They met "May-oris" wearing "butt flaps", posed with "horny beasts", and were confused about their geography.

Lake Wakatipu's brimming water level rose no further overnight and dropped slightly today, easing the risk of flooding in Queenstown.

River flow levels and a minimal rain forecast suggest Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu might only rise by a further 10cm.

Homeowners exploiting others with misleading claims about their properties ahead of the World Cup are sounded a warning by industry leaders.

Closing times at 4am could put a dampener on RWC festivities but the Government says any changes would likely come in after 2011.

A battle between three friends over a $17m prize has been settled on the day a trial was due to begin.

A tardy but lucky Aucklander has claimed a $500k Lotto prize, just one day before it expired.

Let's cut the rubbish that's being hyped about the Rugby World Cup and its effect on tourism, writes David Morris.

Overseas visitors spent 1.7 million guest nights in commercial accommodation in February.

A new agreement gives Air NZ access to parts of the US not previously available with its current airline partners.

The Auckland Regional Council has been ordered to pay almost $100,000 to a developer.

A bid to set up a North Shore version of a Brazilian "love motel" has struck trouble after neighbouring businesses withdrew offers to hire out their carparking spaces on busy nights.

Inspired by the Lord of the Rings, a Dutch tourist attempted to climb Mt Ngauruhoe - but was ill-prepared for the task.