Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Landslide hits NZ campsite; several missing
A big landslide happened at a holiday park in New Zealand because of very heavy rain.
The landslide buried some buildings and campers, including children.
Rescue workers heard people calling for help under the rubble, but they had to stop digging because the ground was still moving.
The prime minister and local leaders are asking people to stay safe and follow advice.
The area has been having very bad weather with lots of rain and flooding.
Two people died in separate landslides, and many roads are closed.
About 8,000 people are without power.
A landslide triggered by heavy rain hit a holiday park at the base of Mount Maunganui in New Zealand, leaving several people, including children, missing.
Rescuers initially heard voices from under the debris but none since, and no survivors had yet been found.
The landslide affected multiple campervans, cars, tents, hot pools, and a shower block at the holiday park.
Emergency services are working to locate anyone who remains in the area, with search and rescue efforts continuing.
The landslide followed Tauranga's heaviest single day of rainfall on record, with 270mm falling in the 24 hours leading up to the incident.
- Who
- Campers, including children, and rescue teams at Beachside Holiday Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- What
- A landslide triggered by heavy rain hit a holiday park, burying structures and leaving several people missing
- When
- Thursday, January 22, 2026, around 9:30 a.m. local time
- Where
- Beachside Holiday Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- Why
- Heaviest single day of rainfall on record (270mm in 24 hours) caused the landslide, making the ground unstable and dangerous for rescue operations
Rescue Teams
Local Authorities
Rescue Operations
Rescue Teams
Rescue teams are prioritizing safety and waiting for the ground to stabilize before resuming search and rescue efforts.
Local Authorities
Local authorities are urging residents to follow safety advice and evacuate affected areas due to extreme weather conditions.
- Location
- Beachside Holiday Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- Date
- Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Cause
- Heaviest single day of rainfall on record (270mm in 24 hours)
- Casualties
- Several people, including children, missing; two confirmed deaths in separate incidents
- Rescue Status
- On hold due to unstable ground
- Time of Incident
- Around 9:30 a.m. local time
- Affected Structures
- Campervans, cars, tents, hot pools, and a shower block
- Power Outages
- About 8,000 people without power
Sources
New Zealand: Heavy rain triggers landslide at campsite; voices of those buried heard beneath rubble
Several Feared Dead After Landslides Hit New Zealand Campground
Holiday park landslide in New Zealand leaves several missing
New Zealand rescuers sift rubble for landslide survivors
Several missing after landslide hits holiday park in New Zealand
New Zealand rescuers seek landslide survivors as weather havoc kills two
New Zealand Landslide: Several Missing, Including Children; Rescue Ops Ongoing
New Zealand landslides kill two as rescuers search for missing, including children, after heavy rains
New Zealand continues hunt for victims at campground hit by landslide
Six people confirmed missing after landslide at New Zealand campsite