KEY POINTS:
The long weekend will be a perfect opportunity to hit the beach and catch some rays for most areas.
Auckland Anniversary Day on Monday coincides with several events around the top of the North Island, leaving residents spoiled for choice.
MetService forecaster Andy Best said it would be mostly sunny skies in Auckland this weekend with maximum temperatures reaching 25C today, tomorrow and on Monday.
Clouds and light sea breezes expected in the area during the afternoon will make perfect conditions for Monday's Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on the Waitemata Harbour - the largest single-day regatta in the world, first held 169 years ago.
There is a chance of isolated afternoon and evening showers in some parts of the region, which forecasters say is classic summer weather.
The weather in Northland is similar, with sun in the morning and clouds and sea breezes later. Whangarei is expected to reach a high of 25C over the weekend.
The hottest spots in the area, however, are the Coromandel, Waikato and the East Coast, with a high of 27C in Thames and 28C in Hamilton and Gisborne.
Temperatures will be scorching for the three-day A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, which kicked off in Taupo yesterday. The forecast for the weekend shows little wind and temperatures expected to soar to 28C.
The drivers will be sweating in their helmets and jumpsuits with the track temperature expected to be over 40C, said Weather Watch Centre weather analyst Philip Duncan. And spectators near the track may be sitting in temperatures well above 30C.
The Bay of Plenty will experience similar weather patterns to Auckland but won't be able to take full advantage of it with two health warnings in the region.
Environment Bay of Plenty said yesterday toxic algae discovered in December were still contaminating the Waimana, Whakatane and upper Rangitaiki rivers in the Eastern Bay.
Toxins can trigger asthma and hayfever attacks, skin rashes, stomach upsets, tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems, said Toi Te Ora medical officer of health Phil Shoemack.
"Avoid diving in if black and brown algal mats are found covering large areas of the river bed. People should also avoid swimming in or drinking river water that has a strange musty smell. If in doubt, go somewhere else."
And people are being advised not to collect or eat shellfish in some areas around Whakatane. Sampling this week showed parts of the coastline was affected by shellfish poison.
