Mount Maunganui near Tauranga is a popular destination for holidaymakers.imago
Several people, including children, are missing after a serious landslide at a campsite on Mount Maunganui in New Zealand.
01/22/2026, 07:0901/22/2026, 07:09
The landslide destroyed parts of the well-known camping area and tents were flattened by the mud, the police said. Eyewitnesses reported that cries for help could be heard from a toilet block.
People on the roof tried desperately to get to those trapped. After about 15 minutes, the voices fell silent, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported, citing a man involved in the rescue operation. The moment of the accident could be seen on videos circulating on the Internet.
Exact number of missing people unclear
Police Chief Tim Anderson was unable to give an exact number of missing people, but said at a press conference that it was “a single-digit number.” Because of the risk of further landslides, the rescuers had to proceed extremely carefully. But it is “possible that we can still find someone alive,” emphasized Anderson.
The seaside resort of Mount Maunganui lies on a peninsula and is known for its breathtaking nature, wonderful beaches and a striking extinct volcano – simply called “The Mount” by New Zealanders. The area is located in the world-famous Bay of Plenty region of the North Island. It is currently the summer holidays in New Zealand and many people are traveling.
State of emergency in several regions after record rainfall
In the nearby town of Papamoa, two people are missing after another landslide that hit a residential building. The accident was triggered by extremely heavy rain: more rain fell in the region within twelve hours than in two and a half months – the highest daily value since records began. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions.
There was also severe flooding in other parts of the North Island. A search is underway north of Auckland for a man who was swept away in his car while trying to cross the Mahurangi River. The emergency teams were deployed with drones, helicopters and rafting boats, among other things, as Radio New Zealand reported. (sda/dpa)