Crews have been working around the clock responding to flooding, clearing debris, reopening roads and checking infrastructure across the district following a recent weather event. For the most up to date information, read our latest blog.

A slip has affected the Two Mile Water Treatment Plant along Queenstown-Glenorchy Road. We're asking residents and businesses in the following areas to reduce water use where possible while crews work to restore normal service: Fernhill & Sunshine Bay, Queenstown CBD and Frankton Road. Further information in our latest media release.

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Your Council

Friday, 28 August 2026

Latest update on Queenstown Lakes weather event

Here's the latest information on impacts from the recent weather event.

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WELFARE

A Civil Defence Welfare Hub was opened at 1.00am on Friday morning (28 August) at the Queenstown Memorial Centre to support residents and visitors who had been evacuated by FENZ and Police following the heavy rain. Evacuees were from Sunshine Bay / Fernhill, Kelvin Heights and Qbox Motorhome Queenstown.

45 people were registered at the Welfare Hub, with 36 then being supported into emergency accommodation in local hotels.

BUILDING ASSESSMENTS

Eight residential addresses have been identified for Rapid Building Assessments. These assessments are in progress, and the EOC welfare team is in the process of contacting the evacuated parties and homeowners directly to confirm their status and any potential extension to their temporary accommodation.

Qbox Motorhome Queenstown on Bowen Street will be assessed shortly.

Assessments will continue into the weekend.

THREE WATERS

A slip affected the Two Mile Water Treatment Plant along Queenstown-Glenorchy Road, resulting in a disruption to supply.

Supply has now been restored and reservoirs are refilling.

A conserve water notice for Fernhill, Sunshine Bay, Queenstown CBD and Frankton Road remains in place while the reservoirs recover. Residents and businesses are asked to reduce water use where possible.

ROADING IMPACTS

We acknowledge traffic impacts have been significant today. This is due to a range of factors, including storm impacts, debris, and emergency works.

Crews have been working around the clock responding to flooding, clearing debris, reopening roads and checking infrastructure across the district.

Good progress has been made, but the scale of clean-up in some areas is significant and has caused traffic congestion around Queenstown.

  • Gorge Road, Queenstown: The road is now open to one lane following an overnight closure. This is expected to reopen at 5.00pm today.

  • Bowen Street: Closed - resident access only.

  • One Mile Roundabout, Queenstown: A lot of surface flooding following a washout last night, the road is currently down to one lane with traffic management in place.

  • Glenorchy-Queenstown Road: Closed between One Mile Roundabout and Sunshine Bay turn-off due to a slip last night. This will remain closed overnight. Alternative route over Fernhill Road available.

  • Rees Valley Road, Glenorchy: Closed until further notice.

  • Paradise Road: Closed until further notice.

  • Greenstone Road: Closed to 2WD.

  • Skippers Road/Branches Road: Closed until further notice.

  • Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka: Open, but a slip is at the 9km mark. Whilst it's passable, please drive with care as there is a vehicle stuck in the slip which we hope to clear sometime today.

  • Various roads, Upper Clutha: Surface flooding is present on various roads throughout the Upper Clutha including (but not limited to) Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Ballantyne Road, Cemetery Road, Gladstone Road and Camphill Road.

  • SH6 Makarora-Hāwea: NZTA is advising this section of road is closed due to multiple slips. We'll provide an update when we get one, otherwise check in on NZTA channels.

  • SH6 Luggate: Surface flooding and scouring present, but road is open to both lanes.


TRAIL AND FIELD IMPACTS

All sports fields across the district are closed.

A number of trails around our district have also been impacted from the overnight weather event resulting in some closures and caution warnings for trail users:

Closed:

  • Matakauri Wetlands

  • Hugo Tunnel

  • Little Road to Huge Tunnel switchbacks

  • Twin Rivers Trail (Bridesdale to Morven Ferry)

  • Lake Hayes Loop

  • Shotover Gorge (Little Road to Kimi Akau Bridge)

  • Swain Bridge (from Southern Discoveries carpark)

  • Arrow Rivers (Tobins Track side)

Caution Advised:

  • Fernhill Track (between Thompson Street and Cameron Place)

  • Cardrona River Track (The Hook)

  • Arrow River Bridges Loop

  • Arrow River (Morven Ferry to Edgar Bridge)

  • Wharehuanui (Coronet Station Rd onto Malaghans Rd)

  • Wharehuanui (section at new boardwalk)

All closures will remain in place while assessments and any necessary remedial work are undertaken.

Finally, we want to thank everyone involved in the response to date as well as the community for its patience and understanding while we work to reopen roads and trails.

It’s been a big effort, and while there’s still some work to do, we hope everyone has a safe and dry weekend.