The annual public holiday celebrates the establishment of Otago's provincial government on March 23, 1852.
Despite the date, the anniversary is officially celebrated on the closest Monday (March 22 this year), but many observe it at Easter.
Confusion often reigns over which businesses are open on March 22 and which ones are not. This year is no exception.
The Dunedin City Council, Waitaki District Council and Central Otago District Council offices are closed, but for neighbouring Balclutha and Queenstown Lakes District Councils it is business as usual.
Major retailers throughout the region, and supermarkets will also be open, as will district courts in Dunedin and Queenstown.
But in Dunedin, at least, some cafes, bars and restaurants have opted to remain closed.
The Terrace Bar owner John MacDonald said he would close his establishment on Monday to carry out much needed maintenance on the ventilation system at the restaurant-bar.
"We've got to carry out this maintenance, and it's easier to do it on a statutory holiday," he said.
Ironic Cafe and Bar would also be closed with co-owner Sue Moller claiming it was not cost effective to remain open.
"Paying lieu days, and finding extra qualified staff to replace them when they take their lieu days, is too difficult."
However, Lone Star Cafe and Bar head chef Reuben Hinton said his establishment would be open, and there would be no surcharges on meals to help cover increased labour costs.
"It's not worth the aggro. Customers don't like it," he said.
For some Otago school pupils, Otago Anniversary Day will mean a day off school. But not all school pupils will get to take the holiday.
A Ministry of Education spokeswoman said Otago Anniversary Day was considered an official public holiday on the Otago school calendar, but like businesses and retailers, it was up to individual schools as to when they would observe it.
