When fishermen gather around a bottle or a bar they invariably start telling stories that are sworn to be based on the honest truth.

Two experienced sailors are in hospital - one with a fish hook in her right buttock - after a large wave disabled a yacht near Kaikoura early this morning.

Conservationists want Australia to lead the anti-whaling charge at a major summit next week, in response to footage of a whale being hit by an exploding harpoon.

A navy damage control team has boarded a burning ocean-going tug off Northland hours after the crew abandoned ship when fire broke out in the engine room.

The last of seven new Navy ships will arrive in Auckland tomorrow, at least two years late, and following a troubled maiden voyage from the ship builder's yard in Australia.

"Bugger," a senior official exclaimed. "Well at least the Aussies will be paying for the repair."

The captain of a fishing trawler befriended by Moko reckons the tunes of AC/DC might be part of the allure.

NZ will join Australia in taking legal action over Japan's whaling programme if last minute diplomatic solutions are not found.

Much of the thrill of sea fishing is that you never know what you may reel in.

A taste of luxury on board a superyacht at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Peter Bethune is not expected to plead guilty to an assault charge when he faces court in Tokyo tomorrow.

Jessica Watson is dating an English sailor who also sailed solo around the world, and has her eyes set on the Sydney-to-Hobart race.