“It looked like it was on fire.” “Absolutely stunning.”

These are the comments from Tauranga residents following the sunrise this morning.

One reader said it was nothing like he had ever seen before in his 70 plus years of life.

Images sent to SunLive show reds turning to oranges and purple the morning sky.

The sunrise in Tauranga this morning. Photo / Sandra Conchie

According to the MetService, a ridge of high pressure is set to cover most of the country this week.

The weather organisation said this should bring settled weather to southern and central New Zealand, while easterlies and showers may affect the north.

In Tauranga today, people can expect a fine day with southeasterly winds and a high of 15.

Photo / Hunter Wells

Tomorrow’s forecast is the same.

On Wednesday, the ridge was expected to move slowly east during the day, said the MetService.

“Northerlies will become established over the South Island, bringing rain to Fiordland,” MetService said. “The risk of severe weather is minimal.”

A trough with several lows is expected to approach the country from the west on Thursday.

The sunrise in Fairlie this morning. Photo / Bev Bell

Waihi Beach 6.46am. Photo / Gary Alway

Photo / Rylie Fox

Sunrise in Ohauiti. Photo / Nikki Bollen 

A beautiful morning at Omanu. Photo / Supplied

Photos / Supplied

Did you see the sunrise this morning or have any weather-related photos? Email them to newsroom@thesun.co.nz