Labour weekend 2026 weather forecast

The story so far

Early forecasts said the South Island would have warm, sunny weather over the Labour long weekend, with Christchurch possibly reaching 27C and sporting events expected to draw over 68,000 people.^{21 Oct} Later forecasts said the warm start could bring temperatures near 30C in some areas, but MetService warned that heavy rain and strong winds would arrive on Labour Day and could disrupt travel.^{23 Oct} An active weather front then swept across the South Island on Monday and early Tuesday, with MetService heavy rain warnings for Westland and Fiordland, and Waka Kotahi urged motorists to take care on return journeys.^{24 Oct} The front brought heavy rain and severe gales to much of the South Island, with a 200km/h wind gust reported at Mount Hutt, and it caused the closure of Milford Road and parts of the Wellington waterfront.^{26 Oct} The front was expected to move towards the North Island on Tuesday.^{26 Oct}

Latest

A second weather front is moving up the South Island, bringing more wind and rain across much of New Zealand, although meteorologists say it may not be as significant as the earlier storm.^{27 Oct}

Key moments

1. 21 OctWarm, sunny Labour weekend forecast, with Christchurch possibly reaching 27C
2. 23 OctMetService warns heavy rain and strong winds will arrive on Labour Day
3. 24 OctHeavy rain warnings issued for Westland and Fiordland as front sweeps across
4. 26 Oct200km/h gust at Mount Hutt; Milford Road and Wellington waterfront closed
5. 27 OctSecond weather front brings further wind and rain across much of New Zealand

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