A boatie drives through sleet and snow on his way to the West Coast over the South Island's Porters Pass. Photo / Simon Baker
Coming to a New Year holiday spot near you: Cooler temperatures than normal, but mostly sunny skies in the north of the North Island and west of the South Island.
A southerly airstream means maximum temperatures will be 2C to 3C cooler than normal, says MetService forecaster Allister
Gorman. And the West Coast of the South Island and Fiordland will be among the best places to be, with a run of sunny days.
Northland
Expect cloudy periods with a few showers and a southwesterly wind. The hottest part of the day will be a modest 19C, although Mr Gorman said beachgoers should be careful as the sun will still have some bite.
Auckland
Not as much rain as yesterday but afternoon showers are likely in the hills. The maximum temperature of 18C comes courtesy of a cooling southwesterly.
Bay of Plenty
Afternoon showers are likely but a sea breeze takes over from the nippy southwesterly. The maximum of 21C is a whisker under the normal.
Waikato-Taranaki
A nice day except for a few afternoon showers. Raglan will enjoy a sea breeze and a maximum of 21C.
Taupo-National Park
Taupo will have afternoon showers and the southeasterlies will cool things down to a maximum of 17C. National Park trampers should pack warm clothing as the high will be only 11C, compared with the normal 23C to 24C for this time of year.
Gisborne-Hawkes Bay
Urban Gisborne and Napier might miss the showers wetting rural parts but it will be grey and cloudy. Napier will not get warmer than 12C.
Wellington
Cloudy and showery, with the warmest part of the day 6C to 7C lower than normal.
Nelson, West Coast
Mostly fine with some afternoon showers in the ranges. Temperatures near the normal maximum of 18C.
Christchurch
Grey and cold conditions. Strong southwesterlies will cool the east coast and keep the maximum temperature down to 13C.
Dunedin
Similar to Christchurch though there will not be as much rain.
Queenstown
"It will be nice down there, going on for a high of 18C, which is not too bad," said Mr Gorman.
Fiordland
After a warmish day yesterday at 20C, Te Anau can also look forward to another sunny day, although there will be some cloud on the coast.
