More sunshine is on its way around the country, with forecasters predicting the summery weather will continue after yesterday's scorching temperatures.
The South Island sizzled yesterday, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s -- but it was not quite warm enough to beat Canterbury's record high of 41.6C, which Niwa recorded in February 1973.
MetService meteorologist John Law said the east of the country, particularly Canterbury and Hawkes Bay, had enjoyed very warm temperatures yesterday.
The weather was slightly cooler today, but it was still warm in the east.
"It's not as hot as yesterday, but still very warm," Mr Law said.
The highest temperature in the country today was 32C in Kaikoura, while in the North Island, Masterton enjoyed the highest temperature of 31C.
The South Island's Lake Pukaki, which yesterday enjoyed the highest temperature of 35.2C, was cooler today -- but the mercury still peaked at 29C.
It wasn't summery everywhere, however, with Dunedin getting a high of only 15C today.
Looking ahead, Mr Law said the weather was likely to remain fairly settled throughout the week.
"High pressure is looking after us as we go through the next few days," he said.
"There is a small front going up the country tomorrow and that could be enough to bring perhaps some really sharp showers for parts of Marlborough, Nelson and the Wairarapa.
"Once that's cleared away, high pressure really is the driving force for us. Other than a few afternoon and evening showers developing each day, we are generally going to find there is plenty of dry and fine weather."
Tomorrow's forecast
Auckland - Fine, but some morning and evening cloud. Sea breezes. High 24C Low 15C
Hamilton - Fine apart from morning and evening cloud. Light winds. High 25C Low 12C
Tauranga - Long fine spells. Sea breezes. High 25C Low 15C
Wellington - Cloudy periods, odd evening showers. Dying northerly. High 22C Low 15C
Christchurch - Morning cloud, then fine. Light winds. High 20C Low 14C
Dunedin - Morning cloud, then fine. Light winds. High 19C Low 12C
- Nikki Papatsoumas of NZME. News Service
