Chilly, wet weather rolling in to Auckland along with Lions army

The country is in store for a chilly, wet weekend that will have Lions fans feeling more at home.

A low, that soaked eastern parts of the North Island overnight, has pulled away, leaving behind cold southwesterlies and showers.

No part of the country will escape unscathed, including Auckland where bars are bracing themselves for one of the busiest nights of the year as Lions and All Blacks fans alike descend on the city.

MetService meteorologist Sarah Haddon said showers would ease this afternoon, however some rain was expected during tonight's first test match at Eden Park.

Haddon recommended rugbygoers wrap up warm to brave a cold southwesterly, expected to reach up to 40km/h and bring temperatures down to 12C.

Meanwhile, a front was expected to start moving up the South Island this afternoon and tonight, reaching the north sometime tomorrow, bringing more rain and brisk winds.

The British and Irish Lions tour is expected to pump $26.7 million into the Auckland economy, and bars and hotels are already feeling the effects of the more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors expected to arrive for the rugby.

Queens Wharf will be Auckland's entertainment hub while the Lions are here.

The fan trail introduced for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 is back, and will take punters along a 4.2km route from the wharf to Eden Park.

It will feature street performers such as fire dancers, circus acts, drag queens, Celtic and samba drummers, live music and face painting.

So, pack an umbrella and join in on the madness.

Saturdays forecast:

Whangarei: Rain easing to the odd shower by afternoon. Strong southwest winds easing.
Auckland: Periods of rain, easing to a few showers this afternoon. Strong southwest easing.
Hamilton: Patchy morning fog. Showers easing this evening. Southwest winds developing this morning.
Wellington: Cloudy with occasional rain this evening. Southerlies dying out.
Christchurch: Fine with variable high cloud. Southerlies.
Dunedin: Mainly fine. A spot of rain tonight and light winds.