Expect New Zealand towns and cities to be a little sleepier this weekend, as most shops are closed today and Sunday

Supermarkets and liquor stores must also close on the 3.5 restricted trading days a year - Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day until 1pm.

Head of the Labour Inspectorate Simon Humphries says all dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants and cafes can stay open.

Businesses in tourist destinations such as Taupo and Queenstown can get exemptions.