Fine, sunny winter break predicted

A walker and jogger enjoy the early morning winter sun, Cheltenham Beach, Devonport. Photo / Michael Craig

Chilly Kiwis fed up with winter's icy temperatures can put their woollies away for a while, with forecasters predicting a respite in the cold weather.

Philip Duncan of WeatherWatch.co.nz expects temperatures to be relatively mild over the next two weeks.

West to northwest winds would hit many areas of the country - helping to boost temperatures "well above average for the depths of winter," he said.

"Eastern areas of New Zealand have a mostly dry and sunny forecast for the next 10 days while western areas, especially in the South Island, see showers and rain events on the increase," he said.

Ski enthusiasts may be disappointed, he warned - with the warmer than average temperatures likely to result in less snow on ski fields, especially in the North Island.

"The windier weather basically removes the chance of frosts for many areas also," Mr Duncan said.

"Overnight lows in the South Island may even be in double digits at times over the next 14 days."

In Auckland, overnight lows are expected to be back into double digits by mid-week.

During the day, Aucklanders should enjoy highs around 16C by the week's end, he said.

However, the break from the cold is unlikely last.

"At this stage the computer models suggest the middle of July sees potential for another wintry snap," Mr Duncan said.

The MetService also expected strong northwesterlies to develop over the South Island this week, and said those in the north may want to dust off their umbrellas.

Duty forecaster Richard Finnie said wet weather was predicted for the top half of the North Island this week.

Windy conditions would likely raise temperatures in the south "and it will probably melt quite a bit of snow in the lower-lying areas of the South Island."