Massive slip in ranges near quake-stricken Kaikoura unlike any other

The massive slip in the Seaward Kaikouras (Mt Manukau) was caused by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Photo / Mike Scott

A huge landslide has filled a valley in the ranges of quake-stricken Kaikoura.

Department of Conservation [DoC] are unable to confirm how big the slip is on Mt Manukau, but locals say it's like nothing they've seen before.

The landslide has also flattened the popular Barrett's Divvy hut which is a popular stay for trampers walking the Hapuku Stream and its surrounding peaks and tracks.

The massive slip in the Seaward Kaikouras (Mt Manukau) has blocked a section of the Hapuku River and covered Barratts Hut. Photo / Mike Scott

The stream is now blocked, creating a dam. However, what that means - and whether it will at some stage burst - for those living in the area remains unclear.

The Herald flew over the slip this week, leaving a local helicopter pilot, who didn't want to be named, shocked.

"I've never seen anything like it. She's pretty full on," he said.

It's unclear if there was anybody in the hut at the time but there weren't any reports of missing persons.

A DoC spokesperson said the were aware of the "large slip" which was likely to have taken out the hut, but they had no further details on its size or which peaks were responsible.

"Our priority has been on the Civil Defence response and we will begin closer inspection of our huts and tracks in coming days."

The slip at Mt Manukau. Photo / Mike Scott

The bivvy was a basic two-person hut in what was classified as "remote back country".

"It is very low use and there are no reports of anyone missing. The bivvy is on a route not a track. Routes are described as track unformed and natural, rough, muddy."

The spokesperson said DoC was still assessing damage from the quake and there had been significant landslips and rockfall throughout the area.

"DoC is advising people to stay away from all DoC-managed tracks and conservation areas in south Marlborough and Kaikoura until further notice while damage is assessed."