The Easter trading period is confusing for retailers, workers, and consumers alike.

Woohoo, four days off - and in most parts of the country the weather's coming to the party well enough.

But what to do on Good Friday, one of the 3½ days a year - or 2½ in some places - when most shops are shut?

Options are limited, but dairies, service stations, takeaway bars, restaurants and cafes may be open.

Hairdressers are also allowed to open, as are real estate agents and pharmacies, while books, magazines and newspapers can be bought from shops at public transport terminals or stations.

DAVID WALKER/FAIRFAX NZ Sure, you can eat a lot of chocolate over Easter, but what else can you do?

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Souvenir stores can also open, and it's OK to sell stuff from stalls at markets and craft shows.

THAT'S IT?

When it comes to retail recreation, the pickings are slim, but they do exist.

The situation's less clear cut on Easter Sunday. That's because a law change in August 2016 gave territorial authorities the right to decide which shops in their areas could open on that day.

WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL?

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 states premises selling and supplying alcohol are not allowed to sell alcohol on restricted trading days unless it comes with a meal.

It is otherwise forbidden to sell alcohol on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

However, vineyards can sell wine on Easter Sunday if the wine is made on the premises.

123rf Some places with alcohol licences have been granted permission to open up shop for Joseph Parker's upcoming world title fight on Easter Sunday,.

Joseph Parker's world title fight against Anthony Joshua is happening on Easter Sunday, and some publicans have applied to their local council for the right to sell alcohol. Here is a nationwide list of places to go to watch the match.

And don't despair, there are plenty of other entertainment options around the country:

AUCKLAND

The Royal Easter Show, at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland, opens on Thursday and runs each day till Monday.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum has Lego exhibition Brickman Wonders of the World, which starts on Friday.

Macbeth is playing at the Pop-up Globe Theatre at The Shakespeare Gardens, Ellerslie Racecourse at 7.30pm, performed by the Southampton's Company.

The Haier Big Hoot art trail features 47 owl sculptures which are 1.65 metres high, designed by Kiwi and international artists, and a further 60 smaller owls, mostly designed by school students. Find them all using a trail map.

Sports action in Auckland on Friday includes motorsport at Pukekohe Park from 10am to 4pm.

On Waiheke Island, the Waiheke Jazz, Art & Music Festival starts with Good Friday Groove at Rangihoua Estate from noon to 5pm.

HAMILTON

In Hamilton, DinoFest is on at Hamilton Lake Domain, with three hour-long shows on Friday.

Another activity that could be entertaining for children is the Hamilton Gardens Discovery Trail from 8am to 6pm. The trail takes "children on a journey where they can explore an enchanting world of secret-themed gardens".

Waikato Museum has its Museum Easter Hunt from 10am to 5pm, where searchers can get a treat if they find hidden egg stickers. There's also a basket-making table.

Hamsterfest 2018 - a "family friendly festival that is a celebration of folk and acoustic music" is on from Friday to Sunday at the Matangi Hillcrest Sports Club.

TAURANGA

In Tauranga, the 41st National Youth Jazz Competition is at the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre from 8.30am to 5.45pm.

The 56th National Jazz Festival has a couple of events on Friday. Six-piece Melbourne trad jazz and dixieland band Shirazz is at the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre at 6pm for a 70-minute performance, and at 8pm Dr Rodger Fox and The NZSM Big Band will be performing, also at the centre.

PALMERSTON NORTH

Railway Land is hiding thousands of eggs every day in an Easter-themed garden for its Giant Egg Hunt, with a guided path through a series of mini mazes. Runs till Monday, from 11am-2pm.

In the evening, Railway Land is also putting on an Easter Hunt with a twist - a horror maze Easter hunt. Under-16s must be supervised by adults. The horror hunt runs till Monday, from 7pm to 10pm.

If you're more of a motorsport fan, the Palmerston North Speedway presents a race of 20 derby teams and an Easter spectacular at the Central Energy Trust Arena from 6pm to 10pm.

TARANAKI

Oakura Beach is hosting a free Easter Hunt from 11am to 1pm, with a prize pack worth more than $500. There are five clues for groups to follow on the Oakura Easter Hunt Facebook page to find the silver, prize-winning egg.

WELLINGTON

The Wellington Cable Car is hosting its second Super Cable Car Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your family or friends along to answer the quiz questions - the first 50 answer sheets submitted get a special Easter treat, and all entries go in the draw to win a prize pack.

Zealandia Eco-sanctuary is hosting twilight tours, allowing people to see the birds return to the sanctuary to settle in their nests. People have the chance to see kākā, takahē, tuatara, kererū, tui, shags, tīeke/saddleback, pāteke and hihi.

CHRISTCHURCH

Watch I Tonya (R16) at the American Express Openair Cinemas at Rauora Park. Gates open at 6pm, but the film starts at about 8pm.

Gothic masterpiece The Woman in Black is playing at the Isaac Theatre Royal at 7.30pm, presented by No Productions Theatre.

For the foodies, The Friday Street Food Market takes places at Cathedral Square from 11am to 9pm.

WANAKA

Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7.30am to 4pm. More than 80 aircraft take to the sky, with displays and food and trade stalls available on the ground at Wanaka Airport.

DUNEDIN

Autumn Lights, an event showcasing Dunedin's performers, has timed its event with Ed Sheeran's visit to the city. The musicians will perform at Athenaeum Underground in the Octagon from 1pm to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm on Friday, and then 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

The Alliance Française French Film Festival is on at Rialto Cinemas until April 4. Head along to catch one of the latest French films between 11am and 11pm.