Can anyone tell me what to expect at Easter time in NZ? Is everything closed? Is everything open? We will be travelling through the northern part of the south island or the southern part of the north island at that time (we're going to play it by ear)but I'd feel more comfortable knowing what to expect and what to look forward to. Is there anything special we shouldn't miss or something we should avoid? Thanks for any advice.

Hi, We just spent the Christmas season in New Zealand and basically everything was closed except a few small convienence stores. After Christmas day most attractions opened to the public once again. If you are in the Nelson area I know the cathedral would be a wonderful place to be for Easter. If in Wellington I believe TePaPa would be open and it is very easy to spend an entire day there. If nothing else there is so much exploring you could do by car or taking some short hikes or longer ones if you are into that. Hope some of this helps. I have an 8 page trip report I will send to you if you wish. Email [email protected]

If you are in a major city on Easter saturday most shops will be open, we have 7 day shopping and supermarkets are open very late, some 24 hours.<BR>Easter sunday the museum Te Papa would be a great choice and the shops and attractions close by on the waterfront will also be open.

Kathy, Thanks for all your help, advice. I am looking forward to having quite an adventure travelling in NZ but I know it's the little things that will make that happen. I'll try to contact Te Papa for a schedule. Do you have Easter egg hunts? Any special Easter activities, a special dinner?

Te Papa museum is www.tepapa.govt.nz<BR>We have the usual easter egg gifts but not usually hunts, we are pretty slack in this department actually and don't celebrate these things half as well as the americans do, I wish we did.<BR>No special dinner either but you will find our cuisine is the best anywhere, in my humble opinion along with Australia the best in the world. We have many ethnic restaurants also which makes eating out fun.

Kathy, The Te Papa website is very helpful and I'll check it out at the beginning of April for the month's activities. Thanks again