Kaiteriteri gas leak: Roads reopen, evacuation order ends at beach near Motueka

Roads have reopened and evacuees are allowed back to their properties after a large gas leak sparked an emergency response at a holiday hotspot in the north of the South Island.

Campground and apartment residents and visitors at Kaiteriteri Beach were told to leave the area after an LPG leak at the beachfront community near Motueka early today.

The leak was understood to have occurred at the Waterfront Restaurant on Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Rd.

But just before noon, Fire and Emergency assistant district commander Chris Best said they were now “scaling back” the response.

One crew remained at the scene to ensure the gas was completely dispersed, Best said.

“They’re expected to leave later this morning.“

Roads had reopened and people were allowed to return to evacuated properties.

“I would like to thank the public for their co-operation and crews for working hard to ensure the area is safe.”

Nelson's Kaiteriteri Beach and campground are Kiwi favourites during the holidays. Photo / nelsontasman.nz

Best said earlier that the leak appeared to have come from external gas tanks, and they were ventilating buildings and clearing gas from drains.

Firefighters from Kaiteriteri, Motueka, Upper Moutere, Māpua and Nelson responded to the incident.