An anticyclone slowly muscles its way onto New Zealand during the course of today becoming centred over the country by midday Thursday. Inclement weather will start to clear away over the North Island taking longest to clear from eastern areas. Sunny skies look likely for most in the South Island although the odd shower may hang about the far south. 

Northland, Auckland, Waikato, CNI & BOP
Mostly sunny with east to southeasterly breezes after any morning showers clear, north of Auckland mainly in the east a few showers may continue through the day.
Highs: 19-23

East of the North Island
Cloudy periods with southerlies, the odd shower at times but many dry spells too.
Highs: 19-20

Wellington & Western North Island
Morning cloud clears to mostly sunny weather, south to southeasterly winds ease in the evening.
Highs: 16-17, 21 for the Western North Island

Marlborough & Nelson
Any morning cloud clears to mostly sunny skies, east to southeast breezes for Marlborough ease in the evening. Light winds and afternoon sea breezes in Nelson.
Highs: 18-20

Canterbury
Mostly sunny skies with easterly breezes from midday, any early cloud clears.
Highs: 18

West Coast
Sunny with light winds tending northerly in the afternoon.
Highs: 18-19

Southland & Otago
Cloudy spells about Southland with the chance of the odd shower, westerly breezes. Mostly sunny elsewhere with light winds although expect some evening cloud with the low risk of a shower.
Highs: 16-20

WeatherWatch.co.nz