Shopping over Easter: Here's what you need to know

It's that time of year again, the Easter break — and the rules around shops opening are as complicated as always.

So which shops can or can't open on which days?

Here's the breakdown. In a nutshell, it's best not to leave your grocery shop until it's too late.

Good Friday is both a public holiday and a restricted trading day. That means the rules for shops are the same as on Christmas Day or on ANZAC Day before 1pm (when restrictions lift).

For most stores, opening at any time on the day is an offence — but there are exceptions, including some surprising ones.

Shops that can open with conditions include dairies, service stations, and cafés. Owners are advised to check the conditions here. Pharmacies can open without any conditions, so no worries there, but supermarkets will be closed.

Liquor stores can't open. Any bars, cafés or restaurants that are open can only serve alcohol if it's with a meal.

Shops that provide a service, like hairdressers, are OK to open for business — but they can't sell you goods, like a bottle of dye.

Then, there are a number of area exemptions. For example, the entire Queenstown district is open for business as usual if it wants to be.

If a shop opens without fitting one of the exemption categories, the occupier can be fined up to $1000.

If you're not sure whether you can trade on Good Friday, Employment NZ has an online tool to help.

Saturday's just a normal Saturday in terms of legislation — there are no special rules affecting trading.

However, it's probably still worth checking before you venture out to the shops.

Some retailers will remain closed, given it's wedged between restricted trading days.

Sunday's not a public holiday, but it is a restricted trading day. So again, any bars, cafés or restaurants that are open can only serve alcohol if it's with a meal.

The day is also covered by its own specific rules that mean shops can choose to open if their local council lets them. If you're in a major centre, FYI: Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are among the council districts where shops cannot open unless exempt.

But again, certain area exemptions apply. If you're in Auckland and have run out of chocolate, shops on Parnell Rd are allowed to open without any restrictions from 10am to 6pm, owing to a special exemption issued in 1989.

In areas where trading is restricted, supermarkets will again be closed, so be prepared.

And garden centres can open, even though they couldn't on Friday. Easter Sunday has a few unique rules like that, so it's best to check if you're in doubt. For example, Queenstown's exemption doesn't apply today.

Monday is a public holiday — but not a restricted trading day. Usual public holiday protocol applies.

Expect a bit of a surcharge if you're out and about, as per.

And be warned, some stores might still be closed as staff make the most of the four-day weekend.

If you've still got any questions, Retail NZ and the government have online resources available.