Big swells predicted to surge up the eastern side of New Zealand from Kaikoura to north of Mahia Peninsula

Whale Watch is back on the water in Kaikoura.

Offender alleged to have demanded money and assaulted a young man.

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

Creating "designer" ecosystems for degraded waterways could boost river restoration efforts around the country.

Firefighters in Kaiapoi, North of Christchurch, are attending a large blaze near the Waimakariri River this afternoon.

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

One person is dead following a single car crash near Christchurch tonight.

Five people were lucky to escape from a serious crash in the Lewis Pass without life threatening injuries, due to wearing seatbelts.

A man shot in Christchurch overnight who was targeted by armed intruders is set to make a full recovery.

A man reportedly tried to take the keys off a group of teens in the lead-up to a Boxing Day crash which killed three 15-year-olds in Canterbury.

Springs Junction - the tiny settlement connecting State Highways 7 and 65 - now boasts two food caravans as well as a service station and cafe both operating 24/7.

Thousands have reported feeling the "severe" 5.5 magnitude quake which rattled central New Zealand this afternoon.

Police say a man shot overnight in Christchurch was targeted by two intruders.

A weak cold front will bring cloud, drizzle and showers to the country over the next few days but should clear in time for New Year celebrations.

The Tongan brass brand which lost two members in a Christmas Eve bus crash performed a tribute concert tonight as the holiday road toll climbed to 11.

The funeral arrangements of two of the teenagers killed in a horror smash in the early hours of Boxing Day have been released.

Canterbury Police are seeking a missing man who was last seen on Boxing Day.

Cars, caravans and trees were ravaged when a fast-moving hedge fire spread through a north Canterbury campground.

Family and friends of the three teens killed in a horror smash have been visiting the crash site in Canterbury all day today.

Police are looking for a white van involved in a hit and run which landed a man in hospital on Christmas Eve.

Locals were unable to save whale that repeatedly stranded on popular beach.

Three young teenagers died in a high-speed car crash when their vehicle, driven by a 14-year-old, slammed into a tree.

A high-risk sex offender has been found by police.

A teen killed alongside two young friends in a "preventable" early morning crash has been remembered in an emotional tribute urging other drivers to take care.

The holiday road toll now stands at seven since Friday afternoon.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

What will start out as a cloudy morning for most of the country should clear as the Christmas day wears on, but the odd shower is in store too.

The best spots for enjoying a Christmas hamper outdoors will be in the Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Central Otago tomorrow.

Quake-affected businesses in Wellington and Hurunui have been given a boost with the announcement that support subsidies will be extended.