Alcohol and speed contributed to more than half the 13 deaths on New Zealand roads over the holiday period.

The holiday road toll stands at 13, the same as last year, following two fatal crashes in Auckland overnight.

An Auckland mother is outraged that her daughter was 'ripped off' by an accident and medical clinic.

Don't like surcharges? Vote with your feet, says Restaurant Association chief executive Steve Mackenzie.

Customers claim businesses are being greedy in adding surcharges on days not officially holidays.

Beaches around the country were packed yesterday as temperatures soared.

Auckland diners want clearer rules over when the holiday surcharge should apply after some were slapped with the extra cost on their bills yesterday.

While you're slumming it this summer, others are living it up.

Listen out for the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline and birdsong in the trees - not the ringtone of your company phone.

Most of us are just plain worn out, yet we long to create and achieve the kind of holiday time sold to us by the media.

A popular beach was blasted by rain and blustery winds yesterday, causing some campers to cut short their holidays and leave.

How will you be spending your Christmas? Send us your photos and stories.

Amidst the joy, celebration and festivities of Christmas and the New Year period lies the hidden horror of the holiday season, as the rates of domestic violence, alcohol abuse and road fatalities increase.

New Zealand is set for a humid summer, with experts predicting a warm and wet January and February.

Staff at the Auckland City Mission have been rushed off their feet and will be cooking Christmas dinner for more than 2000 people tomorrow.

Holidaymakers joining the Christmas exodus from Auckland are being encouraged to check road and traffic conditions before leaving home, to improve chances of safe and relatively hassle-free trips.

A selection of Christmas church services in the main centres.

International visitors to New Zealand have increased in the past year, but Kiwis are opting to travel abroad for their holidays.

What do some of our friends in fashion, design and food have planned for their Christmas break?