A woman was playing in the hot pools at De Bretts Hot Springs near Taupo when she collapsed.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

A cordon has been lifted near Huka Falls after police failed to locate a wanted man.

A man and woman who lost their way spent a chilly night on Mt Ruapehu before being rescued this morning "cold and hungry".

Kelly_Makiha_FEB16.epsRACING: Maori from around the country travel to Hawke's Bay each year to compete in IronMaori. PHOTO/HAWKE'S

The signs of summer are among us with pohutakawa trees flowering already and forecasters say the official first day of the season on Thursday will be calm and dry.

Investigators will return to the scene of a large industrial fire in Taupo.

When your personal change programme gets a plug on a police cell wall, you know it must work.

It's one of the most stunning walks in the world, so you can't expect to park right outside the very beginning of the track on a busy weekend.

It's one of the most stunning walks in the world, so you can't expect to park right outside the very beginning of the track on a busy weekend. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit the North Island overnight, with a severe weather watch in place.

It was a wild day of weather for the upper North Island yesterday, but what will today bring?

The Labour weekend road toll stands at two today, after a woman critically injured in a Paekakariki crash died in hospital.

A full investigation has been launched into a Tongariro Crossing "debacle" in which two students could have died.

Police call school group errors on treacherous mountain a "debacle", where leader didn't even know students were missing.

Two people have been arrested but one remains at large after an armed stand-off with police in Taupo today.

John Funnell was the search-and-rescue pilot who has saved the lives of thousands of victims, clocking up a staggering 19,000 hours of flight time.

A 20-year-old woman has suffered suspected spinal injuries after her car went off the road near Taupo according to a Greenlea Rescue

The death of cricket umpire Peter Plumley-Walker in a bondage session gone wrong in 1989 may be the subject of a documentary.

HARD-WORKING AND GENEROUS: Taupo couple Ian and Mary Smith, who died last Friday, are being remembered for making a significant contribution

Not just a winter destination; there's plenty to do in Taupo all year round. Here's our pick of some the best.

Source: YouTube: 100% Pure New Zealand. Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell shares the story behind New Zealand's remarkable Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.

Taupo mayor David Trewavas has been returned to the top job with over a 5500 vote margin at the progress stage.

Breath-taking thrills and spills and awe-inspiring sights are on offer in the tourist mecca, writes Morgan Tait.

The body of corporate boxer Neville Knight, who died in the ring at a charity boxing match, has been taken home while colleagues still come to terms with his death.

Watch: The caterpillar, the robot and the running man ... this police officer from Taupo has all the moves.

Whether to accommodate out-of-towners or for residents struggling to find a house to put over their heads, the need for houses is strong in Taupo.

A Taupo couple are considering building and selling "tiny houses" for a living after their 'awesome' tiny house experience.