Those planning barbecues or outdoor activities this weekend should take advantage of the warm weather but be prepared for cloud and the chance of rain.
As sweltering temperatures set in across Central Otago, the rest of the country is also expected to get a fair deal of sunshine over the next few days.
"The next few days are looking really nice, with a nice ridge of high pressure bang on top of New Zealand which is perfect for this time of year and gives us these beautiful weather days," MetService communications meteorologist Lisa Murray said.
"If you look at a satellite image it is crystal clear over NZ which is quite impressive."
Niwa Weather reported that Cromwell reached 31.6C at 3pm today, making it the warmest spot in New Zealand.