Sunny weather is hanging around much of the country on Wednesday, broken by a few afternoon showers, MetService says.

Holidayers may want to make the most of it, as a cold front coming from the Tasman Sea is expected to sweep the North and South Island later in the week.

Meteorologist Micky Malivuk said Wednesday is “looking fine” but the weather may start to turn on Thursday or Friday.

“A front will move onto the South Island on Thursday, bringing in a bit of rain. Then [it will] move on to the North Island on Friday, bringing showers,” Malivuk said.

Aucklanders are in for a cloudy Wednesday, with highs around 22C. There’s a chance of light showers into the evening.

Hamilton and Whangārei are in the same boat, with the chance of showers landing in the afternoon.

But across the central North Island – areas including Tauranga, Napier, Taupō, New Plymouth, and Whanganui – locals should expect clear skies and highs in the mid-20s.

Those in central Otago could be getting the best deal. Malivuk said temperatures will be “pushing high 20s”. Wānaka is expecting a high of 27C and Queenstown a high of 24C.

Other in-land areas – such as those around Canterbury – will also likely get the heat, Malivuk said. But showers may come with it.

“The weather predominantly is looking fine for most of the country [on Wednesday] apart from just some afternoon showers for those inland places of both islands,” Malivuk said.

The cold front, rolling in from the southwest, is expected to hit the South Island on Thursday afternoon.

MetService has placed Fiordland under a heavy rain watch from 1pm on Thursday until midnight. Malivuk said it is likely Westland will also see some heavy rain.

From there, the cold front is expected to move up the country, reaching the North Island around Friday, bringing rain and “slightly cooler” temperatures.

The good news – it won’t hang around for long.

“Early next week the weather is looking settled,” Malivuk said.