Attempt to retrieve 4WDs stranded in Central Otago snow on hold

A group of 4WD enthusiasts will not be rescuing their vehicles today.

The 13 cars are buried in snow more than 1300m up the Old Man Range, near Roxburgh, after being abandoned almost two weeks ago.

A group of 38 people were stranded in the vehicles for almost 20 hours before being rescued.

Members of the group were stopped from salvaging their cars last Friday by the Central Otago District Council, but it indicated it had given them consent to rescue the cars today.

Christine Bennenbrook, who is the office administrator at earthmoving company Harliwich Holdings, said the car retrieval would not happen today.

It was not confirmed when it would, as plans were yet to be finalised, she said.

Council roading manager Murray Hasler said it gave the group consent to carry out the mission provided they followed conditions in the agreed-upon safety plan.

It was under the impression they would attempt a salvage mission today, he said.

"Every day they wait, that window of opportunity closes."