Forecasters are predicting good weather over the Christmas weekend - although shoppers out on Christmas Eve or at the sales next week may get caught in the rain.
The MetService's weather ambassador, Bob McDavitt, says a south-westerly flow is arriving that should bring settled weather for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
He says western areas may be cloudy on Saturday, with a few showers in the south and west of the south island, but the barbecues can be fired up in most areas.
Mr McDavitt says it should also be less humid in the North Island.
He says a quick-moving front crosses the country on Friday is bringing high winds and patchy rain to some areas.
Earlier, MetService warned of severe gales in parts of the South Island and the lower North Island on Friday.
Another front is expected to move onto the South Island on Monday and the North Island on Tuesday.
