Mount Maunganui Landslides: Travel Safety and Latest Updates After Fatal New Zealand Disaster
At least two people have tragically lost their lives and several others remain missing following devastating landslides triggered by torrential rainfall across New Zealand's North Island. The catastrophic weather event has struck the popular tourist destination of Mount Maunganui, prompting urgent safety closures and raising significant concerns for travellers.
What Happened at Mount Maunganui?
The disaster unfolded during the early hours of Thursday 22 January 2026, when the first landslide struck a residential property in Welcome Bay at approximately 4.50am local time. While two occupants managed to escape, emergency services later recovered the bodies of two individuals who became trapped within the property, according to emergency management minister Mark Mitchell.
Hours later, a second and more substantial landslide devastated the Beachside Holiday Park situated at the base of the extinct Mount Maunganui volcano. This sacred site, known as Mauao to Māori communities, holds profound cultural significance while simultaneously attracting numerous hikers and families drawn to its panoramic views across the Bay of Plenty. The landslide crushed multiple vehicles, campervans, and essential amenities infrastructure at the holiday park.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that initial search efforts detected voices emanating from beneath the debris, but rescue teams were subsequently forced to withdraw due to dangerously unstable ground conditions. Local media sources indicate that as many as nine individuals may currently be missing across the affected regions. Further north, an additional person remains unaccounted for after being swept away by floodwaters near Warkworth on Wednesday.
Current Closures and Travel Disruptions
Tauranga City Council has implemented a comprehensive closure of Mount Maunganui and all surrounding areas to the public until further notice. This decisive action follows assessments confirming that severe weather has "significantly destabilised" the mountain terrain, creating ongoing risks of additional landslides and falling debris. Security personnel are being deployed alongside physical barriers to enforce the closure.
Transport infrastructure has been severely impacted, with the New Zealand Transport Agency closing State Highway 2 Eastern Link due to extensive surface flooding. All westbound and eastbound traffic is being diverted through Pāpāmoa, resulting in substantial congestion. Authorities strongly advise motorists to follow all designated detours and postpone non-essential travel wherever possible.
The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence has issued additional warnings, stating: "Please remember to take care if you plan to head outdoors or travel. Slips, fallen trees, and dangerous driving conditions are still possible."
Weather Forecast and Ongoing Risks
MetService New Zealand confirms that the weather system responsible for the extraordinary rainfall across the North Island continues to move eastward. While all mainland weather warnings have been discontinued, orange wind warnings remain active for the Chatham Islands with gusts potentially reaching 120km/h. A yellow rain watch is also in effect for these islands, located approximately 430 miles east of New Zealand's South Island.
UK Government Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued specific travel advice relating to the Mount Maunganui landslides. Their general guidance states that during natural disasters in New Zealand, British nationals should follow instructions from local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency. Importantly, the absence of a blanket "avoid all non-essential travel" advisory means standard cancellation policies currently apply.
Holiday Cancellation and Insurance Implications
Travellers with accommodation bookings near Mount Maunganui should contact operators directly for current information. Beachside Holiday Park remains closed, with staff committed to communicating with affected guests as soon as practicable.
Package holidays across New Zealand continue operating normally. While some tour operators may offer flexibility for postponement, travellers should be aware that without FCDO advice against travel, there are currently no grounds to expect refunds for cancellations or successful insurance claims. Travel insurance policies typically become invalid if individuals travel against FCDO advice, highlighting the importance of monitoring official guidance.
The situation remains fluid as search and rescue operations continue at Mount Maunganui, with authorities working tirelessly to locate missing individuals while ensuring public safety across affected regions.
