A ridge brings a period of settled weather for New Zealand today, however not for long as a cold front pushes onto the lower South Island later this afternoon.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Mostly sunny with southerlies tending southwest around midday, there could be a few morning showers about Northland then clearing away.
Highs: 18-20

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Mostly sunny with morning south to southeasterly winds easing, west to northwesterly winds pick up from afternoon. Overnight showers as southwesterlies freshen.
Highs: 12-16

Eastern North Island
Early showers clear then becoming mostly sunny during the morning, southwesterlies ease dying out by evening.
Highs: 15-17

Wellington
Sunny spells with southerly winds tending northerly in the afternoon, overnight rain with a gusty southerly change.
High: 14

Marlborough & Nelson
Mostly sunny with some high cloud from afternoon, light winds tend northerly in the afternoon.
Highs: 16-17

Canterbury
Mostly sunny with some high cloud, northwesterlies about inland areas meanwhile northeasterly winds build near the coast. Overnight showers with a southwest change.
Highs: 14-17

West Coast
Mostly sunny with some high cloud, rain moves into Fiordland in the afternoon then pushing northwards during the evening. Light winds tend west to northwest in the afternoon.
Highs: 14-17

Southland & Otago
Sunny areas and increasing high cloud, late afternoon / evening rain as northwesterly winds change southwest.
Highs: 14-18

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz