Trampers urged not to take route lightly
Stunningly beautiful yet treacherous — the popular Brewster Glacier near Haast is exploding in popularity. However, backcountry experts are warning trampers not to underestimate the dangers.
Metalwork sculptor spreads his wings
Metalwork sculptor spreads his wings
It was a steel kiwi taking flight with helium balloons last year that caught the attention of new followers and customers of metalwork artist Nicolas Lupacchino.
Epic mountain bike event making 2026 comeback
Epic mountain bike event making 2026 comeback
One of New Zealand’s most iconic mountain bike events, the Lake Hāwea Epic, returns next year after a five-year hiatus.
Blood tests now free in Wānaka
Blood tests now free in Wānaka
The government has made blood tests in Wānaka and Te Anau free, after months of advocating from the growing townships.
'It’s a big worry for the natural environment'
'It’s a big worry for the natural environment'
Wānaka residents have launched a petition to resist freedom camping in their area, saying the authorities have done a backflip.
Central Otago — the heart of mountainbiking
Central Otago — the heart of mountainbiking
Perhaps you have not thought to yourself, "we need a book of the best mountain biking photography across New Zealand", but someone has.
$11.5k butter bid at food charity fundraiser
$11.5k butter bid at food charity fundraiser
Butter was on the menu at the Food for Love charity gala dinner, and a record bid of $11,500 worth.
‘An incredible journey’: Currie retires
‘An incredible journey’: Currie retires
After 16 years of competing at the highest level of endurance sport, New Zealand triathlete Braden Currie has officially announced his retirement from professional Ironman racing.
From living on noodles to selling a $6m business
From living on noodles to selling a $6m business
Thirty years after visiting Wānaka on the cheap as a backpacker, Dave Brown is selling a business in the centre of town worth more than $6 million.
Locals with hoses help douse Wānaka fire
Locals with hoses help douse Wānaka fire
Locals with garden hoses helped busy Wānaka fire crews last night.
Serious paragliding accident near Wānaka
Serious paragliding accident near Wānaka
A person has been transported to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition after a paragliding accident near Wānaka.
Proposed new Maccas site more to some people's taste
Proposed new Maccas site more to some people's taste
McDonald's latest Wānaka proposal is serving up split opinions - with some residents seeing it as a more palatable offer, and others concerned they will not get a say about it.
One in serious condition after car-bicycle crash
One in serious condition after car-bicycle crash
One person was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after a collision between a car and bicycle on State Highway6 in the Gibbston Valley.
‘Gardening guru’ celebrates 20 years
‘Gardening guru’ celebrates 20 years
When Yvonne Laukens was deciding what career to embark on as a young woman back in the Netherlands, she wanted plants, gardens and agriculture.
World’s smallest jet to feature in Warbirds 2026
World’s smallest jet to feature in Warbirds 2026
The world’s smallest jet — the Bede BD-5 — is set to appear at the Warbirds over Wanaka airshow next Easter for the first time.
MAC student’s app helping teens find jobs
MAC student’s app helping teens find jobs
A 13-year-old with dreams of buying a new fishing rod has developed a web app to help local teenagers find odd jobs.
Foundation aims to improve healthcare
Foundation aims to improve healthcare
Private funding from a new hospital foundation will keep healthcare "local and accessible" for people in Central Otago and Upper Clutha, Dunstan Hospital’s chief executive says.
Banger a sizzling hot winner at national sausage awards
Banger a sizzling hot winner at national sausage awards
Wānaka butcher Simon Tiefenbach praised his team’s efforts after their sausage won a silver medal at the Great New Zealand Sausage Competition awards held in Auckland earlier this month.
Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market makes a return to Luggate
Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market makes a return to Luggate
The Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market is set to return to Luggate in December with three more dates to follow.
MAC Blues recognise dedication and skill
MAC Blues recognise dedication and skill
Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College celebrated commitment and achievement of its students in sport and the arts last week.
