People across New Zealand have been basking in today's sunshine as the first weekend of summer did not disappoint.
High pressure is increasing and dominating most of New Zealand today - more than 95 per cent of the country is dry, WeatherWatch reported.
The hottest place to be was Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, at 23.3C.
Gisborne and Hawke's Bay's Wairoa was also feeling the heat, with temperatures sitting around the 23C mark.
Aucklanders enjoyed temperatures up to 21C and cloud clearing in the afternoon.
Valentino's Gelato on the Auckland Viaduct was gearing up for a successful Summer.
Manager Mia Jeon said the ice cream store was getting busier with the warmer weather.
"Yesterday and today we had a huge number of people, especially with people coming in from Waiheke who all came in for ice creams."
Jeon said their most popular flavour was Kiwi classic, hokey pokey.
Customers had also been keen to try out their new Christmas Cake flavoured gelato.
MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said hats and sunscreen were a good idea in such heat as "the New Zealand sun could be very harsh", particularly in the east and north parts of the North Island.
Sweltering hot nights were yet to make their appearance in the North Island, with temperatures remaining around 10C-15C.
The South Island's cooler nights were also continuing, with a few single figures overnight; Invercargill sitting at 4C.
"But there isn't too much room for frost," Flynn said.
Flynn added that these figures were "sitting around average for this time of year", but most of New Zealand was starting to warm up.
Monday and Tuesday are looking mild for the North Island, with temperatures hitting the early 20's.
The South Island is also set for some warmth, with temperatures expected in the late teens to 20's.
WeatherWatch predict a high pressure will continue to hold over the country, although it will slowly sliding eastwards, which could see some downpours popping up in both islands.
On Wednesday Hastings and Napier could climb up to a scorching 29C, as they avoid the winds from the west.
Gisborne was set to hit 27C and Christchurch 26C.
Main centres outlook:
Whangarei: Long fine spells are expected on Monday, with a chance of an afternoon shower. Tuesday is a warm 25C with cloudy periods and northerlies.
Auckland: Long fine spells are predicted for Auckland, with light winds and a chance of afternoon showers on Monday and Tuesday.
Tauranga: Monday and Tuesday are looking mostly fine, with cloudy periods, the possibility of showers and light winds.
Hamilton: Fine spells are expected on Monday, with the chance of the odd shower. Tuesday is looking mainly fine with light winds and a possible shower.
Wellington: Early drizzle is predicted for Monday, then fine spells. Tuesday is looking cloudy with a few showers and strengthening northerlies.
Christchurch: Morning cloud that clears for fine weather on Monday. High cloud and a few spots of rain with northerlies are predicted for Tuesday.
Dunedin: On Monday morning cloud will clear for fine weather. High cloud with a few spots of rain and northerly breezes are expected on Tuesday.