A Queenstown roofer has been jailed for his part in an international drug smuggling operation.

The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.

Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.

A Queenstown base jumper is lucky to survive a 30m fall after crashing into a rock face today.

Shooting for a major Bollywood film in Queenstown has been disrupted by a legal dispute over the Kingston Flyer steam train.

Air New Zealand is to increase the number of direct flights between Australia and Queenstown this winter.

New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named a clutch of newcomers in his 16-strong training squad.