Northland claims hottest region

Northland has lived up to its reputation as the nation's hottest place during the last year.

Figures released by Niwa for the 12 months ending June 30 show the highest daily temperature was recorded in Northland on 103 days, or 31 per cent of the time.

Niwa climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said Whangarei recorded the daily high on 60 days, the highest of any centre, followed by Kaitaia with highs on 53 days.

"Whangarei and Kaitaia topped the pops during this one-year period, with 60 days as the national high, and 53 days, respectively, followed by Gisborne (41 days), Tauranga (40) and Napier (39)," Dr Griffiths said.

"Of course, the northeast North Island is known to have the warmest mean climate."

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, at the other end of the country, Invercargill did not record the national high on any day.

But although Northland was the hottest place to be overall, the region generally did not record the highest actual temperatures during the last 12 months.

"The magnitude of the maximum temperatures is by far higher in the eastern South Island, and also Central Otago, on occasion, for example they record 35C or 40C," Dr Griffiths said.