North Island: unsettled skies and rougher seas
Boaties in the upper North Island will want to keep a close eye on the sky this weekend. MetService has flagged a risk of heavy rainfall for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty. Those regions will see showers spilling over into neighbouring Auckland, Northland, and Waikato, making conditions patchy at best.
Easterly winds freshen on Saturday and Sunday, building to 20 knots in exposed places such as Colville and the Bay of Plenty. Raglan also looks messy on Sunday with easterlies at 15 knots, ramping up to 25 knots north of Kawhia Harbour. Seas there are expected to turn rough, with a moderate southwest swell still running.
For those planning harbour trips around Auckland or fishing runs off the east coast, Sunday may be particularly tricky. The combination of onshore winds, showers, and lumpy seas will make for uncomfortable boating.
South Island: clear skies, cold mornings
The South Island offers the best boating windows over the coming days. High pressure takes hold on Friday, clearing lingering cloud and easing winds. Canterbury, Otago, and Southland should see crisp, sunny days, though frosty mornings will demand a bit of patience before launching.
MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley notes that “the freezing southerly lightens up a bit, which will take the bite out of those daytime temperatures. In places with clear skies overhead, the temperature will still plunge overnight, allowing frost to settle.”
Coastal waters reflect the improvement. Around Abel, Grey, and Conway, winds drop to 10 knots or less through the weekend, and swells ease to moderate. Chalmers and Milford sound equally inviting by Saturday, with variable winds and only moderate swells to contend with.
By contrast, the far south around Puysegur looks inhospitable. Northerlies climb to 25–35 knots south of West Cape on Sunday, creating very rough seas. Boaties are best advised to avoid the bottom corner of Fiordland until conditions ease.
Best places to be boating this weekend
- Canterbury and Otago coasts: Light winds, calming seas, and plenty of sunshine once frosts clear.
- Abel Tasman and Nelson: Settled conditions with variable winds and slight seas.
- Milford and Chalmers: By Saturday, winds drop away, giving a calm window for cruising or fishing.
Worst places to be boating this weekend
- Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty: Heavy rain risk and strong easterlies from Saturday into Sunday.
- Auckland and Northland: Persistent showers and messy seas, especially on Sunday.
- Raglan coast: Rough conditions north of Kawhia Harbour with 25-knot northeasterlies Sunday.
- Fiordland south of West Cape: Strong winds and rough seas, particularly on Sunday.
Looking ahead
The South Island remains the pick for boating through Monday, with frosty mornings giving way to sparkling afternoons. The North Island stays unsettled, especially north of Taupō, where showers and onshore winds persist.
From Wednesday, high pressure slides away and a new system moves in from the southwest. Expect heavy rain on the West Coast and strong northwest winds across much of the South Island. For now though, those seeking a safe, enjoyable boating window will find the south delivers the best conditions.
Check https://www.metservice.com/marine for further details.
