New Zealand's first national holiday in almost half a year is upon us, and while nearly half of NZ's population can't head away this long weekend it's still three days for many to switch off.

The forecast looks fairly typical for any long weekend in NZ - a low pressure zone is trying to move in while high pressure tries to push it back, says WeatherWatch.co.nz

"The incoming low will increase: Cloud cover, nationwide temperatures and humidity for northern NZ. It will also increase the chance of showers.

"However. with high pressure covering other parts of NZ the low is looking likely to fall apart as it tries to move in.

"This means lower rainfall totals and not as windy as it could be. For some it may be cloudy and dry, others may enjoy plenty of sunshine with warmer winds from the north."