Matariki may be visible, ski fields set to open

Matariki may be visible this weekend. Photo / Supplied

Clear skies and cool conditions will benefit skiers and star gazers across the country this weekend.

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Matariki, or Pleiades, will need to be up early Sunday morning looking to the northeastern horizon.

Whilst snow fall won't be great, consistent weather will be good news for the opening week of several ski fields.

"Skiers and boarders heading up the hill for their first runs of the season will appreciate the cool start to winter," meteorologist Tom Adams said.

"Although Saturday's front won't bring much in the way of fresh snow, things clear out quickly for some clear skies and fast conditions."

Adams said skiers should keep an eye on forecasts before heading out given the changeable conditions.

Many parts of the country will receive a few showers early on Saturday morning, but those will clear to bring mostly fine weather leading into Sunday.

High pressures in the south will stifle a cold front moving up the country on Saturday.

However, Invercargill, Greymouth and Queenstown could be in for a few thunderstorms and rain.

Those heading to the Crusaders versus Lions match in Christchurch should wrap up warm.

Temperatures are expected to hover around five degree around kick off, rain is unlikely.

In the North Island, it'll be a wet start in the east of the country.

The centre of a ridge drifting towards the north will clear showers in Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

Mountainous areas could feel the wake of that ridge early next week, with strong winds across mountainous areas and Wairarapa to Dunedin.

Frosts and the odd shower this weekend will continue into next week in the east of the country.

Main Centres Forecast:

Whangarei: Cloudy period and a chance of showers on Saturday, clearing to long fine spells and light southwesterlies.

Auckland: Cloudy periods and showers early on, but mainly fine on Sunday with light southwesterlies and occasional showers in the west.

Tauranga: Cloudy periods in the morning and evening, but mainly fine come Sunday with a few light winds and evening cloud.

Hamilton: Fine speed and occasional showers, which clear by the evening. Fine in the morning, cloudy periods roll around in the afternoon.

Wellington: Mostly fine with occasional clouds. Strong southerly change around midday eases for a fine day on Sunday.

Nelson: Mainly fine, some cloud before a fine day on Sunday with light winds.

Christchurch: Morning cloud and a chance of a shower becoming fine. Fine on Sunday with frosts and northerlies developing.

Dunedin: Showers morning and evening with cold southwesterlies, but Sunday brings cloud periods.

Queenstown: Partly cloudy with a few showers Saturday and Sunday.

Invercargill: Heavy showers before dawn, but a fine day on Sunday with a few showers.