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Most of the country is experiencing a wild and wet Christmas but weather forecasters are predicting a finer New Year.
MetService severe weather forecaster Ian Miller said there had been a "bit of a hiccup" in the weather over Christmas.
"If you wait five minutes it will be nice and sunny in Wellington."
Showers in the North Island would ease this afternoon, though the South Island would experience a cold front bringing thunder and lighting, he said.
"The weather is a bit sort of messy really.
"There is a gap between fronts bringing the rain off for six hours or so."
Rain would continue for Boxing Day, with heavy showers and hail likely in some areas, Mr Miller said.
On Thursday it would clear in the North but continue to be poor in the south. However, a high early next week meant New Year's Eve looked "pretty good", he said.
Meanwhile, police were urging caution on the roads, particularly on Rimutaka Hill Road north of Wellington, where the weather was affecting visibility.
Inspector Paul Jermy said an oil spill near Kaitoke gardens, in the Rimutakas, was creating an additional hazard for drivers.
- NZPA
