A weekend escape that is not too far, yet far enough away from home.

Flights have been cancelled and roads are closed as Cyclone Gita begins to be felt.

Gordon Gray almost died from renal failure in July. Two weeks ago he had a brain bleed.

The trees are believed to have been cut down so campers could have sea views.

Quake-repaired Kaikoura road shut by weather

Relief as quake highway reopens

Traffic pressure on the Lewis Pass since the Kaikoura quake may have led to a fatal crash.

Four men fell around 4m to the ground when railing gave way at Portage Resort Hotel.

Marlborough Lines is being blamed for a fire caused when a felled tree hit powerlines.

Afternoon and evening services from Wellington and Picton are affected.

Interactive documentary shows scale of Kaikoura rebuild

An afternoon walk went awry for an elderly man who just wanted to admire the scenery.

Newstalk ZB radio personalities slug out the merits of Picton over the airwaves.

Marcus Lush took a minute out of his radio show last week to pick on Picton.

Gang member tried to smuggle a vast amount of methamphetamine across Cook Strait.

One man's passionate complaint against Picton's tourist guide has not been upheld

The inland route between Christchurch and Picton a scary road to drive, say truckies.

KiwiRail is offering full refunds to Tranz Alpine passengers as it anticipates the fire-hit rail link between Canterbury and the West Coast could be out for at least six weeks.

A Fire Service spokesman said they are heading to the boat near Mabel Island together with Coastguard.

Springs Junction - the tiny settlement connecting State Highways 7 and 65 - now boasts two food caravans as well as a service station and cafe both operating 24/7.

It's the biggest cruise ship to visit and likely the most valuable machine to call at New Zealand.

An immediate focus was being put on upgrading State Highway 63 near St Arnaud in the weeks leading up to the very busy Christmas-New Year travel period.

A truck has rolled, blocking one lane of State Highway 7 - the temporary main road between Picton and Christchurch.

Canterbury's Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive with caution while the Lewis Pass alternate highway (State Highway 7)

Motorists travelling the alternative route between Christchurch and Picton have been caught up in heavy congestion today, as traffic pressure mounts on the post-quake thoroughfare.

Cook Strait ferries are up and running after Monday's earthquake.

An alternative inland route for ferry traffic has been established running from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass.

Businesses in quake-hit areas will be paid to keep on staff for at least eight weeks, the Govt says.

As Govt announces its relief package, Kaikoura businesses spell out what they need to survive.

Port of Malborough expects to find out today whether the ferry terminal building at Picton is structurally sound.