Scientists say New Zealand has had its fourth warmest July on record.
The National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research says the largely settled conditions led to high mean temperatures for the time of year in much of the South Island and parts of the North Island.
The nationwide average temperature in July 2013 was 9 degrees.
It was also sunnier than normal and drier in some places.
The warmest and driest centre in July was Auckland while Tauranga was the sunniest, Christchurch the coolest, Wellington the wettest, and Hamilton the cloudiest.
