Aotearoa, New Zealand – land of the long white cloud – and today it is certainly living up to that name.  As rugby players, support staff and fans from all over the world spread out across New Zealand they’ll be getting a good understanding of why this country is called “land of the long white cloud”.

Despite yesterday being a “mostly sunny” day overall across the country, clouds did affect a majority of regions. 

From the air looking down the nation turns from green to white, as fluffy clouds line the Southern Alps, hug the western coastline and push in across Central Plateau.

Even along the eastern North Island – regions furthest from the clouds – the harmless fluffy clouds hugged the ranges and drifted east from time to time.

With so much sea surrounding us – and many hills and mountains to block the clouds – it is rare to have a cloudless flight across the country.  It’s worth holding on to your camera though…5 minutes more flying and the skies may suddenly clear. 

Cloudier skies are expected across New Zealand today but conditions are still looking fantastic considering we’re just a few days out of winter.  Some parts of Canterbury may even reach the low to mid 20s C (68F – 75F) today as a warm nor’wester builds over the Southern Alps.

Meanwhile warmer air from the sub-tropics will start to push in across northern New Zealand by Friday or Saturday.

The dry weather will give way to rain, wind and colder air by Sunday or Monday. 

But regardless of the weather, it is such a fantastic sight to see flags from all over the world waving in the wind and flapping on the tops of cars. 

So to all our new international readers and viewers – Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand…land of the long white cloud!

– WeatherWatch.co.nz