At least two people have died after landslides struck the popular tourist destination of Mount Maunganui on New Zealand's North Island. The disaster followed days of heavy rainfall that destabilised the extinct volcano, also known as Mauao, which is culturally significant to the Māori people.
The first landslide hit a house in Welcome Bay early on Thursday, trapping two people whose bodies were later recovered. Hours later, a second landslide struck Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mount Maunganui, crushing vehicles and an amenities block. As many as nine people are thought to be missing.
Tauranga City Council has fully closed Mount Maunganui and surrounding areas to the public until further notice, citing ongoing risks of further slips and falling debris. Security has been deployed, and fencing is being erected. The New Zealand Transport Agency has also closed State Highway 2 Eastern Link due to surface flooding, causing significant traffic congestion.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any specific travel advice for the landslides but recommends following local authorities. Package holidays are operating as usual, but travellers seeking refunds may not be entitled to them unless the FCDO advises against all non-essential travel to New Zealand, which has not happened.
Those with bookings near Mount Maunganui should contact their accommodation providers directly. Beachside Holiday Park is closed and staff will contact guests. Travel insurance claims may not be valid unless FCDO advice changes. The public is advised to avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas and follow all detours.
