Vandals have targeted the Beaumont section of the new Clutha Gold Trail, causing thousands of dollars' damage.

An elderly couple 'blinded' by a lightning strike on their home believe they had a lucky escape - they'd hung up the phone moments before it burst into flames.

This architecturally-designed two-storey house is nestled among a cluster of upmarket properties in a quiet cul-de-sac. It accommodates 14 in six sumptuous bedrooms and has three bathrooms and a galley-style kitchen. Views of Coronet Peak, Queenstown Hill, Ben Lomond and the Shotover Canyon complete the sense of luxury.

For further information see luxuryholidayhouses.com.

Justine Tyerman's wish for snow is granted during a pilgrimage to her spiritual home.

Student numbers are expected to increase at the University of Otago next year, turning around three years of declining enrolments at the institution.

A Central Otago farmer - said to be in the process of brokering a multimillion-dollar export deal with the United Arab Emirates.

Lloyd Esler describes himself as a "cold hard sceptic", but even he is starting to believe otters may have made themselves at home in Southland.

Sarah Lang finds Dunedin is much more than a city of Scots and scarfies — and a special spot for a weekend getaway.

A man is dead after his quad bike apparently crashed in steep terrain in central Otago over the weekend.

The hairy faces of three Otago rugby players were shaved at Dunedin Hospital yesterday to raise about $5000 in funds for the children's ward.

One person has been injured in a single vehicle crash near Lake Hawea in Central Otago.

He received death threats for blowing the whistle on a multi-million dollar defence scam - now a retired US Air Force officer is living a quiet life in Central Otago.

Adventure capital Queenstown has a quiet appeal, writes Cate Foster.

The UK's Daily Telegraph asked NZ Prime Minister John Key, about Queenstown, including his favourite sights, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Archaeologists yesterday battled against the tide to rescue 14th century moa bones from a "significant" historical settlement at Awamoa Creek, south of Oamaru.

An "insurmountable" lack of radiologists has forced the Southern District Health Board to relinquish the southern breast-screening service from the middle of next year, the board announced yesterday.

A pair of US tourists had to be rescued by a police search and rescue team after becoming stranded on the banks of the Haast River yesterday afternoon.

Queenstown has a wide range of exciting activities on offer, discover Spy editors Andy Pickering and Ricardo Simich.

Police investigations into the death of an Otago remand prisoner have been stepped up following the involvement of New Zealand's police watchdog in the case.

Tramper's instinct proves more reliable than GPS in high country, writes Martin Johnston.

Ryan Karl Tapsell, 40, was sentenced in Dunedin District Court on Friday to four years in prison after being convicted of 15 charges under the Fisheries Act 1996.

Donna McIntyre escapes the city on a campervan holiday.