Aucklanders did their best to cool down - either by staying indoors with the airconditioning working overtime or taking to the beach and pools for a refreshing dip. Photo / Getty Images

Aucklanders did their best to cool down - either by staying indoors with the airconditioning working overtime or taking to the beach and pools for a refreshing dip. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland sweltered yesterday in the hottest temperature in more than 130 years - straight after a record-warmest night - but in the south temperatures struggled into the mid-teens.

MetService records show the mercury hit 32.4C at Whenuapai Air Base about 3.30pm, equalling the previous hottest day, recorded at the Auckland Domain in February 1872.

WeatherWatch.co.nz's thermometer went one better, recording an unofficial 34C in West Auckland - a temperature that was fuelled by a hot nor'wester.

WeatherWatch head weather analyst Philip Duncan said although the humidity in Auckland was lower yesterday than on other days, the intense heat and sunnier skies meant it felt more like 38C.

Meanwhile, it was a different story in other parts of the country yesterday. Christchurch and Dunedin only made it to 16C, while Wellington was a pleasant 21C and New Plymouth 22C.

The East Coast was hot with Gisborne on 29C and Napier on 30C.

Heavy rain warnings for the central North Island have now been lifted after the downpours eased.

Auckland's record temperature followed the highest overnight low for February since records on that began in 1961. The temperature did not drop below 22.1C between Wednesday evening and yesterday morning.

And as the mercury soared, Aucklanders did their best to cool down - either by staying indoors with the airconditioning working overtime or taking to the beach and pools for a refreshing dip.

Even at 6pm the eastern bays had clusters of swimmers and sunbathers, despite a low tide and a buffeting easterly.

The weather changed dramatically last night, with a downpour at 8pm. That rain, combined with a northwesterly wind, gradually brought the temperature down.

It was expected to fall drastically early today, with humidity levels also dropping significantly.

But yesterday afternoon, tourists were feeling the humidity.

At Mission Bay, Henning Schuldt from Germany said he had "no option" but to go to the beach, as Auckland's muggy weather provided an uncomfortable contrast to the crisper climate of his homeland.

A group of seven Russian exchange students didn't even make it to the sea, stripping to their underwear to dive into the fountain.

Many Aucklanders chose to stay inside to avoid the heat, emerging only in the evening.