MetService says central parts of the country have enjoyed the best of the weather today, with Nelson, Wellington and Wairarapa experiencing sun and temperatures in the early to mid twenties.
Cloud and showers in Napier, Gisborne and the West Coast of the South Island cleared early to give those regions a warm and sunny afternoon as well.
Metservice duty forecaster Leigh Matheson says the weather has improved in the central and northern parts of the North Island as the day has progressed, but showers are still expected to come and go throughout the evening.
But Ms Matheson says the lower South Island has not been so lucky, with Southland, Otago and parts of Canterbury all experiencing patchy rain and temperatures in the early to mid teens.
Southerlies are expected to move up the country Christmas evening, bringing showers to Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa.
Ms Matheson says only the West Coast of the South Island and Nelson city are expected to escape rain and showers on Boxing Day.
