It's looking to be a wet start to Christmas Day in Rotorua but don't pack away the barbecue or cricket set just yet.
MetService meteorologist John Law said the region will be affected by a weather system moving up across the country tomorrow.
"That does mean a wet start for Rotorua but on the plus side the afternoon is looking a lot better with clouds breaking up and you have some fine, dry nice spells of sunshine," Mr Law said.
"Westerly winds will keep temperatures on the cooler side, it shouldn't be too hot with it expected to be around 21C."
For Taupo, rains will ease tomorrow to a few morning showers. Whakatane will also have morning rain but should be a fine day with a high of 24C.
Mr Law said fine spells should continue throughout Boxing Day with some clouds. Temperatures were likely to remain in the early 20s. He said there was also a chance of afternoon showers as southerly winds developed.
Yesterday saw a cool start to the festive week with rain and a high of 17C as a trailing cold front moved through central New Zealand.