NIWA says Queenstown has had its wettest day in 24 years, with 87 millimetres of rain falling in the past 24 hours.
The drenching has prompted a state of emergency in the tourist town, with more than 100 people evacuated overnight because of the risk of landslips and flooding.
While the rain has eased, businesses and residents have a sizable clean up ahead.
Queenstown mayor Glyn Lewers spoke with Charlotte Cook
