Trampers stranded on Milford Track

More than 120 trampers, stuck in huts on the Milford Track near Te Anau after landslides blocked tracks out of the region yesterday, are expected to be rescued today as more wind and rain are forecast to strike.

A southerly front bringing gale force winds, rain and lightning, ripped up the country yesterday, battering buildings, and cancelling flights and ferry services.

Gales lashed the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks in Fiordland causing flooding and land slips and two significant landslides blocked the Milford road.

Trampers were advised by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to stay put in huts while roads were cleared.

So far the Kepler has been cleared for use, while people on the Routeburn were expected to walk out back towards the Glenorchy end of the track, DOC visitor asset manager Ross Kerr, of Te Anau, said. However, about 120 trampers stranded last night at three huts on the Milford Track would be evacuated later today by helicopter, boat and bus, he told The Otago Daily Times.

Constable Andy Grant of Te Anau police said up to 60 hunters were also in the area as part of this year's wapiti bugle deer hunt.

There had been no reports of hunters injured, and police would only become involved if an injury or life-threatening situation was reported, he said.

Yesterday's wild weather led to flight cancellations out of Wellington Airport as powerful gusts of up to 130km/h lashed the lower North Island and the east coast of the South Island.

Gusts averaging 120km/h brought down phone lines in the capital city.

More strong winds, up to gale force were expected to hit Wellington again today.

- NZPA