A settled and sunny weekend is on the cards for the Bay of Plenty, with a ridge of high pressure bringing a break from recent stormy weather.

The system responsible for heavy rain and thunderstorms earlier this week is moving away, while high pressure builds across the country from Friday, delivering calmer conditions and clearer skies.

MetService meteorologist Ethan Walton-Jones said the change would create ideal conditions for outdoor activities across much of the North Island.

“It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend weather-wise, so it’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and make the most of the settled conditions.”

While sunshine is expected to dominate, Bay of Plenty residents may wake to some low cloud or patchy morning fog before conditions clear.

The settled spell is forecast to continue through most of the weekend before a front moves north over the South Island on Sunday.

Although the front is not expected to directly affect Bay of Plenty, strengthening northwesterly winds ahead of it will bring warmer temperatures to many eastern parts of the country.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-20s in some areas on Sunday, making for an unseasonably warm end to the weekend.

The forecast offers a timely opportunity for residents to enjoy beaches, gardens, outdoor sports and community events before more changeable weather returns next week.