A colder change is moving up the South Island and lower North Island today, dropping daytime temperatures by as much as 8 degrees below normal.

Rain or showers will move into the North Island over the next couple of days. By next week the Autumn weather pattern continues with a mix of highs, lows and cold fronts.

Meanwhile Australia has a major Category 5 cyclone (MARCUS) just off the north western coastline and another potential one in the north next week.