A large low is centred just to the northeast of the North Island today. This low pushes in a southeasterly airflow over most of New Zealand, tending southwest Waikato northwards.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Sunny spells for Northland and Auckland, mainly dry although there could be a shower late afternoon / evening about Auckland. Any early morning rain eases about Waikato and Bay Of Plenty then some sun breaks through, afternoon showers develop, some may be heavy with thunder then easing in the evening. Southwesterly winds.
Highs: 20-23

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Areas of rain, more so in the east towards the ranges. Taranaki is drier for example with the risk of a shower in the afternoon. South to southeasterly winds.
Highs: 18-20

Eastern North Island
Rain, heavy falls possible for northern Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. South to southeasterly winds.
Highs: 17-19

Wellington
Patchy rain or showers with breezy south to southeasterly winds.
High: 17

Marlborough & Nelson
Cloudy with the odd shower or drizzle patch, Nelson breaks to some sun in the afternoon and long dry spells. Southeasterly winds.
High: 18-22

Canterbury
Areas of rain or drizzle, easing overnight. Southerly winds.
Highs: 12-14

West Coast
Sunny spells for North Westland, there may be a shower or two about Buller especially late afternoon / evening, winds from the southeast. South Westland is mostly sunny, light winds tend onshore in the afternoon. Chance of an isolated shower late afternoon / evening about hills or ranges otherwise mainly dry.
Highs: 20-24

Southland & Otago
Mostly sunny about Southland, central Otago has a mix of sun and cloud. Coastal Otago sees mostly cloudy skies and the odd drizzle patch. East to northeasterly winds, a little breezy at times about coastal areas.
Highs: 14-20

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz