Queues of New Year's Eve traffic are beginning to build around the country.

Liquor bans are in place and police numbers are being boosted in many of the traditional New Year's Eve hot spots.

Police have told parents to keep track of their children after finding a girl, 14, having allegedly drug-fuelled sex near a beach overnight.

Holidaymakers faced huge traffic jams north and south yesterday as they tried to leave Auckland.The Northern Gateway toll road and the Kopu Bridge entry to Coromandel Peninsula were jammed as thousands deserted the city.

White string across the Coromandel's iconic Cathedral Cove rock archway has failed to stop visitors from posing for photos.

New Year's Day is tipped to offer sunny weather for most of the country and some respite from the recent muggy, humid weather.

Visitors heading for Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel this year should take care when walking through the cove's iconic archway, the Department of Conservation (DOC) warned today.

The beach wedding between Mr Hide and former squash player Louise Crome will be a double celebration for Mr Hide, who turned 54 on Thursday, and a joyful way to end the year after political upheavals in his party.

A proposal to put the iconic New Chums Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula into public ownership through a private-public deal is being considered by the Department of Conservation.

A plan to put one of the country's most pristine beaches back in public hands has been presented to the Government.

Cate Foster is ready to wear the crown of river queen as she takes a leisurely ferry cruise.

Deep water fishing is firing at the moment, with large numbers of kingfish over deep pinnacles and reefs in the Hauraki Gulf.

Wilderland, an alternative community on the Coromandel Peninsula, has been ordered to evacuate and demolish all its dwellings.