A "spring doozy" of rain and wind is forecast to disrupt what's set to be a warm, sunny start to the long weekend.
According to MetService, much of the country will enjoy "warm, settled weather" over the next few days.
Warm, dry northwesterly winds will move over the North Island ranges and the Southern Alps, MetService meteorologist Dom Barry said.
"This allows for hot and sunny days – so slip, slop, slap and wrap," he said.
Temperatures in Christchurch are expected to reach 28C on Saturday. On Labour Day, Napier will hit 27C and Hastings 28C. Kaikōura down to Dunedin will have highs of 25-27C.
'Dramatic' change for some on Labour Day
However, the run of good weather isn't expected to last, with showers popping up in many western and some inland parts of the North Island through the weekend until Monday.
The South Island is expected to have a "dramatic change" on Monday. A cold front is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern and western areas.
Barry described the front as "a bit of a spring doozy".
"Heavy rain and strong wind watches and warnings may be issued for parts of the South Island as we get closer to the event," MetService said.
"These strong winds will push some of this rain over the Southern Alps later in the day, giving the Canterbury High Country some much-needed moisture. Winds then shift southerly, which moves the risk of rain to Otago and Clutha."
Those travelling around the area for the long weekend are urged to watch the forecasts.
Dry conditions already in the north and east
Meanwhile, parts of Northland are currently experiencing "abnormally dry conditions", according to Earth Sciences New Zealand.
The research institute said the driest soils across the North Island, compared with what is normal for this time of year, are in Whangārei and Gisborne, around East Cape. The wettest soils were on the south coast of the Wellington region.
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