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

You know you're in Northland when Santa arrives by waka ama with a United Tribes flag flying proudly from the back of his canoe.

The video features a host of Kiwi stars in beautiful Northland locations, from Rachel Hunter to Eliza McCartney.

The Bay of Islands' biggest jewel is ideal for a classic Kiwi beach break, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Thousands of tourists arrived in the Bay of Islands this morning on the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship to be greeted by storm clouds and the power cut.

EXCLUSIVE: Hayley Holt has confirmed she will stand for the Green Party at next year's general election.

Burglars who broke into a jeweller's premise went for the best quality items.

The owners of a Kerikeri jewellery business are reeling after thieves targeted the best bling in the shop. Manufacturing and retail

Alex Braae visits the Treaty Grounds - a perfect spot to soak up a little of our history.

A Northland farmer's first attempt at releasing a song internationally via social media has clocked up a whopping 12 million Facebook views.

The country's most exclusive luxury lodge that features 3km of pristine coastline, four private beaches and many intimate coves opens today.

When John Clarke hits the pavement to train for the ASB Marathon and his muscles begin to burn he feels grateful - the pain means he's still here to feel it.

SUP191016NADKIWI.JPG The dead kiwi is thought to be one of four that lived on Peter Nash's Puketotara Rd property. PHOTO / SUPPLIED by

A_SW241014NADCLASSIC9037.JPG Defending champion boat Team Vodafone will be back under a new alias. Photo/Stephen Western By Andrew

At the birthplace of the nation, Winston Aldworth and his kids encounter our gritty past.

Almost 2000 foreign tourists have experienced the Bay of Islands as the cruise ship season kicked off this week.

A_MC230814NADPITA3.JPG HOT TOPIC: Pita Paraone has called a hui to discuss next year's Waitangi Day commemorations. PHOTO/MICHAEL

Two families have reached a custody agreement over the dog - named either Wilson or Bear depending who you asked.

A_040815HOSSPLDRAGON1.JPG - please run this pic with the story on page 2 Advocate Sat The "it!" Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival

Olympic gold medal-winners Blair Tuke and Peter Burling will be honoured with a parade through Kerikeri's main street on Friday. The

A former teacher who admitted using his phone to film women in a bathroom and teenage girls in a public changing room has had his teaching registration cancelled.

In New Zealand's original seat of power, Winston Aldworth finds a pub to celebrate.

Winston Aldworth checks into a property with postcard views of prime New Zealand scenery.

A 22-metre long blue whale washed up on a private Far North beach has excited a marine mammal expert but also sparked a health warning as the giant sea creature decomposes.

Police have arrested three young men following a number of burglaries in the Kerikeri region over the past couple of weeks.

The two people who died, Vernon Lawrence-Samuels and Ryan Wikaira, both 23, had been at rugby training before the accident.

On the way out to Moturua Island, our guide pointed out a spectacular mansion on the sprawling hillsides of Russell.

The completion of a settlement of major Treaty of Waitangi claims is in the balance after a hui was held to resolve issues over its management.

Jane Jeffries discovers the places that say 'yes' to dogs.

A Tauranga family has been reunited with their beloved cat 16 months after it went missing.