Christmas Day is likely to be dry and fairly sunny with average temperatures for most main centres, according to weatherwatch.co.nz.
Forecasters say there will be a large high centred to the east of the South Island and a lower than 30 per cent chance of a shower in Auckland, Coromandel and Northland.
Light winds in the centre of the country should extend down much of the South Island.
A light nor'wester in Southland and Otago could result in a hot day inland, but a weak front could bring in clouds for Southland and a low risk of rain.
The only possible problem is another rain-carrying La Nina system from the Coral Sea and sub-tropics. But weatherwatch says it's more likely to reach New Zealand between Boxing Day and New Year.
