Sun booked for a brief appearance, then it's back to the wind and rain

After eating as much Christmas turkey as possible, get outside and enjoy a game of cricket because the rain will be back by Boxing Day.

A lull in the wintry weather means the sun is expected to finally appear tomorrow, allowing children enough time to ride new bikes and adults to enjoy a drink or BBQ on the deck.

However, the summer weather will not last long in most areas. For Boxing Day, forecasters are predicting a return to the unsettled conditions that have already brought rain, hail and thunder this week.

With those predictions in mind, some people are reconsidering plans for holidays at the beach.

The Long Bay Motor Camp in Coromandel had three people ring and cancel tent sites yesterday and two the day before.

But, down the coast at the Cosy Corner Motor Camp in Mt Maunganui, manager Greg Davidson said most people were happy to continue with their holiday plans - regardless of the weather.

He said his camp was fully booked and with deposits paid on all 65 sites, it was unlikely anyone would cancel because they would lose their money.

Flight Centre managing director Graeme Moore said there had been lots of inquiries from people wanting to cancel domestic holidays and fly overseas.

He said one person cancelled a holiday at the bach to go to Australia. The last-minute booking cost an extra $800 because the only room left in a package deal was an executive suite.

On the bright side, MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said there was a chance a high would arrive in time for New Year.

Festive forecast

Christmas Day: Fine or becoming fine in most places, but a few showers linger from Auckland northwards into the afternoon.

Boxing Day: Unsettled conditions returning with rain spreading to most places, but just increasing high cloud in Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

Monday: Rain in the east of the South Island easing to coastal drizzle. Showers elsewhere easing.