Fine Boxing Day weather in store

Central Otago is tipped as one of the best places for a Boxing Day outing as a high-pressure system brings fine weather across New Zealand. Photo / File

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

While Kiwis may wake up to some cloud, it is due to clear with only a chance of showers in some areas.

Met Service Duty Meteorologist Sarah Sparks said a high pressure system would bring fine weather across the country.

"The main feature affecting the country right now is a high pressure system. There is quite settled conditions for a lot of New Zealand and it will be mainly fine," she said.

"There is some morning cloud about in the North and South Islands but that should be breaking up."

While some inland locations may experience light afternoon rain showers - Sparks said her pick of the country's weather was Central Otago.

"For most people it will be fine with just a chance of a shower, but I would pick Central Otago [as the best place to be]."

The region has a forecast high of 25C, and a low of 12 overnight.

"With the big high there's not really anywhere that's going to be too bad," said Sparks.

This will come as welcome news to holidaymakers throughout the country who want to stay away from the indoor Boxing Day sales.

In Auckland, where the annual Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie Racecourse are about to begin, revellers can expect the cloud to clear and temperatures hit a high of 21C.

"There might be a few light showers but it is becoming clear," said Sparks.

It was much the same story for those north of Auckland, with temperatures reaching 25C in Kerikeri.

In the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne clouds were also due to clear with inland showers possible this afternoon.

Temperatures in Coromandel were expected to reach up to 24 degrees, with 21 predicted for both Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

In the Central North Island, Taupo is forecast to reach 23 and Rotorua 21. New Plymouth and Wellington could reach 20C and Palmerston North up to 23.

In the South Island, Sparks said Nelson was fine with a high of 19C and there would be some north easterly breezes in Christchurch and the east coast.

Further south, Invercargill was also due to reach 19C.