New Zealand may be heading into an abnormally dry winter

Seven locations throughout the country have experienced near record dryness last month.

Dunedin had its equal-driest April on record - while Wellington had its fourth.

Central Otago economist Bill Kaye-Blake says farmers will be preparing and planning for what's likely to be a challenging winter.

He says industry bodies have recently done a lot of work to help farmers make good decisions in dry conditions.