Rockfall jams main road to Queenstown

2:00 PM

A massive rockfall in the South Island's Kawarau Gorge has completely blocked the main route from Cromwell to Queenstown.

Thousands of tonnes of rock have plugged the gorge shut, and police say the cliff area is still unstable.

Motorists now have to take an alternative route through Gore or the Crown Pass - both of which add a considerable distance to a journey to Queenstown.

Sergeant Roy Appely says it could take up to a week to clear the rockfall.

- IRN