A landmark Herne Bay home has sold for $24 million - the most expensive house sale of the year, and all without an official real estate listing.

The prestigious suburb - first to reach the $1 million mark in 2003 - has now set a frightening new benchmark.

When Tim and Charlotte Vickers bought a stunning Edwardian villa, they secretly hoped to find a long-forgotten painting by Charles F Goldie tucked away in the attic.

Residents in Auckland's Herne Bay found a crashed driver "spread-eagled" over a steep slope about 10m below an entrance to the Harbour Bridge around 2am yesterday.

A man who went on a drunken shooting spree in an upmarket Auckland suburb has been spared jail because of his family support.

Former television presenter and Labour hopeful Tamati Coffey has sold his plush Auckland pad for more than double its valuation price.

A fully leased aged-care investment property in the heart of Auckland's upmarket suburb of Herne Bay is being marketed for sale as being "in the sweet spot" for high net worth.

A group of Aucklanders are building what could be the country's most expensive set of boutique apartments for themselves, worth about $4 million each.

The steady life in sales and prices started in the central Auckland suburbs over a year ago and has now spread across the new supercity. But as Bruce Morris reports, it's still tough going out in the provinces.

One of Auckland’s traditional top dining locations proves it still deserves its position.

The decor may be plain but Taisho makes up for it with the menu.

A fine dining Herne Bay restaurant keeps it simple but with an abundance of finesse.

The Japanese treat of skewered meats, and much more besides, is always a pleasant way to while away an evening.

Opening up a Herne Bay home and enlarging its small rooms created the perfect space.

Here is proof that diners should not judge a restaurant by its name.

Transition Towns - communities readying themselves for a post-petroleum world - are quietly popping up in New Zealand suburbs.

Viva's current favourite dishes about town.

This secluded, striking home's tranquil feel belies its location - on the city's doorstep.