The story of an annual family picnic tradition that stretches back to the start of the 20th century.

Lava caves, lava fields, pillars and tunnels are all part of Rangitoto's landscape.

Police have a word of advice for the thousands preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A bright, sunny and hot day is set to welcome in the new year in most parts of the country.

Holiday hotspots are filling fast, as New Zealanders prepare to celebrate the New Year.

Thousands of motorists spent hours stewing in traffic jams between Auckland's Northern Gateway toll road and Warkworth yesterday.

The Christmas exodus of people leaving Wellington has created a state of "absolute bedlam" on roads leading out of the city, police say.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English says the changes make calculating holiday pay rates more transparent.

Christmas will be warm and mostly dry in the north, wet in parts of the south and windy between.

A surge of Eftpos and credit card transactions shows New Zealanders are picking up the purchasing pace in the lead-up to Christmas.

It's officially summer. And, after a winter of discontent - and recessionary blues - it's time to warm up. Here are 25 ideas for making the most of Auckland this summer.

Police say many people take their eye off the ball over Christmas, giving crooks an open invite to their presents.

You start out with the intention of doing one thing ... but in the process ... a whole lot of other things come to light.

Briscoes Group, which owns Rebel Sport, Urban Loft and the Living and Giving chains, says sales are up and second half profits will be "well ahead" of last year.