United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Tourists stranded by flooding in New Zealand
Tourists have been stranded by flooding in New Zealand’s South Island, which saw more than a metre of rain in less than three days.
More rain is expected, which could lead to further floods, according to New Zealand’s Metservice.
A state of emergency has been declared in the popular tourist spot of Milford Sound and also in Southland.
On Tuesday, around 30 tourists were rescued by helicopter from Howden Hut, near Fiordland’s Lake Howden.
The hut was hit by a landslide in the early hours of the morning, leaving two occupants with minor injuries.
So far, 70 people have been evacuated from State Highway 94, the only road into Milford Sound, which was closed due to flood damage.
Some 382 people were reported trapped yesterday, but the number stranded today has fallen to under 200.
Some of those trapped are staying at a lodge on higher ground, while others are staying on tourist boats.
The region’s emergency management controller Angus McKay told Sky News: "They have plenty of food and are safe and warm."
Related News Stories:
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
Tricia Handley-Hughes on Inteletravel’s Growth and Challenges
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
BA pilot dies during layover
Boy falls to death on cruise ship