However, the showers aren't expected to last long, with a cool southwest change in the morning and then fine.
A deep and extensive area of low pressure over the Southern Ocean and a high over the Tasman Sea are forcing a strong westerly flow across New Zealand from 6pm today to 11pm tomorrow.
A strong wind watch is in place for parts of Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay, with westerly gales possibly severe at times in exposed places.
Temperatures are set to remain fairly typical for April, with urban centres looking to keep above freezing right through to Sunday when the southwest flow and clear skies usher in chilly overnight temperatures for eastern regions.
Overnight on Sunday, temperatures will drop to 5C in Napier and 4C in Hastings.
Otherwise temperatures hover around the low 20s during the day before settling in the low 10s for the overnight minimum.