South Island sets expected to be warmest on Christmas Day

Monday 22 December 2025 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 22 Dec 2025, 5:00pm

In this story MetService

MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind watches across parts of both islands ahead of the holiday. While much of the country may face damp conditions, Hastings, Christchurch, and Kaikōura are tipped for better weather, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in Hastings.

How they headlined it

2:55pm5pm

1. The PressMon 22 Dec 2025, 2:55pm

   The South Island places set to be the warmest on Christmas Day (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 22 Dec 2025, 3:00pm

   Weather: Heavy rain, strong wind watches issued for days leading to Christmas (opens in new tab)

   • Christmas weather forecast: Bay of Plenty rain first, then beach day (opens in new tab) Mon 22 Dec 2025, 5:00pm