MetService has some good news and some bad news to share, which may or may not change your plans.
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the bad news was the forecast looked "a bit changeable" with a couple of fronts moving through and bringing rain and some strong winds.
But the good news was, most of that rain would fall early in the morning or late in the day.
"The first front comes through Southland and Otago late on Thursday night into Friday.
"So a bit of rain is expected for that. But once it's moved through, then it should be mostly clear behind it.
"Winds for coastal Southland look like they could be a bit breezy with that front, but nothing too strong."
She said Saturday would be the pick of the days for a BBQ or other outdoor activities on the long weekend, because a ridge of high pressure would cover most of New Zealand, bringing mostly clear skies, with temperatures reaching the high teens or low 20s.
"We could see a front with some showers moving on to Southland, but that looks more likely for the night time.
"And then that front continues late Saturday into Sunday across the rest of Southland and into Otago."
She said most of the showers lingering over the southern regions on Sunday should be gone by 9am and the majority of the region would have warm, dry weather again.
However, winds could become "a bit breezy" again for coastal Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.
"Nothing too strong. The rest of the area should escape the strongest of those southwesterly winds."
She said there would be plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Next week’s forecast looked to be more settled, she said.
"There could still be a passing front, but I think, generally, it will be a little bit more settled."
