Better weather is on the way after Christmas was flooded out in many parts of the country.
MetService says New Zealand is set for plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures over the weekend.
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"High pressure is building over the country, and this means on the whole the weather will feel a lot more summery over the coming days," says MetService meteorologist James Millward.
The South Island will get warmer temperatures with maximums of 29degC at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne and 27degC at Rhythm and Alps in Wanaka.
"These warm temperatures will continue into the New Year's period for both Islands, but in a reversal of the Christmas weather, it looks like the South Island is in for wetter weather on New Year's Eve with the North Island looking mostly dry," MetService says.
Weather Watch says the West Coast will be worst hit by the rain, with heavy falls possible in the morning.
Fiordland, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago will have some cloud, while Southland will have some rain or showers.
However in the short term the Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay still face stormy weather with active showers and thunderstorms forecast for these regions on Thursday afternoon and Friday.
A severe weather watch for heavy rain has been issued for eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and northern Hawke's Bay overnight.
"A lingering trough over the central North Island is expected to bring some localised but significant rainfall, especially overnight and tomorrow morning," Mr Millward says.
"With lots of holiday-makers and campers around these areas, localised downpours could have a significant impact, especially on top of the rainfall totals we have seen earlier this week."
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