The weekend's scorching weather was near the hottest on record in some parts of the South Island, according to Weatherwatch.
On Saturday, many of the South Island's centres had temperatures in the mid-30s, and unofficially the mercury was closing in on 40 degrees in some sheltered areas.
Dunedin airport had a near-record high with a maximum of 34C. The hottest ever recorded there was 35.5C.
Nearby Mosgiel was 35C and Hanmer Springs further north also had 35C.
Yesterday the South Island again stole the show with Murchison clocking up 34C, nearing its record high of 36C.