New Zealand Flood Devastation: Major Tourist Attractions Closed227


The recent devastating floods in New Zealand have caused widespread damage and disruption, including the closure of several popular tourist attractions. Here's a rundown of the major attractions that are temporarily closed due to flood damage:

Franz Josef Glacier

The iconic Franz Josef Glacier, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, has been severely affected by the floods. The glacier has been closed to visitors indefinitely until further assessment can be made of the damage caused by the floodwaters.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier, another popular tourist destination known for its stunning glacier hikes, has also been closed to the public due to flood damage. The glacier is located close to Franz Josef Glacier and has been similarly impacted by the floods.

Lake Tekapo

The picturesque Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters and stargazing opportunities, has been closed to visitors due to flooding. The lake's walking tracks and scenic viewpoints are currently inaccessible.

Mount Cook Village

Mount Cook Village, the gateway to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, has been evacuated and closed to the public. The village is located on the banks of the Tasman River, which burst its banks during the floods. The access road to the village remains closed.

Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound, a stunning fjord in Fiordland National Park, has been closed to boat tours due to flood debris and safety concerns. The heavy rainfall has caused landslides and debris flows, making it unsafe for boats to operate in the sound.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, another popular fjord destination, has also been closed to boat tours following the floods. The access road to Milford Sound, known as the Milford Road, has been severely damaged and is currently closed to traffic.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise with pristine beaches and lush forests, has been partially closed due to flood damage. Some walking tracks and campsites within the park have been closed, and visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest updates.

Whakapapa Village

Whakapapa Village, located within Tongariro National Park, has been closed to visitors due to flood damage. The village is home to several ski fields, which have also been closed for the season.

Napier

The historic city of Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture, has been affected by flooding. Some areas of the city have been evacuated, and the Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is currently closed.

Gisborne

The town of Gisborne on the North Island's East Coast has been severely affected by flooding. The city center has been evacuated, and several roads in the area have been closed.

The closures of these popular tourist attractions are a major blow to New Zealand's tourism industry. However, the safety of visitors and residents remains the top priority as recovery efforts continue. Travelers planning to visit New Zealand in the coming weeks are advised to check with tourism operators and official sources for the latest information on closures and travel advisories.

2024-11-22


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