Tsunami-wrecked houses in Samoa are being rebuilt on higher ground - but without protection against cyclones or earthquakes, engineers say.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has announced a $5.5 million reconstruction package for Aitutaki following last month's cyclone.

The tropics have exploded into action with 3 major cyclones in just a week.

Residents on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands are preparing for a second cyclone following the category three Cyclone Pat which struck the island yesterday.

Air New Zealand is trialling a new direct service between Sydney and Rarotonga next year.

Aitutaki's unparalleled beauty is coming to a screen near you, reports Kate Roff.

Simon Vincent finds you don't have to spend a fortune to have a perfect holiday.

A Canterbury man's holiday voyage turned into a trip from hell last week when the skipper fell overboard.