A high sitting over the country is expected to bring a period of fine weather to the Bay of Plenty as it slowly moves in from the Tasman Sea.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the high will move in over the country this week.

A front in the Southern Ocean will try to advance into the lower South Island.

Without the high it could have been another wintry snap, however, the high pressure will considerably weaken the cold front - along with any strong winds and heavy rain.

'A front trying to push through a high pressure system is like a person trying to run in a swimming pool – it's hard work and eventually you'll give up,” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.

However, a few showers are predicted in southern and eastern parts of the South Island developing Wednesday and continuing Thursday in the east.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says on Monday that despite the incoming high some coastal areas will still receive a few showers and certainly long cloudy areas.

However, the high does mean lighter winds and far less rain than last week - allowing most regions a chance to dry out - and the sun to come out for many of us too.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the high will last right up until Sunday for most regions.

'This will be a great chance for people to mow lawns, hang out the laundry - and for some, dusting off the BBQ for the first time this season.”