Campers at the popular Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park were caught unawares by the landslide, despite warnings from concerned locals. Stormy conditions have battered much of the Bay of Plenty this week, triggering road closures, flooding, property damage and multiple landslides. Two people were killed by the early morning landslide on Welcome Bay Rd. Several residents along Welcome Bay Rd were forced to evacuate, with five people receiving medical treatment at the scene. “We have seen the tragic consequences of landslides at Welcome Bay and with the ongoing search at Mount Maunganui Hot Pools and Camping Ground.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 25, 2026 02:30 UTC