A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake has rocked much of the West Coast and Otago this morning.

Jumping out of a plane proves a great way to relax, writes Bronwyn Sell.

Students at a Rotorua high school are being warned to walk home in groups with mobile phones on hand after an alleged mob assault.

Squashed food, litter and even human faeces were found onboard the TSS Earnslaw by crew.

Long before this spectacular and rugged area just north of Queenstown was used as the location of the Ford of Bruinen in The Fellowship of the Ring movie, it was at the centre of the region's 19th century gold bonanza.

A journey along this 'Lord of the Rings' road can leave you on edge, writes Paul Rush.

Belinda Henley samples of the resort town's newest foodie offerings... and some old favourites.

Belinda Henley discovers a unique five-star accommodation offering on a working high country farm near Wanaka.

This working high country farm on the western shores of Lake Wanaka is also home to a luxury tented lodge, where guests can stay in five-star comfort summer or winter.

For further information see minaretstation.com.