A bid to set up a North Shore version of a Brazilian "love motel" has struck trouble after neighbouring businesses withdrew offers to hire out their carparking spaces on busy nights.

Inspired by the Lord of the Rings, a Dutch tourist attempted to climb Mt Ngauruhoe - but was ill-prepared for the task.

An Aussie couple who bought a Lotto ticket on a whim, while holidaying in NZ, are winging their way back across the Tasman to collect their $250,000 prize.

The opposition has seized on an article in the Economist which derides New Zealand's "clean, green" image as the Government continues to deal with fallout after Monday's mining plans announcement.

Environmental concerns versus a shrinking job market have left Thames locals split on the Govt's plan to open more Coromandel land to mining.

The lure of up to $4.3bn worth of gold and silver the Govt says is sitting in the hills is hard to ignore for some Great Barrier residents.

John Key says having to pay to use an internationally renowned walking track "isn't ideal", but it is better than the track being closed.

Travellers have voted Auckland International Airport one of the world's best in the annual Skytrax World Airport awards.

NZ should be prepared for international criticism for its plan to open conservation land to mining, a tourism expert says.

Tourism NZ is looking to Scribe, Liam Finn and The Mint Chicks to uncover out-of-the-way spots for tourists and draw younger Australian travellers.

While the British and Irish pride themselves on their precisely measured pints of beer, it seems you won't find the same consistency in NZ.