Daughter of Steve Irwin posts heartfelt farewell to New Zealand: "Grateful for a beautiful trip with my little family to Rotorua, NZ for a week of hiking and beauty."

A former Whakatane man has died in a motorcycle crash while in the middle of a High Court trial where he faced 49 sex offence charges relating to young girls.

Rotorua is a delight when you have kids to entertain, writes Elizabeth Binning.

The family of a young mountain biker killed in the Whakarewarewa Forest have told an inquest their son and brother had "a short, but good life".

Famous for its Maori culture, redwood forests and mud pools, this geothermal wonderland is also fast gaining a reputation for its gastronomic delights, writes Debbie Griffiths

A witness said she saw about 12 people running down a street with various weapons including an axe and a crow bar.

A Rotorua-based performing arts college has been stripped of its registration and ordered to repay $2.6 million in taxpayer funding it wasn't entitled to.

The name of a woman who died in a weekend crash in Rotorua has been named by police.

Three alleged jewel thieves have been arrested after members of the public recognised missing jewellery on police Facebook appeals.

Rotorua's Deputy Mayor speaks out following recovery of a body from hot pool in the city.

Skyline Rotorua has won the top company prize in the tourism industry's annual awards.

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested over the armed robbery of a Rotorua service station.

Shandelle Battersby slathers herself in thermal gloop and waits for the magic to happen.

The man who died in police custody over the weekend has been named as William David Bircumshaw from Rotorua.

A man who was believed to be intoxicated died in police custody in Rotorua on Saturday afternoon.

McCaw is a rowi chick and was hatched at the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef early this morning.

An investigation has been launched after ineligible players starred in one of New Zealand's most prestigious rugby tournaments.

A shrine has been set up in the doorway of New Zealand rock legend Graham Brazier's book store in Auckland.

An 11-year-old boy who fell ill when he was skiing at Mt Ruapehu was flown to hospital.

Police, fire and the hazardous materials unit are at a house on Clayton Rd in Rotorua with part of the street cordoned off.

Our picture-postcard hot springs aren't just natural treasures - they're also treasure chests laden with silver and gold, scientists say.

Non-stop excitement for children of all ages is the hallmark of a Rotorua holiday.

An area of central Rotorua has been cordoned off this afternoon after a 'geyser' appeared to erupt in the middle of the street.

Family and friends of news presenter Anzac Pikia are coping with twin tragedies.

A staffer working for Child, Youth and Family started a sexual relationship with a boy in the teen unit where she worked.

Police said the 25-year-old driver of the second ute went straight in and pulled a 35-year-old woman and four-year-old boy from the vehicle.

A lucky Lotto player is $1 million richer after winning Lotto First Division last night.

Mountain bikers, walkers and runners are invited to explore the forest depths on Saturday July 25 as Whakarewarewa hosts the sixth annual Great Forest Rogaine.

Colin Smyth made history on May 2 this year by finishing all 50 Rotorua Marathon events.