Long weekend a bright spot ahead

People fish in the dying light under the Auckland Harbour Bridge yesterday. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Dust off the barbie and bring out the fishing rods - forecasters are picking a sunny Labour weekend for most of the country.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said early indications were that a front that was moving over the country yesterday and tonight would say goodbye to New Zealand on Friday and clear the way for a fine weekend.

He said a high pressure system would move over the North Island on Saturday and Sunday, bringing fine weather.

The only place likely to get any serious rain was the west coast of the South Island, thanks to a low pressure system expected to form in the Tasman Sea on Monday.

"At present it doesn't look too bad at all," said Mr McDavitt. "There will be a break in the showers on Saturday and Sunday, at least."

Auckland high temperatures are set to hover around 16C or 17C throughout the week, accompanied by some heavy showers. Almost everywhere will get a dose of rain today, with drizzle carrying on into the week before the high arrives with some more settled weather for the weekend.