Make the most of the sunshine, because it's about to get wet.

After a scorching Boxing Day, the sunscreen will be needed again around much of the country today.

However, later in the week rain could wash away any chance of a beach barbecue to see in the New Year.

MetService is forecasting showers for across the North Island.

Tauranga can expect fin spells and sea breezes today with a high of 23C and an overnight low of 16C. Tomorrow morning should be cloudy then fine with light winds and sea breezes a high of 26C and an overnight low of 14C.

Tuesday's forecast the MetService are predicting morning cloud then fine with south-westerlies developing and a high of 27C and an overnight low of 14C.

Rain is expected to hit Tauranga on Wednesday and New Year's Eve with both days having a high of 24C.

In Auckland, the rain could linger until New Year's Day, although Wellington may be lucky enough to have clear weather for New Year's Eve fireworks.

In the South Island, slightly better conditions are expected, with any showers clearing by the afternoon of December 31.

In the meantime, holiday makers can look forward to warm temperatures and light sea breezes today.

"Take plenty of sunscreen as the sun will be out in force," MetService meteorologist Tom Adams said.

Auckland and Coromandel may have the odd shower, but there will be plenty of fine breaks, he says.

"Wellington remains uncharacteristically calm, with blue skies and flat water."

Temperatures in Alexandra, Twizel and Pukaku were expected to reach between 30 and 33C yesterday.

But surfers lucked out, with only a light swell at east coast beaches including Mangawai, Whangamata, Mt Maunganui, Gisborne, Castlepoint and Christchurch.

Slightly bigger waves could be found on the west coast around Piha, Muriwai and Raglan.

Kiwis swarmed to the beaches to make the most of the warm weather.

Although with the warm temperatures and busy beaches came tragedy - four people have drowned and one is missing after a hot Christmas Day and Boxing Day.