Queenstown residents evacuated overnight due to flooding and land instability

Friday 28 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 28 Aug, 8:18am

In this story MetService

Approximately 45 people were evacuated overnight in Queenstown following heavy rain and slips. Firefighters attended 16 flooding-related calls in areas including Fernhill and Lake Esplanade. Heavy rain continues to threaten western South Island regions as a storm system moves across the country.

How they headlined it

5:57am7:44am

1. NZ HeraldFri 28 Aug, 5:57am

   Weather live updates: Flooding in Queenstown, evacuations as winter storm hits South Island (opens in new tab)

2. The Post via The PressFri 28 Aug, 7:44am

   Queenstown residents evacuate overnight after slips and flooding (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsFri 28 Aug, 8:18am

   Homes evacuated after heavy rain in Queenstown overnight (opens in new tab)

   • Flooding hits Queenstown, rain set to batter upper-North Island (opens in new tab) Fri 28 Aug, 8:18am