A slice of Kiwi paradise has attracted interest from potential buyers from Switzerland, North America, the UK and also a syndicate of local families.

Nearly all routes in and out of Kaikoura are closed today as high winds across the South Island mean small planes and helicopters are grounded, Civil Defence says.

A moderate earthquake has rattled the top of the South Island, 25km south east of Seddon.

Sticky, humid weather awaits the country this summer as a weak La Nina brings muggy weather particularly in northern areas.

As border seizures of drugs go up, a Dunedin man reveals the depths to which he sank after being caught in the dark web.

Wellingtonians and people living on the top of the South Island were shaken awake as a strong quake rattled the centre of the country.

An Oamaru man who caused a five-car smash that left five injured and one dead was a learner driver and had smoked two bongs before getting behind the wheel.

Kaikoura residents and visitors will be able to dash for freedom this afternoon as Inland Rd opens for a short time.

Dunedin's 'arty' suburb is worthy of a film, writes Elisabeth Easther.

One of Queenstown's biggest developers has called time on plans for a retirement village.

It may be time to put away the togs - scorching temperatures on Wednesday aren't likely to be repeated today, the MetService says. While

The repair of Kaikoura's harbour may provide an opportunity for Westport's dredge, says Buller Mayor Garry Howard.

These graphics show how Marlborough's faults were set off one by one in the 7.8 Kaikoura Earthquake.

Bikers on their way to the Burt Monroe Challenge in Invercargill this weekend have been warned to slow down on areas of loose chip.

Police have warned the public about an Invercargill man on the run, but his mother is hoping she can appeal to his softer side.

By noon today, scientists had recorded nearly 5000 aftershocks from last Monday's big shake. But what are aftershocks and what can they tell us? Jamie Morton explains.

Three young children have been treated in hospital for potentially-deadly meningococcal disease.

Two women have been arrested in relation to an alleged racist incident in Queenstown.

A house bus and a car have collided on State Highway One south of Christchurch just before midday but the occupants are unscathed.

The whole of the country will enjoy warm, even hot, weather this week as a north-easterly blows through.

The key remaining route to Kaikoura is closed and some residents are being forced to sleep outside after a strong 5.7 aftershock on Tuesday evening.

One person is dead after a four-car crash on State Highway 1 near Moeraki this afternoon.

Opening access to SH1 on the south side of Kaikoura will happen "quite a way before we open up to the north", Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has told Kaikoura.

Protesters were again moved off the Pike River Mine access road this morning.

Scientists have revealed astonishing new insights into how the 7.8-magnitude quake affected New Zealand's seabed.

Police are calling for witnesses to two attempted assaults on the same woman in Nelson last night.

A wage subsidy package offered by the Government to small businesses in Kaikoura and nearby communities will be extended to larger businesses.

First there were "quake cows", now a lamb has been plucked to safety in Canterbury.

Restaurant owners affected by the 2011 earthquake travelled to Kaikoura yesterday to share their experiences and offer advice.

Emergency supplies have finally landed in a cut-off community just 22km north of Kaikoura.