Whakatane has clocked up 2704 hours of sunshine in 2014, making it the sunniest spot in New Zealand.

According to a NIWA (The National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research) the Bay of Plenty town defended its 2013 title against New Plymouth which saw 2633 hours.

The sun shone for a total of 2704 hours in Whakatane in 2014.

Blenheim came third on the 2014 list with a total of 2528 hours.

The statistics did not include December 31, but one day would make no difference to the result, says liaison scientist at Plant and Food Research Blenheim Rob Agnew.

Nelson, typically thought of as a destination for sunshine, was back in fifth place.

On December 3, Whakatane was 100 hours ahead of New Plymouth in the sunshine race with 2477 hours recorded for the Bay of Plenty town.