3 Nov 2014

Wind gusts flip tourists' campervan

6:56 am on 3 November 2014

Gale force winds ripping through much of the country overturned a campervan yesterday near Mount Cook, trapping four tourists inside.

Police say the campervan was blown onto its side after crossing the Hooker River Bridge near Mount Cook Village yesterday morning.

They say the tourists, a French family, were trapped for about 20 minutes and were not hurt.

Wind gusts of about 160 kilometres an hour battered the region yesterday. MetService says the winds should continue to ease throughout today.

More on the weekend's wild weather

Rain prompts water warning

Heavy rain in the Southern Alps during the weekend has prompted a warning for Arthur's Pass residents to boil drinking water.

The Selwyn District Council says while no E.coli contamination has been detected, it cannot guarantee the water is safe to drink.

When a boil water notice is in place, the Health Ministry advises people should boil or treat all water from taps before drinking, brushing teeth, or using it in food preparation or to make ice.

The notice is likely to be in place for several days.