Easter Long Weekend Entertaining in NZ

Plan a relaxed Easter lunch or brunch — menu ideas, shopping around trading restrictions and hosting tips.

The Easter long weekend is one of the few times many Kiwi families all have time off together. A little planning keeps the hosting relaxed.

Watch the trading days

Most shops in New Zealand are closed on **Good Friday** and **Easter Sunday**, with some local exceptions. Do your big shop by Thursday and check your supermarket's hours before relying on a last-minute dash.

Brunch menu ideas

Toasted hot cross buns with butter

Big frittata or baked eggs

Fruit platter with seasonal feijoas, apples and pears

Coffee and a pot of tea

Lunch menu ideas

Slow-roasted lamb or a vegetarian roast

Roast vegetables and autumn salads

Chocolate or hot cross bun bread-and-butter pudding

Keep it easy

Ask guests to bring a plate

Use a slow cooker so the oven is free

Set a simple egg-decorating or colouring station for kids

Autumn décor

Use branches, dried hydrangeas, pastel eggs and linen napkins for a simple, low-cost table.