Easter Sunday - it's one of just three-and-a-half days a year, along with Good Friday, Christmas Day, and half of Anzac Day, where trading is restricted.

It means unless a business meets specific criteria, it is not going to open its doors.

Some shops are allowed to open throughout the weekend, while others can only operate on Easter Sunday but not Friday.

The rules depend on where you are in New Zealand.

So, if you find yourself wondering every year what is open on Easter weekend, you're not alone.

While petrol stations, dairies, cafes, and restaurants can open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, supermarkets and department stores cannot.

Among the few exemptions to the rule are garden centres. Under a 2001 amendment to the Shop Trading Hours Act, they could open on Easter Sunday, but not Good Friday.

Here's what can open on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday:

• Petrol stations
• Dairies
• Greengrocers such as Roberts Family country store is open.
• Cafes such as Recharge in Clyde are open.
• Restaurants such as Chatto Creek Tavern will be open everyday and offer no surcharge over Easter.
• Real estate agencies, check all the open homes open this weekend here
• Pharmacies are open. We remind you to click on our Health section for who is On Call over the Easter weekend.
• Some shops at exhibitions, shows, or markets, for example, Eat Humble Pie, will be at Clyde Food and Wine Festival, which is always a great day out!

Scott Base has the cellar door and delicious food, all within walking distance from Cromwell. They are closed on Good Friday but will be open Saturday - 11am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm and Monday 11am - 5pm

Scott Base is nestled among the vines, being a great place to relax with beautiful views over Easter

Eden Valley shop will be closed on all stat days, but you can purchase products through their website, with orders being dispatched on the next available business day.

Order online 24/7 by clicking the banner above for delicious, healthy local produce

Join the Easter Hunt at Chatto Creek as children get clues to hunt for the hidden golden egg. The Easter Hunt is on every-day from 11 am... Not just Sunday. 

Chatto Creek are open every-day over Easter from 11 am with no surcharge.

Easter events and eggs will be throughout Central, with residents and visitors enjoying the sunshine on Easter Sunday. If we've missed your event, click here and let us know so we can add it to our What's On guide.

Remember to support those who support us by checking out our Retail section and where to Eat l Drink l Stay Say thanks to all the local businesses on The Central App, they are the ones who help us to provide this service to you for FREE.