Kiwi summer weather expected to stick around for Waitangi Day

Kiwis can expect typical summer conditions for Waitangi Day this year, with a high-pressure system bringing warmer temperatures and mostly sunny skies to most of the country.

A front from the Tasman Sea will influence the weather, resulting in light winds, sunshine, and mild conditions for February 6.

MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said Auckland will experience a dry start to the day on Waitangi Day, with some cloud cover.

There’s a slight chance of showers in the afternoon, though these will be light.

Temperatures will reach around 24°C.

Weather Outlook

🧐Here is a quick look at what to expect for the start of the work week

⛈A few showers for central North Island today, where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued, otherwise, partly cloudy conditions with isolated afternoon and evening showers in the… pic.twitter.com/syNZLjDc5h

— MetService (@MetService) February 2, 2025

While Auckland’s weather on Monday will be mainly dry with some cloud, Mhlongo warned that a front moving up the North Island from the previous day could bring a shower in the evening.

Tuesday is forecast to see similar conditions.

In the capital, Wellington will see a fine Waitangi Day with some high clouds, but overall, conditions will be clear and pleasant.

The temperature will hover around 22C, making for an ideal day outdoors.

Further south, Dunedin and Christchurch are expected to experience a cloudy start on February 6, but skies will clear by midday, leading to a mild, mostly sunny afternoon.

Evening cloud may return, with a chance of an isolated shower.

Both cities will see temperatures around 19°C, with Christchurch likely to enjoy similar conditions to Dunedin.

The South Island is also in line for warmer temperatures on Waitangi Day, particularly inland.

The central high country, including areas such as the Canterbury High Country and the Nelson Lakes region, could see some afternoon convection, bringing localised cloud and brief showers at higher altitudes.

Overall, South Islanders can expect dry conditions on Wednesday and Thursday, with warm temperatures making for a sunny Waitangi week.

A high-pressure system building in the Tasman Sea will affect most of New Zealand on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to sunnier and somewhat warmer conditions.

While the North Island will generally experience warmer weather compared to the South Island, the south will still enjoy dry and sunny conditions for much of the week.

However, a front from the bottom of the South Island is expected to hit early Thursday and gradually move up the country, bringing the chance of rain, especially in the southern and eastern regions.

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.