By Gabrielle Stuart
It all happened like it was in slow motion - Hollie Hollander slammed on her brakes and watched in disbelief as a slip brought a tree down across the road in front of her, just metres from her car.
The Akaroa resident had been driving to Christchurch on State Highway 75 just after 9am today, when the slip came down.
It happened on a straight stretch of road near Robinsons Bay.
Ms Hollander said she was left feeling incredibly lucky she had seen the slip in time.
"I was driving along slower than I usually drive, because the road was pretty wet. I saw the earth move in front of me, and the tree came crashing down."
She said the tree fell about 10m in front of her car, and she slammed on her brakes and stopped just in time.
Although she was in shock, her first thought was to warn other drivers, she said.
She said the road was fairly busy, and cars began to arrive within minutes, but she was able to wave and slow them down.
Fulton Hogan contractors had been working on flooding further up the road, and arrived to help within minutes.
Ms Hollander said she was left feeling shaken but very lucky - and despite her raincoat and gumboots, very wet.
"I'll be in front of the fire at home for the rest of the day."
Police are advising motorists to expect delays around Waikato.