Shotover update

The slip located above the Shotover River has remained active throughout today, with tonnes of rock continuing to fall,” Queenstown Lakes District Council emergency management officer Brenden Winder said.

“The slip is highly vulnerable, sizeable sections of rock are continuing to fall away with some of the rock falling into the river itself,” Mr Winder said.

The Shotover River had been closed by the QLDC harbourmaster between Deep Creek and the Oxenbridge tunnel (Shotover Jet operations are not affected) and the Department of Conservation had closed tracks providing access to the Shotover River through the Morning Star Recreation Reserve and the Shotover Creek Conservation Area above Shotover Jet’s base of operations at the Edith Cavell bridge. The Oxenbridge Tunnel Reserve and the Moonlight Track from Arthur’s Point to Moke Lake were also closed.

“It is critical that people stay well clear of the area, while the slip continues to break up. It’s a highly volatile zone,” Mr Winder said.

Both Mr Winder and Otago Regional Council consultant geotechnical engineer Jeff Bryant continued to closely monitor the area today.

“At this stage we plan to give a technical update to commercial river users tomorrow and again on Thursday. We will be discussing possible intervention options with them on Friday if the slip remains in place,” Mr Winder said.