A sexual assault victim faced her attacker in court and described how his "depravity" had robbed her of her childhood.

Flying debris and trees and branches falling across roads could make it unsafe to be outside if predicted severe northwest gales hit Otago and Southland today.

Pamela Wade discovers Kiwi colonial heroes on the Hollyford Track.

Bevan Hurley tackles the stunning Hump Ridge Track in remote western Southland by night.

The Super City better watch out. South Island councils are setting up a "coalition of the willing" to have their voice heard in the corridors of Parliament.

A man whose 60-year-old son drowned at sea said he `lived for fishing'' and was happiest whenever he was out on the ocean.

Later today a decision will be made whether to send divers down to look at a fishing vessel, believed to be the boat that disappeared off the Fiordland coast on Saturday with two onboard.

Hopes are quickly fading for a fishing boat skipper and his teenage crewman missing at sea off the South Island's West Coast since Saturday.

Search teams will be back out this morning looking for a fishing vessel which is missing off the coast of Fiordland.

Snow was falling in the hills around Wellington this afternoon as a strong southerly blast snow that brought snow down to sea level moved up the country.

Beautiful mountains and lakes make Kiwi roadtrip a classic, writes Josie Dale.

Dedicated pioneers created Fiordland's colourful heritage in a hostile environment, writes Paul Rush.

Paul Rush takes a time travel journey through Fiordland's twilight zone.

The 27-kilometre jet boat ride from Lake Hauroko to Foveaux Strait offers passengers views of some spectacular Fiordland National Park landscapes.