A global travel magazine highlights Kaikoura as a place to have a whale of a time over Christmas.

The Christmas exodus of people leaving Wellington has created a state of "absolute bedlam" on roads leading out of the city, police say.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English says the changes make calculating holiday pay rates more transparent.

Christmas will be warm and mostly dry in the north, wet in parts of the south and windy between.

A surge of Eftpos and credit card transactions shows New Zealanders are picking up the purchasing pace in the lead-up to Christmas.

Mike McRoberts and Petra Bagust headlined an all-star cast at last night's annual Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park extravaganza in Auckland.

Herald Travel editor Jim Eagles on why a local vacation may turn out to be the most relaxing break you've ever had.

It's officially summer. And, after a winter of discontent - and recessionary blues - it's time to warm up. Here are 25 ideas for making the most of Auckland this summer.

Police say many people take their eye off the ball over Christmas, giving crooks an open invite to their presents.

Briscoes Group, which owns Rebel Sport, Urban Loft and the Living and Giving chains, says sales are up and second half profits will be "well ahead" of last year.

Initially brought together by music marketing mastermind Simon Cowell, Il Divo blend traditional operatic techniques with popular songs. It seems to have worked for the foursome.