A $760 million Northern Motorway extension to Warkworth has won Auckland Council support as a nationally important project rather than a "holiday highway" for Prime Minister John Key.

Once the kids see Reptile Park's residents, they'll want to stay and stare, writes Dionne Christian.

A 50-year-old Warkworth man suffered burns to much of his body after a backyard fire exploded.

Firefighters are battling steep terrain and limited water supplies to contain a large scrub fire near a pine forest in Dome Valley north of Auckland this afternoon.

A helicopter pilot needed medical treatment for ash in his eyes as firefighters battled a massive forest fire last night.

A 70-year-old man was seriously injured when he was struck by a motorcycle in a hit-and-run incident in Warkworth this afternoon.

Dionne Christian heads to Warkworth with the family to enjoy a sunny day at SheepWorld.

The Treehouse, an award-winning hospitality function venue created as part of a high-profile advertising campaign for Yellow Pages, is for sale.

Police are investigating the abduction and indecent assault of a young woman outside a college north of Auckland last night.

Tsunami warning sirens will go off in parts of Auckland today.

These historic spots on the city's fringe will take you back in time.

The township of Warkworth's community feeling is what makes it so special, Darryl Soljan tells Rebecca Kamm.

Usually, a crowded bar is a good sign, but this turned out to be a different story at Matakana House.

Cate Foster puts flowers in her hair and follows the hippie trail to the pukeko bridge and the charming Northland town of Kaiwaka.

Looking for somewhere to eat? Check out nzherald.co.nz's new restaurant reviews map.

Warm in winter, cool in summer, this Warkworth home has land to graze the kids' ponies on and its own bush reserve.

Just north of Auckland is a cluster of our best vineyards, discovers Susan Edmunds.

This sunny and spacious ranch-style property blends charisma with every modern comfort