Scorcher Saturday in store with temperatures set to soar

It's set to be a scorcher of a Saturday, with temperatures in some parts of the country expected to hit the high 20s.

The balmy conditions look set to continue on to tomorrow, setting up a stunning final weekend before Christmas.

Blue skies and sun are in store right across New Zealand today, with the hottest temperature being 27C in Masterton.

Across the main centres, Auckland is in for 22C today, Hamilton will reach 23C, Wellington is in for a slightly cooler 19C, Christchurch will also hit 19C while further south Dunedin is set to reach 18C.

There will be some cloud this morning across the North Island but the sun will be shining, as weekend revellers will be able to enjoy mainly fine weather and clear skies across the entire island.

Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago will also be able to bask in the sunshine today as it will be fine.

Buller and Westland are in for clear skies for most of today, with cloud increasing in the evening.

Fiordland will be cloudy at times with a few showers turning to rain expected later tonight.

Southland will be mostly fine with a few coastal showers expected. Cloud will increase later on in the day.

Auckland is in for a high of 23C tomorrow, with some cloudy periods and northwesterly winds developing throughout the day.

Hamilton will pip Auckland with a temperature of 24C on Sunday, with mostly clear skies but there will be some cloudy periods.

It's not such good news for the capital, with strong northerlies, increasing cloud and rain later in the day on the cards for Wellington.

Christchurch will reach 22C on Sunday with some cloud and a chance of showers. Further south, Dunedin is in for a cloudy day but the mercury is set to hit 22C.