Rain is expected to settle over Tauranga next week as a broad trough over the Tasman Sea edges closer to New Zealand.

The MetService says the wettest weather can be expected over the ranges of Westland as the slow-moving front delivers a prolonged spell of rain.

People are being advised to pack their umbrellas with the lunches next week as rain is forecast for the city.

'Although the loss of the high means we are likely to see wetter conditions at some stage over the weekend, it isn't all bad news as the return of milder air over New Zealand will give respite from those cold, frosty mornings,” says meteorologist John Law.

'The stubborn nature of the rain over the ranges of Westland could result in some high rainfall totals there over the next few days.” With both the All Blacks and the Black Ferns in action in Auckland this weekend, attention will undoubtedly focus on the city of sails.

John says in terms of weather, the winds are likely to shift to the northeast for Saturday, bringing cloudier conditions and the chance of a light shower for the games.