A majority of the country looks set to welcome in the New Year with a warm night, according to the latest weather forecast.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says so far the forecast looks as if most of the country is set for a 'warm to fairly hot and dry' New Year's Eve.

"The forecast for New Year's Eve shows a lot of high pressure across the country but the chance of a cold front is also creating warm northerlies for many areas.

"A cooler change is also moving in for some in the south with even a chance of some rain or showers.

"There may be a bit of cloud around the country and even the chance of a late day shower inland."

Possible rain on the West Coast and a few isolated showers or downpours can also be expected elsewhere across New Zealand.

"With so much high pressure around the country on December 31 there's even a chance the high could stop this front but it's best to keep an eye on the forecast throughout the rest of the week."