BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope said the mega-strike would affect thousands of businesses across the country, particularly small businesses.
If two or three workers were absent from a workplace of five or 10 it had a pretty big impact on business, he said.
"You'd expect large business to be able to cope but this is a pretty widespread strike, probably one of the most significant strikes we have had for some time in New Zealand.
"So there will be an impact on a wide range of businesses that's for sure."
Their advice had been to communicate to staff members about what the options were, he said.
Some workers may be able to bring children into work, while others might be better taking a day off, he said.
"The useful thing is that this has been well signalled."
While it was a "shame" that it could not be settled, the reality was people had known for some time if their school was closing, he said.
Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett agreed that the strike had been well signposted, allowing businesses and parents alike to plan ahead.
Businesses were taking greater responsibility to provide greater flexibility for employees, he said.
Auckland Council general manager libraries and information Mirla Edmundson welcomed parents and children to spend the time off visiting the city's libraries.
"Libraries are an excellent place for parents and children to spend time with each other and take advantage of the great range of books on offer," Edmundson said.
"While we do not have anything particular planned for tomorrow's teacher strike, we welcome parents bringing in their children to our libraries tomorrow."
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS
Take them swimming
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre, Allan Brewster Leisure Centre and West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre all had holiday programmes on offer for children today.
Head to the library
Wellington libraries are putting on events and activities to keep kids occupied today and Auckland libraries say everyone's welcome.
Learn about protesting
Talk to your kids about why their teachers are striking. Do they agree? Disagree? If they support their teachers, why not head along to a local protest?
Check in with your after-school club
Many after-school clubs like Skids have offered to stay open all day today, if there's enough interest from parents
Bring them to work
If you have an accommodating boss, bring your kids and let them see what you do all day. Just make sure you have plenty of activities for them to do so they don't annoy your colleagues.
Go camping
Send them outside with a tent - or if it's raining, give the kids free rein with some chairs and sheets in the lounge. If you're lucky you may not hear from them till lunchtime.
Homework / study
Sure they'll protest but it's not meant to be a holiday. Use the time to catch up on schoolwork - plenty of teachers will be quietly doing the same after they've finished protesting.
