Fine weather for a Kiwi Christmas

Most Kiwis should be able to get out and enjoy the sun on Christmas day. Photo / Alan Gibson

Aucklanders will be needing parasols instead of rain umbrellas on Christmas and Boxing Day because long fine spells are forecast.

In fact, fine weather is expected for most of the country, so many Kiwis can enjoy their Christmas outside at the beach or by firing up the barbecue.

MetService forecaster Nic Bonnette said there would be some rain in the next couple of days but it should clear for Auckland by late Christmas Eve.

"There is a front coming your way in the next 24 hours and you'll get some rain with that.

"Another front may flit past on Friday, which may bring some more showers, but that will clear by Christmas."

She said a ridge of high pressure would move over most of the North Island, which would bring long fine spells, light winds and temperatures around 22C.

Shoppers making the most of the Boxing Day sales will be able to use both hands to carry shopping bags as they won't need an umbrella with those fine spells set to stick around.

Fine weather is also predicted for most of the North Island and the upper part of the South Island.

"The eastern part of the North Island will be a little cloudy ... We're expecting a front in the far south on Sunday, so that will bring some showers and rain in Fiordland."

These weather patterns are likely to continue into next week but it is too early to predict what will happen around New Year's Day.

The MetService has predicted highs around 25C for Auckland today and tomorrow.

Similar temperatures are expected around NZ, with Kaitaia, Hamilton, Gisborne, New Plymouth and Wellington tipped to reach highs in the early to mid twenties in the next few days.

However, temperatures in the lower half of the South Island will only reach about 16C today and tomorrow.