Parts of New Zealand are clocking temperatures up to 36 degrees this January, in what's looking to be a record first month of the year.

Meteorologist John Law says these temperatures are usually reserved for later in the summer.

"Last week, I think we saw temperatures as high as 36 degrees Celsius. Generally it's been incredibly dry."

However, there's a spattering of rain on the way for some very dry parts of the North Island.

Law says Gisborne and Hawke's Bay could see rain in the next few days.

"There is low pressure moving towards the northern parts of Gisborne and Hawke's Bay. There'll be more clouds, humid air and some patchy drizzle."

Law says the middle of the week will bring showers to central areas of the North and South islands.