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Holidaymakers should pack their umbrellas and raincoats for what is expected to be a wet and windy start to Labour Weekend.
A low developing over the central Tasman Sea today is predicted to bring heavy rain to the North Island and top of the South Island by Friday.
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said this could mean a typical Labour Weekend of unsettled and tempestuous conditions.
"It will be raining somewhere on all the days ... it is going to be changeable."
Friday's cold front will threaten camping and barbecues in many top holiday spots.
Heavy rain is forecast for Northland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty on Friday, followed by showers and light winds next day.
Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa will also have a wetter Labour Weekend than normal.
The MetService is predicting showers and light winds to last until Saturday.
Trampers should also check weather reports before departing because of a risk of heavy rain, especially in the Tararua Ranges.
But it's not all bad news for the long weekend.
Labour Day should be warm and sunny in the Coromandel, Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty.
Downpours covering most of the North Island should turn to showers by Sunday, clearing by Monday.
Auckland's weather will also improve as the weekend progresses.
