A wet start to the New Year for the top of the South Island

MetService has issued heavy rain watches for Buller and the Richmond and Bryant ranges - clearing late morning and this afternoon.

A sunny day's ahead for the North Island, however, with occasional showers in parts - but Wellington's in for wind overtaking 90 kilometres an hour.

MetService Metereologist Alanna Burrows says Napier might be the place to be.

She says Napier will reach 29 degrees, five degrees higher than average.