Date:  21 December 2018

Flooding in early November caused a large debris flow to block the river and seriously damage the access road.

Wayne Costello, South Westland Operations Manager says a massive landslide in the head of Mills Creek causing all the issues is still very active and is being closely monitored. “We expect that future heavy rain events will cause further movement of the landslide and will mobilise more large debris flows that could once again destroy the access into the glacier valley.

“Despite the active landslip DOC and NZTA decided to reinstate access to the glacier valley this time, and work to repair the road and track has been underway since the start of December.

“We are mindful of the dynamic nature of the glacier valleys, but it’s great that the team have had a good run with the weather and that we have been able to re-establish access to the Fox Glacier valley for the busiest time of year here in glacier country, and before Christmas!” Costello said.

The Access road and track have been reinstated with support from the New Zealand Transport Agency, roading consultants GHD, contractors – Henry Adam’s Contracting, Robert McKenzie, Michael Sullivan, Franz Hire and DOC staff who all worked hard to get the access road open by Christmas.

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