MetService says most of the country will have fine weather on Christmas Day.
A ridge of high pressure is expected to cover the North Island with a strong northwesterly flow over the South Island.
The fine weather in the North Island is predicted to continue until Monday, with a few cloudy periods forecast in the west from Taranaki to Wellington on Christmas Day.
MetService says a strong north-westerly flow over the South Island means temperatures in the east are likely to reach the mid 20s, while exposed southern areas, particularly coastal Fiordland, will be subject to strong winds.
Rain is also forecast in Fiordland and southern Westland on Christmas Day, with heavy falls overnight.
Light patchy rain is expected in Southland on Christmas evening.
