Queenstown is preparing for the worst as the swollen Lake Wakatipu threatens to burst its banks and flood the CBD.

California geology officials have released an updated seismic activity map that they hope will improve earthquake preparedness.

Northland's drought may be endangering motorists - and stock - as hungry farm animals go wandering for food and water.

Queenstown businesses are being warned to brace for potential flooding as more heavy rain is predicted over the next two days.

The brief respite of rain for Northland farmers yesterday is not enough to quench the parched pastures.

More stranded trampers will be flown out of flooded walking tracks a day after 120 were evacuated from the Milford Track.

It's Bjork's fault. "One day it will happen," sings the Icelandic star on the prophetic 1993 song, One Day.

Corporal Apiata, who had been serving with the SAS in Afghanistan, touched down at Auckland International Airport at 5.15am yesterday.

The quiet of the no-fly zone has been replaced by the roar of airplane engines across Britain today.

Sydney Airport is ready to send flights to Europe after the reopening of airspace.

Another Icelandic volcano is expected to explode, potentially causing more disruption than Eyjafjallajokull.

Europe has received a sharp shock of awareness about its addiction to cheap jet travel.

A NZ couple's wedding plans are in tatters - they are grounded in London and their guests are waiting in Tauranga.

Tourism Auckland has had more than 200 offers from people offering rooms for stranded travellers.

Stranded travellers are piling into buses, trains and high-priced taxis in a frantic scramble to accomplish an increasingly tricky mission: Escape from Europe.