Much of the country will wake up to sunny skies today - and it's good news for those hoping for a bright long weekend, as the sunshine is forecast to last through to early next week.
A high pressure system is pushing over the country, bringing fine and settled weather conditions over the North and South Islands.
There are some cloudy patches in a few areas, including Palmerston North, Gisborne and Invercargill - the latter being the only place forecast to see a few showers, mainly this morning.
MetService meteorologist Leigh Matheson said: "[The high] is a good strong one and it's going to stay around for the long weekend.
"There's a bit of a chilly start - but that's to be expected for this time of the year ... and it's a fine night. It's clear skies pretty much over the whole country."