Tauranga is set for a largely fine start to the Zespri AIMS Games, but MetService is warning that a change in weather could bring showers and rain as the event gets underway.

New Zealand is facing a mix of spring weather over the coming days, with strong winds, heavy rain, sunshine and mild temperatures all expected across different parts of the country.

In a media release, MetService meteorologist Sophie Huntington said conditions would vary significantly depending on location.

“We’re expecting a bit of everything heading into the weekend. It will be wet and windy in some places, while further east it will be mild with some sunshine.”

While strong northwesterly winds are forecast for parts of the lower North Island and eastern South Island on Friday, Tauranga and other eastern North Island centres are expected to enjoy milder spring temperatures and sunny spells.

That is good news for the thousands of athletes, families and supporters arriving in Tauranga for the annual Zespri Aims Games.

MetService said the event is likely to begin under fine conditions, although some showers are possible on Monday.

Elsewhere, a front moving north through the country is bringing rain to western parts of the South Island, with heavy falls expected in alpine areas and thunderstorms possible as the system moves north.

The front is forecast to weaken as it reaches the North Island.

However, the settled conditions are not expected to last.

A developing low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea is forecast to spread rain and showers across much of New Zealand on Sunday, with the heaviest falls likely in the South Island before the rain reaches northern areas later in the day.

Looking ahead to next week, Huntington said a shift to southwesterly winds was expected.

“Temperatures will come down a notch.”