Soul Bar resorting to air conditioning for the first time to combat humid Auckland weather

An Auckland waterfront restaurant is resorting to putting on the air conditioning for the first time in 17 years to combat the humid weather plaguing the country.

Parts of the country are dealing not only summer temperatures but 99 per cent humidity, making stepping outside unbearable for some.

But some work environments have been hotter than others.

Soul Bar and Bistro owner Judith Tabron said they were finding it hotter than usual.

"I am constantly finding my staff in the cool room."

Tonight they would be shutting the doors and putting the air conditioning on - for the first time in 17 years.

"Most years we don't even have to turn it on, but this year has been hotter than usual.

"Visitors will be able to sit inside in the cool, or outside in the humidity."

Kiwis have also been flocking to department stores to purchase fans and dehumidifiers to combat the heat and humidity.

Noel Leeming executive general manager merchandise Jason Bell said fans have been in popular demand nationwide this summer, with sales more than double that of the same period last year.

"However, over the last week or so with the arrival of some rainy and humid weather, fan inquiries have started to slow and popularity has spiked for dehumidifiers."

Temperatures didn't drop below 21C in Auckland and Tauranga last night, with more of the same forecast for the coming days.

Metservice lead meteorologist Mark Todd said the tropical weather was making New Zealand feel "more like the Cook Islands at the moment".

Humans could adapt to humid weather after just a few weeks, but until that occurred people tended to find it harder to deal with than dry heat.

Humid weather affects our ability to sweat, our natural cooling system, and can affect our ability to sleep.