A Nelson woman has discovered that one retailer will still go the extra mile when it comes to customer service.

Despite heavy rain beginning to ease around the Tasman region, flooding around Westport still has the town completely cut off. The rain is set to continue over the lower half of the North Island through Monday.

These luxury stand-alone apartments attached to an 87-year-old Nelson homestead are great place for a romantic South Island break. The suites were named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world's best new hotels in 2012.

Two South Island hotels are looking forward to big spin-offs after appearing on Conde Nast Traveler's 'Hot List'.