Tourism operators in Fiordland are struggling

Tourism operators in Fiordland already struggling due to the coronavirus, are now facing a double whammy, with the weather adding to their woes. Torrential rain all through yesterday closed the only road in to Milford Sound, trapping 382 tourists and workers and triggering a state of emergency. Another 120 are sheltering in three private lodges on the Milford track. There's been so much rain that the Metservice has issued its first ever red warning for south Westland - asking people to take immediate action to stay safe. The regional tourism promoter, Destination Fiordland, is urging tourists to check with operators before cancelling their trip to the area. Spokesperson Madeleine Peacock told Conan Young the terminal where travellers board sightseeing boats has been completely flooded.