Wānaka tourism is gearing up to take another hit after a substantial road slip leaves hundreds stranded in Franz Josef, with the only road between Hokitika and Wānaka/Haast predicted to be closed for weeks, if not months. 

Natalie Ward, Manager of Wānaka Lakeview Holiday Park says: “We are slightly concerned that this will impact us as it is a main route for many travellers.” She also said she fears that visitors will “miss-out Wānaka” having seen a similar impact from road closures in the past. Already both Wānaka Lakeview Holiday Park and Albert Town Campground have seen several cancellations this week as a direct result of the flooding. 

Gizelle Regan, media and campaign manager of Lake Wānaka Tourism, says “at this stage it’s too early to speculate” in regards to the impact on tourism from the road closure but is working closely with QLDC and local businesses to communicate updates on weather, tracks and roads. “We are all working together to get businesses back up and running as soon as it's safe to do so,” says Regan. Although getting businesses back on their feet is vital in the immediate, considering this latest obstacle, the long-term challenge of tourist traffic looms ahead.