A "spectacular" multi-million dollar homestead on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and the foothills of the Remarkables has been donated to the University of Otago.

Police are warning Cromwell residents to stay inside after a ''spate'' of mini-tornadoes left a trail of damage.

Judge learns what emoji are when the subject comes up in court after a man sent a threatening message via social media.

A paraglider has hit powerlines on Coronet Peak this afternoon.

The fire that cut off a small community near Queenstown is now under police investigation.

Many women who do the recommended amount of exercise may be harming themselves by eating too little, a survey indicates.

Another twist in the marriage saga of the country's most famous glamour couple as the pair fly out of Queenstown.

The 2017 road toll already stands at nine.

Dr Brett Mullan of the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) explains our holiday season weather and warming world.

A jab for a pregnant woman can protect her baby

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

The man killed in a motorcycle crash near Gore on Tuesday was convicted of raping and killing a South Otago woman in 1993.

Party-goers who attended an unauthorised event on Lake Wanaka's Ruby Island claim safety was paramount.

Any of the drunken teens who partied on a Wanaka island yesterday could have drowned, say despairing authorities.

An American motoryclist was found dead with his crashed motorbike two days after he left a hotel, and failed to turn up for work the next morning.

Hundreds of social media users have lifted the lid on an issue affecting the Pride of the South.

The death of a young Czech man who fell several hundred metres on Mt Aspiring is "tragic", the Mountain Safety Council says.

A man has died after falling several hundred metres on to the Therma Glacier at Mt Aspiring.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

The best spots for enjoying a Christmas hamper outdoors will be in the Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Central Otago tomorrow.

Spending in the lead up to Christmas had grown in Otago 12.7 per cent year-on-year.

The driver already had 125 demerit points when he was caught speeding four times in about an hour in the Lindis Pass.

A serial sexual predator of young boys has finished a three-year jail term but will now have to live in a residence on prison grounds

MP fought off challenge to gain reselection and contest the Clutha-Southland seat.

Christmas Day should be fine but be ready for thunderstorms in the coming days.

A person has been injured at a Dunedin trampoline park and is being flown to hospital.

What will the weather be doing on Sunday for Christmas?

A major Dunedin tourism operator says it may be time to reconsider turning away public bookings in favour of cruise ship passengers.

A man has been taken to hospital in serious condition with spinal and rib injuries after a paragliding crash in Queenstown.