Tauranga residents hoping to catch a glimpse of the Matariki star cluster this weekend are expected to have favourable viewing conditions, with clear skies forecast from Saturday morning.

According to Chester Lampkin, a meteorologist with Earth Sciences New Zealand, a high-pressure system moving across the country is expected to improve conditions for stargazers over the Matariki long weekend.

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s latest Matariki cloud cover forecast indicates Tauranga and the wider Upper North Island will experience periods of cloud early on Friday morning, with more cloud expected across the Bay of Plenty than some neighbouring regions.

However, conditions are forecast to improve by Saturday.

“High pressure will be easing into the country this weekend, centred over the South Island, which will clear the sky and also drop the temperatures,” Lampkin said.

The forecast covers the key Matariki viewing period between 3am and 6am, when the star cluster becomes visible on New Zealand’s eastern horizon before sunrise.

For Tauranga and the Upper North Island, Friday morning is expected to bring cloudy periods, with skies clearing at times. Temperatures are forecast to be cool, particularly inland.

By Saturday morning, conditions are expected to be ideal for viewing, with mainly clear skies across the region.

While much of the country is forecast to enjoy better viewing opportunities over the weekend, eastern parts of the North Island, including Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, are expected to remain cloudier. Eastern Bay of Plenty was also highlighted among areas where cloud could affect Matariki celebrations.

The best viewing conditions nationwide are forecast for the South Island, where clear and cold weather is expected through the holiday period.

Earth Sciences New Zealand updates its Matariki viewing forecast daily, with the latest information released each afternoon for the following morning.