A mixed bag of weather is in store for Aotearoa this Matariki long weekend.
MetService said a "large high" could bring strong winds to the southern North Island on Friday. Fronts could also bring heavy rain to the South Island's West Coast.
"A large high over the northern Tasman Sea directs the west-to-southwest flow over the country during the outlook period," MetService said.
On Friday, the north is partly cloudy with occasional showers in the west while it will be mostly fine in the east. The South Island can expect showers in the west and south but will be fine elsewhere.
MetService also warned of potentially strong winds in Tararua and Hawke's Bay.
"Strong westerly winds are possible about the southern North Island early on Friday and there is low confidence that a wind warning will be needed for the Tararua District and central Hawke's Bay on Friday morning," the forecaster said.
Looking ahead to Saturday the whole country was expected to be affected by overcast conditions and rain.
On Sunday, the north will be mainly fine with a few showers - while there are periods of cloud and rain in the south.
It's not all bad news, however. WeatherWatch said warmer than usual temperatures were likely for some regions.
"A westerly quarter airflow means eastern regions are going to warm up on Friday, temperatures in the mid-teens are likely for Canterbury, late teens for Kaikoura and right up the east coast of the North Island.
"The far north and Bay of Plenty will reach upwards of 17 to 18C on Friday and over the weekend also."
Holidaymakers should 'plan ahead' - NZ Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi has warned there could be delays for anyone travelling out of the city this weekend, saying holidaymakers should "plan ahead".
A Newshub reporter, who was travelling north from Auckland's CBD on Friday morning, said there was already an 80-minute-wait warning for the commute from the North Shore to Wellsford by 10am.
Commuters were also warned to expect delays on State Highway 1 at Manukau southbound from 2:30pm and northbound from 2pm.
In the South Island, roads could be icy - meaning extra care was needed.
"Take your time and enjoy the journey," Waka Kotahi said.
"In coming days ice may well be a factor mornings and evenings in shaded spots on these routes so please take care [and] avoid sudden braking. Crews will be gritting and applying de-icing compound ahead of ice forming."
Police are reminding drivers to be responsible for their safety and of others on the road when getting behind the wheel this Matariki weekend.
Director of National Road Policing Centre Superintendent Steve Greally said the message is no different than any other day of the week.
"I can't stress enough that road safety is for everyone. We all play a vital role if we are to see a reduction of road trauma," he said.
"Matariki is often a time of reflection and remembering loved ones and we don’t want to see more families mourning the loss of anyone due to a road crash that could have been avoided.
"Please take that extra moment to question if your speed, those drinks, a decision not to put your seatbelt on or picking up the phone while driving might cause myself or others any harm."
