Mesoscale precipitation patterns around Wellington, New Zealand, are examined using the method of principal component analysis. Five distinct precipitation patterns emerge which are caused by six synoptic situations. Given the great variability in synoptic patterns that can occur in the New Zealand region, and the complexity of the terrain about Wellington, the similarity of synoptic analogues for each precipitation pattern is good. The results demonstrate the effects of orographic interaction on the amount and distribution of precipitation by synoptic-scale airflow in the Wellington region.