A man has been arrested for allegedly hiding a knife behind his belt buckle while going through customs at Queenstown Airport.

The fire near Queenstown which destroyed 150ha of native scrub was likely caused by a campfire, authorities have found.

A huge scrub fire that has destroyed 150ha near Queenstown is now under control but it's still going to take days to put out as police investigate the cause.

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.

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.

A campfire has sparked a major bushfire that continues to burn out-of-control near Queenstown.

Three trampers feared missing in the heart of Queenstown's devastating bush fire have been found safe.

Nearly 800 property owners in Queenstown will be sent a reminder to register their short-term holiday rental room or house as visitor accommodation.

British singer Ed Sheeran has spoken out about his Kiwi adventures during his year-long hiatus.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a car on the road south of Cardrona near Queenstown.

Campground owners have been forced to increase security as freedom campers are parking nearby, then waltzing in and using their facilities for free.

So much for Summer - the South Island is set to get thunderstorms today, with heavy rain and hail forecast.

Police are "generally pleased" with behaviour at New Year's Eve celebrations across the country and say there were no significant issues or incidents reported.

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

A weak cold front will bring cloud, drizzle and showers to the country over the next few days but should clear in time for New Year celebrations.

Queenstown was the most inquired-about holiday destination for Kiwis in 2016 despite having the highest prices.

Four kayakers have made it back to shore safely after getting into trouble near Ruby Island on Lake Wanaka.

Driver fined for driving on the "completely wrong side of the road".

Wet weather today will clear throughout the country making way for a mainly fine Christmas weekend.

A man who caused the armed offenders squad to swoop on a Queenstown property has been sentenced.

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

The super-rich are booking into this just-opened lakefront penthouse.

A man appeared in Queenstown District Court charged with dangerous driving. Photos from a witness show a car being driven on the wrong side of the road.

Police are seeking witnesses after a woman was indecently assaulted in Queenstown about 4am on Sunday.

Overseas associates of missing man John Beckenridge, who abducted his 11-year-old stepson last year, are working with New Zealand police to track the pair down.

Four people got into difficulty due to bad weather and windy conditions. Three capsized from their plastic yellow skiffs. One was not wearing a life-jacket.

Asia is top of the wish list for Kiwi travellers using Cheapflights.co.nz.

A passenger onboard an Air New Zealand flight where an elderly man allegedly assaulted a flight attendant said he had to physically restrain the man.

Annoyed at a newspaper's questions, mayoral candidate gives back election donation.