A large high keeping the weather mostly dry and fine is expected to linger across New Zealand a little longer.

The MetService says the high is likely to remain firmly in place, locking the eastward progression of weather systems from the Tasman Sea.

Some showers are possible in Tauranga on Thursday and Friday, but will be little relief to farmers experiencing dry conditions.

Cloud may sneak into the Tauranga sky on Thursday and Friday, but will dissipate ahead of the weekend.

MetService media and communications meteorologist Dan Corbett says the big high is stuck in place over New Zealand, a bit like a big boulder blocking the flow of water in a stream.

'This means more of the same weather for now and no significant rainfall on the horizon.”

He says the overnight clear skies and light winds will make perfect conditions for some patchy mist and fog to the start the days also.

'A front will manage to push into the far southwest of the country later this week bringing some rain to Fiordland and southern Westland, with patchy falls over parts of Southland. Warmer temperatures are forecast for the far south ahead of the feature.

'Later in the week as the stubborn high slides to the southeast of the country, an east to southeast flow will prevail across the North Island.”

Dan says this could help bring more cloud, and perhaps a few showers to northern and eastern coasts of the North Island.