Hawke’s Bay Easter weekend weather: Sunshine for events before rain hits

A sunset on Te Awanga Beach, Hawke's Bay. Photo / Jack Riddell

Expect a sunny start to the Easter weekend in Hawke’s Bay, before a hint of rain comes to spoil the holiday.

MetService meteorologist John Law said there wouldn’t be huge amounts of weather variation across the Hawke’s Bay region this Easter.

Law said Good Friday would be a “fine story” across the region, with plenty of sunshine, thanks to a high-pressure system lingering over the North Island.

That system is expected to bring fine conditions with light winds and high temperatures in the early 20s from Wairoa to Waipukurau – perfect weather to visit the Extravaganza Fair at Napier’s Anderson Park, running all weekend until Monday afternoon.

Or, for those wanting their choccy eggs early, there is The Great Four Square Easter Egg Hunt at Cornwall Park in Hastings at 10am on Friday.

On Saturday, dry weather with partly cloudy conditions, light winds and highs in the mid-20s was predicted across Hawke’s Bay, Law said.

It’s ideal weather to don a kilt and join the Easter Highland Gathering at Lindisfarne College for some piping and dancing.

If Scottish dancing and music isn’t your thing, you could join the Peace Walk that leaves the Napier Sound Shell at 6am and finishes at the Farndon Rd Monastery.

Or head to the four-hour La Mullet farm bike race, which is raising money for the local fire brigade, in Ongaonga from 9am.

Law said Sunday would bring a change in the weather with a touch more cloud and the chance of a few showers about the ranges and Lake Waikaremoana.

Sunday will also change the region’s clocks back an hour as daylight saving comes to an end.

Highs are expected be in the early 20s, with easterly and southeasterly winds developing across the region.

The weather is unlikely to dampen the Repco Hawke’s Bay Auto Extravaganza and Swap Meet at the Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings from 8am, nor the Aotearoa Wrestling Live at Havelock North High School from 7pm.

Law said Monday is expected to bring wet weather as a front moves up the country.

Rain is expected throughout Monday across Hawke’s Bay, with light winds for Wairoa and northeasterlies for everyone else in Hawke’s Bay, with highs in the early 20s.

“Perhaps a day to be planning your outdoor activities for the next long weekend,” Law said.

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany and New Zealand.