Following a fine weekend in the Bay of Plenty, a sunny week ahead is more good news for those winding up their summer gardening and activities, and preparing for winter ahead.

With some fresh southerlies flowing through this week and a mild chill in the air, the daily highs are forecast to be around 21 degrees Celsius, with the nights dropping to around 10 degrees.

MetService says there is minimal risk of severe weather over New Zealand this week, as autumn steadily rolls in.

A high should lie over the South Island on Tuesday, while a cool southerly flow covers the North Island, says a MetService spokesperson.

On Wednesday, March 20, a high should cover most of New Zealand, while a northwesterly flow strengthens over the south of the South Island.

As the week rolls on, a ridge should lie over the North Island on Thursday, while a frontal rain-band originating from over the Tasman Sea is set to move onto the south of the South Island during the day.

A strong north to northwest flow precedes the front, and there is a low risk of northwesterly winds reaching severe gale about parts of Fiordland and Stewart Island during the first part of the day.

A ridge should remain over the North Island on Friday, while the frontal rain-band affects parts of the South Island.