Stories by Tess Brunton

Trampers who plan to walk the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island this summer are being offered the option of a refund as the battle against bed bugs continues.

The government has unveiled a roadmap to overhaul antiquated and inadequate conservation laws while stepping up plans to address long-standing problems in the short term.

The conference industry is looking for solutions and optimism as it wrestles with significant losses from the pandemic.

Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are hundreds of staff short for the summer season with many struggling to find and afford workers.

The government is clamping down on freedom camping with harsher fines and more restrictions.

The lead investigator of a nationwide fight against wilding pines says they can't stop work to eradicate wildings or risk the tide turning against them.

Queenstown businesses are grappling with severe staff shortages, with some managers preparing to pitch in on the front line this summer.

The loss of international visitors to West Coast glacier towns has caused job cuts, businesses to close and people to leave, but further up the Coast, the picture is a bit rosier.

DOC says a start on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track upgrades is not far away after being beset by delays.

The Department of Conservation hopes to have a firmer stance in the next few weeks.

More than 2000 Great Walk bookings have been cancelled in recent months as Covid continues to take a toll.

In the midst of the pandemic, Larnach Castle's 150th celebration faced an unusual quandary - not enough brains.

Residents in Lake Ōhau are rebuilding their lives and homes while slowly restoring the scorched landscape after last year's devastating fire.

Holiday home owner Dave Honeyfield lost four properties in the fire but still plans to rebuild and retire to Lake Ōhau.

One of the country's major tourism companies is rebranding less than three years since its last identity shift.

South Island tourism operators are crossing their fingers ahead of the October school holidays as they wait to hear if Aucklanders can travel again.

The cruise ship industry says New Zealand is at risk of losing trips and companies if uncertainty around the border continues.

The two-year programme kicked off last year and is aimed at increasing the numbers of skilled workers involved in predator control.

Fox Glacier businesses are holding out hope for a school holiday boost after a long and difficult winter.

Franz Josef business owners say they are struggling to keep their heads above water after losing Aucklanders and international visitors.

The school holidays are just around the corner but some parts of the country are expecting to miss out on an influx of visitors from Auckland.

The Alexandra community is devastated their annual blossom festival has been called off as it entered its 65th year.

An independent reviewer says Invercargill residents should feel confident that their local council can do its job after a tumultuous 12 months that included potential government intervention.

Takeaway food is back on the cards from Wednesday for many New Zealanders, with South Island businesses already busy preparing to reopen their doors.