Stories by Tess Brunton

Visitors from around the world are drawn to Wanaka's stunning natural beauty, but they should know that it comes at a price.

Staff shortages are pushing businesses to recruit early to avoid being caught out ahead of an anticipated booming summer season.

A 65-year-old caretaker of a rural water supply is taking his first holiday in six years after the completion of a new pipeline.

Students at one Otago high school are going without their mobile phones in the classroom, and for one lunchtime a week, without wifi, as their school goes through a digital detox. Video

Queenstown housing developments and first-home buyers look set to benefit from two government announcements made today.

Tawaki - or Fiordland crested penguins - can cover up to 7000 kilometres in eight weeks while they fatten up for moulting season, new research has uncovered.

Only a decade ago, Cardrona village looked destined for a quiet future in its picturesque valley.

New Zealand's Winter Games - billed as one of the world's top five winter sports competitions - officially opens in Wanaka tonight.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa has re-launched its 'one-stop-shop' freedom camping website in a bid to encourage responsible camping.

Forest and Bird have welcomed applications for small tour groups to view marine mammals around the Otago Harbour and peninsula.

The Government has announced an $8.5 million fund to better manage freedom camping.

The Lumsden Rural Women's network is calling for the decision to shut its local birthing centre to be reversed. Video

Ōamaru Airport's new international aviation academy has received its first trainee pilot.

A fatal yacht accident that killed two crew members has prompted safety changes for boats in New Zealand waters.

A Dunedin sexual abuse survivor is fighting to change an Australian law preventing foreigners from seeking compensation.

Business is booming for the New Zealand tourism industry, with the number of international visitors climbing by more than 40 percent in the past decade.

An Upper Clutha community is in mourning as the search continues for missing helicopter pilot Matthew Wallis at Lake Wanaka.

A smart room created for the Blind Foundation has been called "game-changing" by its Dunedin clients.

Critically acclaimed hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar will kick off the New Zealand leg of his The Damn Tour in Dunedin tonight.

An Otago census field officer has come forward with a scathing description of its delivery operations.

Plans to build a multi-million dollar accommodation complex in Fiordland National Park have got locals and environmentalists on edge.

Some Queenstown businesses fear a new bed tax could ruin their livelihoods.

Waitaki District residents are no closer to discovering the source of an E coli spike that contaminated their groundwater.

Land Search and Rescue is experiencing a rise in call-outs as people get into trouble while searching for Instagram hot spots.