Summer finally drops in

April Paratene, of Takanini, keeps cool sheltered under her sun hat whilst enjoying a sunny day at Maraetai Beach. Picture / Martin Sykes

Summer has finally arrived - but better late than never.

Sun lovers in the upper North Island met yesterday's sunshine with hats and bikinis, fishing rods and paddles.

In Auckland and the surrounding regions, temperatures reached early to mid-20s.

Layne Napier, from Australia's Gold Coast, met cold conditions when he first arrived for a week-long holiday.

"It was 32 [degrees] when I left and about 15 when I arrived ... but this is more like it."

Returning from a French winter on Sunday, 19-year-old Josie Howitt took full advantage to tan her "incredibly pasty" skin in Opito Bay, east coast of the Coromandel.

Yesterday was also a reprieve for businesses hampered by average weather over the holiday period.

The America's Cup yachts of SailNZ stretched out at full capacity on the Hauraki Gulf.

Manager William Goodfellow said the sunny weather made a huge difference.

Ferry operator Fullers Auckland also enjoyed greater numbers yesterday.

"It's a simple formula - when the sun comes out, the people come out," said general manager Michael Fitchett.

Fullers also operate in the Bay of Islands, where sales executive Chris Larcombe described yesterday as "an absolute stunner".

Blue Sea Charters owner Eddie Brooks took an opportunistic approach.

"We can't do anything about the weather, but we can enjoy it when it's fine."

Fishing charters were also packed in Taupo, as was Taupo Bungy, which site manager Darren McClutchie said was crowded.

About 3400 tennis-lovers sat courtside at Stanley St, watching the action at the Heineken Open.

The whitewater rafting action on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, near Rotorua, was in full swing.

River Rats Whitewater Rafting and Adventures owner Justin Hutton encouraged people to bask while it's hot. "It will be here today but gone tomorrow."

Horseriders trotted down Pakiri Beach, north of Auckland, and people flocked to the thermal spas in Waiwera.

"We've been waiting for this since, well since winter," Waiwera resort salesperson Sandy Tucker said.