flights in and out of Delhi and Amritsar. Leave extra time for connections.
Book everyone on one booking. It keeps seats together and makes changes simpler.
Check baggage allowances. Gifts for family add up. Allowances vary by airline and fare type.
Allow time to settle back in. Coming home a few days before Term 1 helps kids recover from jet lag before school.
Why book your summer trip with Mann Travel?
Our team is based in Papatoetoe, Auckland. We help Kiwi families plan the summer trip home to India, from big family groups to a parent travelling alone with the kids. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, and we are on call 24/7 if plans change while you are away.
We book flights and hotels from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Chennai. Want help choosing dates around your school calendar? Get in touch and we will find options that work for your family.
Let’s take you home this summer.
Search live fares at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call our Auckland team on 09 973 1940. Book early for the best choice of summer holiday dates.
frequently asked questions
When do the NZ summer school holidays start in 2026?
Term 4 ends no later than Friday 18 December 2026. Some schools finish a few days earlier, so check with your child’s school.
When does Term 1 2027 start in New Zealand?
Schools start Term 1 in a window from Thursday 28 January 2027 to early February. Your school sets its exact first day.
What is the weather like in India in December and January?
North India is cool, with cold nights and morning fog. Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are warm and pleasant. Kerala and Chennai are warm and humid.
When should I book flights to India for the NZ summer holidays?
As early as possible, ideally by the end of October. December is peak season and the lower fares sell first.
Can teachers get a discount on flights to India?
Yes. Verified New Zealand teachers, students, lecturers and education staff can join MannPass for $25 off selected return flights between New Zealand and India.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. School term dates vary by school. Always check live prices and your school’s calendar before booking.
