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."
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
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