Wanaka New World and New World Three Parks broke the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 by opening their doors to trade on Good Friday in 2021 and last year.
By law, shops must be closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and until 1pm on Anzac Day unless exempt.
The supermarkets, which are both part of the Foodstuffs South Island co-operative, were fined in the Christchurch District Court.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment regional manager labour inspectorate Loua Ward said despite the two stores and FoodStuffs South Island chief executive being sent warning letters early last April, the owner/operators wilfully chose to open illegally on Good Friday.
"As a leader and major employer in the retail sector, it is extremely disappointing to see a prominent group like Foodstuffs South Island’s having two owner/operators blatantly choosing to ignore their legal responsibilities and focus on profit making.
"By comparison, Foodstuffs North Island co-operative and Countdown were both responsible corporate citizens who complied with the law."
However, Foodstuffs head of public relations Emma Wooster said the stores were not driven by profit, but "a desire to contribute to the community by enabling visitors to buy essential groceries".
"Many South Island communities rely on tourism to thrive and after a few years of Covid-related challenges, both owner-operated stores in Wanaka wanted to play their part in serving the community and visitors over the Easter holidays."
The two stores have been fined $750 for the violation.
The maximum penalty is $1000.
