A man who tried to break up a fight between three dogs copped a bite on the hand and a trip to hospital in a rescue helicopter for his troubles.

A 20-metre fishing boat ran aground 30km off Whitianga on the southern end of Red Mercury Island.

Nothing says spring like the blooming of the kowhai or the opening of scallop season, says Sarah Ell.

Every year the Mercury Bay couple open up the front paddock of their sheep and beef farm and share their piece of paradise with 60 to 80 groups in campervans and caravans, plus a few tents.

A young child and a pregnant woman were among four people seriously injured in a three car smash south of Whitianga last night.

Small town New Zealand does wonderful and whacky to keep up our winter spirits.

Elisabeth Easther may just have to return to Whitianga in September for its famous Scallop Festival.

The Westpac Rescue helicopter is on the way to pick up a seriously injured cyclist after a crash involving a car near Whitianga.

So you've been tasked with organising a hen's party ... one option is fleeing the city and swapping novelty cakes and forced craziness for a weekend of fun and pampering.

Grant "Grunty" Wyllie was well-known and liked in Whitianga as a good guy whose passion was pig hunting. Or so his friends thought.

A trip to Whitianga is an adventure with wheels like these, writes Estelle Sarney.

Nicky Park plays leading lady during a rainy weekend excursion to the Coromandel.

The largest privately owned residential yacht on earth, aptly called The World, will anchor at Whitianga tomorrow.

Paul Rush explores the pink-tinged, sculptured coasts of Coromandel.

Featuring four mineral-rich hot pools, a day spa, a restaurant and a relaxation lounge, The Lost Spring is a great place for a getaway any time of year.

A Whitianga thermal spa is an instant de-stresser, writes Dionne Christian.

Shenagh Gleeson finds gorgeous beaches, fine art and good food on the northeastern Coromandel peninsula.