James Beech

Glenorchy contractor John Henderson stands last week in front of the new $150,000 Routeburn Flats Bridge he installed, which will open for trampers this week.

After another year of clocking up 40,000km of icy water between Steamer Wharf and Walter Peak, the normally prim and proper Edwardian ''Lady of the Lake'' is letting it all hang out. James Beech reports.

Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans disrupted after fog at Queenstown Airport caused seven flights to be cancelled or delayed.

The operator of Queenstown's beloved ''Lady of the Lake'' has ruled out any notion of replacing her smoke-emitting coal-fired vintage steam engines with a cleaner, greener means of propulsion.

An extra 2700 primary school children in Central Otago and the Lakes districts will receive quality water safety education in an attempt to boost their swimming ability and save lives.

Tourism New Zealand credits promotions linked to The Hobbit trilogy for a 23% rise in visitor arrivals from the United States in the first three months of this year, compared with the same period last year.

The historic Kingston Flyer operation will remain laid up indefinitely unless a buyer stumps up the asking price of $2.5 million, owner David Bryce says.

The first wave of new-season staff are inducted, the snow guns are firing and a thick bed of snow covers Coronet Peak, as far as the eye can see.

Housing in Wanaka could swell by 1600 new dwellings if the proposal continues to clear the planning process, but there is dismay at the absence of affordable homes.

Natalie Lin last night became the first New Zealand violinist in 10 years to make the semifinal of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

A nursery for native and exotic plants to offer as replacements for removed wilding pines was an initiative backed by 22 members and supporters of the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group at its annual meeting last month.

Progress on the introduction of a new uniform for Wakatipu High School pupils from the start of next year is continuing, with pupils, parents and staff viewing the latest version last week.

Meditations on the past inform new paintings by two contemporary Queenstown talents in Artbay Gallery this week.

''Loosen up and trust yourself to play better than ever'' was the advice from Sir Michael Hill when 18 young hopefuls were welcomed to the Michael Hill International Violin Competition in Queenstown yesterday.