Beaches are teeming with Kiwis soaking up the sun's rays this long weekend, as warmer temperatures arrived earlier than expected this year.
While beachgoers are out in force after weeks of wild weather, so too are the lifeguards patrolling our beaches.
"We are going to get these glimpses of summer like we have been this long weekend, for example. So expect more of that over the next few months," NIWA climate scientist Nava Fedaeff said.
Fedaeff said they're "expecting more westerly winds than usual and frequent spells of unseasonable warmth from Australia, so could be some hot temperatures at times".
Dry weather is also expected, particularly in the north and east of both islands.
The only part of the country expected to see "wetter than usual conditions" is the west of the South Island, she said.
This weekend also marks the beginning of the surf life saving season.
Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club's Tom Burgess said they're bracing for the extra work, with the summer expected to "really drag out, drag out, drag out".
He advised Kiwis out on the water to make sure to swim between the flags.
"If they get into trouble, don't panic – relax, float on your back and put your hand up. Lifeguards will be there as soon as they possibly can."
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