Recordings of Gray's and strap-toothed beaked whales have been captured in NZ waters.

The tsunami is comparable with some of the biggest events in recent history.

The power-packed storm meteorologists have dubbed the "Tasman Tempest" dumped more rain on Auckland than typically falls for the whole of March.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

COMMENT: The Environment Minister's promise to make 90 per cent of rivers swimmable by 2040 is a cynical sleight of hand, writes Gen Toop from Greenpeace.

Endurance athletes looking to improve their times might consider swishing with a mouth rinse that contains a little sugar during their next performance.

Our forests and other land areas may be sucking up to 60 per cent more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere than previously thought and we can likely thank our native trees for much of it.

Two months into the job, new Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith talks to science reporter Jamie Morton about the state of the sector.

Regional climate variability caused an unusual period in which some of NZ's glaciers grew bigger, while glaciers worldwide were shrinking, a new study shows.

If you thought summer was missing in action last month, official figures released today prove it.

We can expect normal temperatures in the coming months but less rain.

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

The "safe version" of a Great White shark has washed up on Wellington's shore, leaving experts puzzled about what may have happened to it.

While the eastern region swelters in one of the most rain-deprived Januaries in more than a century, some western areas have been drenched.

Is summer really getting later? We look at long-term Niwa figures.

Kiwis "must be vigilant" about swimming in our rivers, a freshwater scientist says, with data often showing high levels of E. coli in waterways.

Climate change scientists have projected continued global greenhouse gas emissions would heat Northland heat up more than other regions

Northland farmers are facing drier than normal conditions.

Last year was New Zealand's hottest on record since 1909. Where did we really feel the heat?

Dr Brett Mullan of the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) explains our holiday season weather and warming world.

Last year was the hottest ever record, according to a European climate agency and a US-based climate centre.

This week, the Herald takes a look at Kiwis who are dedicated to helping our animals. Today Jamie Morton looks at Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Rehabilitation programme.

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

Creating "designer" ecosystems for degraded waterways could boost river restoration efforts around the country.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

A stunning summer's day in Wellington has attracted some aquatic visitors to the coastline, with locals spotting orcas and dolphins.

NIWA marine ecology technician Mark Fenwick has observed the dramatic changes to Kaikoura's crayfish habitats.

A researcher who has uncovered new insights into New Zealand's ocean environment says seafloor communities need better protection against any future deep-sea mining.

This year is set to become New Zealand's hottest on record, breaking the previous record set in 1998, scientists say.

A major expedition to the submarine Kaikoura Canyon is assessing whether the November 14 quake elevated tsunami risks to coastal settlements.