New Zealand relishes warm Spring weather

Bright skies, a warm 21 degrees and a refreshing breeze makes for welcome weather for Aucklanders - and New Zealanders - today as a north-westerly from Australia and the sub-tropics heads across the Tasman.

The majority of the country is basking in higher temperatures than last week, giving Kiwis hope that the country is entering the warmer side of spring.

WeatherWatch said Otago was one of the warmer regions this morning - with the milder-than-average Australian air affecting southern and eastern parts of the nation first, then sliding into eastern parts of the North Island into tomorrow and Wednesday.

Temperature in parts of coastal Otago had reached 24 degrees by 10am, and measured at around 27 degrees by 1.15pm

Auckland was at 20C, Hamilton 18C, Wellington 14C and Christchurch 19C.

Last month WeatherWatch forecast that October might see highs closer to 30C if the Australian north-westerly returned.

Tomorrow and Wednesday look to be just as promising weather-wise, however parts of the Southland can expect potentially heavy rain tomorrow afternoon.