The MetService is forecasting a cold snap to grip the region as a front moves up from the south.

Today's forecast is for fine weather with westerly winds, but tomorrow is looking a bit wetter with some showers expected to develop in the Bay.

A cold snap is expected to hit later on this week, bringing rain before the weekend. File photo.

In the Coromandel, the rain looks set to hold off until Thursday, according to the MetService's five day forecast.

'The rain is expected to be heavy in Fiordland and South Westland from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning.

Unseasonable snow is also forecast for the Otago and Canterbury High Country down to about 400 metres overnight Monday and early Tuesday.

'This is likely to affect many of the higher roads in these areas and especially the Alpine Passes. High country farmers may wish to move vulnerable stock to sheltered areas,” says meteorologist Stephen Glassey.

'The front weakens by the time it gets to the North Island. However, a low developing over the Tasman Sea is expected to move across the North Island on Thursday, dragging up more cold air from the south over both islands.”

Rain is expected to spread over most of New Zealand during Thursday, with yet more snow likely about high country areas of the South Island.

The low moves away to the east on Friday leaving a cold southwest flow over the country.