This year's Auckland Anniversary weekend is forecast to be mainly fine. Photo / Doug Sherring
Those looking forward to a long weekend will be studying the forecast to chase the sun.
The three days of Auckland Anniversary weekend are observed from Northland down to some parts of the Manawatu-Wanganui and Hawke's Bay and Gisborne regions.
North Island towns appear to be the places to be if you're looking to head to the beach.
Here are the top five hot spots, plus a few special mentions.
Those escaping to the Hawke's Bay town are in for a treat.
Hastings is expected to have the hottest temperature in the country on Sunday with 31C, according to MetService predictions.
Conditions on the Sunday are described as fine with winds turning northwesterly.
Temperatures of 25C and 27C are expected on the days either side.
The East Coast town is almost as hot as Hastings with 29C on Sunday.
Temperatures of 25C and 27C are expected on the days either side.
Conditions are described as fine with little wind.
Sunday and Monday in Napier look to be scorchers with highs of 28C expected.
Saturday's not bad either, with a high of 24C and northeasterlies developing.
If holidaymakers can get to the South Island this weekend, Blenheim will be the place to be.
A high of 28C is expected on Sunday, and temperatures of 25C on the days either side.
Conditions are described as fine with northwesterlies.
The two towns tie for fifth place with each due to receive a high of 27C on Monday.
In Tauranga, highs of 26C are expected on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The MetService describes Saturday as fine, with clouds at night, light winds and sea breezes.
Sunday is fine with little wind and Monday fine with southwesterlies.
And Northland's biggest town is expected to be mainly fine with light winds and afternoon sea breezes acrodd the weekend.
Temperatures could reach up to 26C on Saturday and Sunday and 27C on Monday.
Further north in Kerikeri, it's expected to reach 27C on the Sunday and 27C in Paihia.
Auckland gets a special mention because it's the anniversary namesake but it can't compete with the regions.
It is looking good for the City of Sails, with fine conditions and warm temperatures.
A large front late yesterday was due to bring heavy rain and strong winds to some areas late last night and this morning.
But the forecasts for tomorrow, Friday and over the weekend predicts lots of sunshine for Auckland, but MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said.
"By the time it gets to Auckland, we're just thinking it'll bring a few showers [this evening] and that'll be all you really get from that front,'' she said.
Temperature highs in Auckland will be around the 22 and 23C mark for the next few days.
Saturday, Sunday and the main anniversary day on Monday are all forecast to be fine with light winds and southwesterlies due early next week.
Those escaping to the Coromandel can expect highs of 26C and 25C over the three days in Whitianga.
Conditions are described as fine with light winds.
Thames is expected to see a high of 26C on the Saturday and Sunday.
• Auckland Anniversary Regatta Amada Cruise 2017. Jan 30, Dock 3, Eastern Viaduct
• Auckland International Buskers Festival. Jan 27-Jan 30, Viaduct Harbour
• St Jerome's Laneway Festival. Jan 30, Albert Park
• Ports of Auckland SeePort Festival. Jan 29-Jan 30, Captain Cook Wharf
• The Extravaganza (Gypsy). Jan 28-Jan 30, Craigavon Park, Green Bay
