On a rough day the view out of the Faris' crib-cum-boathouse window can resemble a David Attenborough documentary as blue penguins are knocked over by waves and washed back out into Otago Harbour.
Boxing Day sales or the great sunny outdoors - it was a dilemma many faced yesterday.
Penny Skinley (4), of Dunedin, makes the most of a sunny day at the St Clair Salt Water Pool recently.
Ventnor St in Mornington, Dunedin, was cordoned off by armed police last night after a man shut himself in his home allegedly with a weapon.
A Dunedin family and three relatives escaped their burning Flagstaff-Whare Flat Rd home on Christmas morning thanks to their two dogs.
Finding a tale of survival against all the odds is not hard when looking at Otago's endangered yellow-eyed penguin population.
Two of Otago's coastal recreation spots are among 14% nationally where water quality is considered to be at high risk for swimming.
An ombudsman's opinion criticising the Department of Conservation's approval of a concession application ''raises some interesting questions'', Doc deputy director-general, policy, Doris Johnston says.
A decision by Doc to allow a 66% increase in overnight guided walkers daily on the Routeburn Track ''drives a horse and carriage through'' the Mt Aspiring National Park Plan.
Get out the sundresses and shorts for Christmas Day but keep the umbrella and cardi handy.
A close watch is being kept on Otago rivers as they drop steadily and little relief from rain is in sight.
Christmas Day could bring showers and partly cloudy weather across Otago, according to a MetService 10-day forecast issued yesterday afternoon.
High air pollution days in some Central Otago towns are happening up to 51 times more than the national standard for air quality, with less than two years until the regulations tighten again.
After recovering from the first wing surgery of its kind on a takahe, Orokonui Ecosanctuary's Paku had an excited reunion with partner Quammen yesterday.
It might technically be the start of summer but someone forgot to tell the weather gods - Dunedin recorded its 8th coldest December day yesterday.
A dusky dolphin and its calf play in Otago Harbour near Portsmouth Dr yesterday afternoon.
Bottlenose dolphins frolicking in Otago Harbour yesterday attracted crowds along the West Harbour roads.
November is turning out to be cooler and wetter than normal in Otago as spring's unsettled weather hangs on and makes life ''unnecessarily difficult'' for farmers.
Problems have hit the yellow-eyed penguin breeding season for the third year in a row.
An app being developed by Otago Polytechnic students may help dog owners avoid beaches and tracks frequented by wildlife.
