People are being warned to stay off a beach where the carcasses of hundreds of whales are at risk of exploding.

Scientists have ruled out any suggestion this morning's 5.2 quake was linked to the mass whale stranding at Farewell Spit.

Hope for survivors of one of NZ's largest ever whale strandings is "slowly slipping away".

A whale rescue expert is critical Department of Conservation crews didn't act sooner in last night's devastating whale stranding.

The man said he was going to test his boat's engine but did not return.

Police have responded to a boat that has raised an alarm at Hooks Bay this morning.

A search was mounted at Lake Te Anau after several flares were sighted late last night.

The dramatic, kilometres-deep canyons that lie hidden beneath our waves need protection from human pollution and damage, scientists say.

Wildlife experts concerned dolphin wearing a T-shirt may be in trouble.

COMMENT: A strong correlation was found between the state of the country's fish stocks and the quality of its fisheries management, writes Tim Pankhurst.

A home belonging to world renowned marine biologist Bill Ballantine is on the market after more than 50 years.

A yacht that struck an object in the Hauraki Gulf sparks an overnight rescue.

A 300kg leopard seal looks to be in Auckland to stay, as the hefty visitor makes itself a summer spectacle for ferry commuters.

The little girl who had been missing at sea with her father for almost a month is due back in New Zealand in the next few days.

An extradition order is not being sought for a Kiwi yachtsman who sailed to Australia with his young daughter.

These are the first pictures of Que Langdon reunited with her mother, after almost a month at sea with her father.

In the last of a five-part series looking at research in Auckland's blue backyard, an expert discusses how far our ocean ecosystems can be pushed.

Getting closer than 50m to a killer whale could set you back a couple hundred thousand or land you behind bars.

Science reporter Jamie Morton looks at some of the hardy little creatures that live in our rock pools.

A sleek, human-driven submarine and a cutting-edge underwater sensing system are among the impressive innovations of a team of Auckland Uni engineers.

In Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, you can find one quarter of the world's seabird species - and around 20 per cent of its whale and dolphin species.

This is what you do when you need to take home a massive fish.

Whale Watch is back on the water in Kaikoura.

This week, the Herald takes a look at Kiwis who are dedicated to helping our animals. Today Jamie Morton talks to Project Jonah's Daren Glover.

A new fight may be developing between Government and iwi over fishing rights, this time in the Marlborough Sounds.

A family of four has been rescued after their boat sank in Lake Taupo this morning.

Missing yachtie likely to be sailing his tiny catamaran to Australia, where he has disappeared with his 6-year-old daughter Que previously, according to an expert.

Small shark bites woman snorkelling in marine sanctuary.

The adoptive grandmother of Alan Langdon is heartbroken the Kawhia man and his 6-year-old daughter Que have not been heard from in 11 days.

For Fat Leonard, conning the U.S. Navy was a big piece of cake.