In the wake of recent landslides in New Zealand, many travelers are understandably concerned about the safety of visiting the country and the possibility of getting refunds if they decide to cancel their plans.

The North Island experienced a series of landslides on Thursday, triggered by unprecedented rainfall.

Tragically, a landslide claimed the lives of two individuals after it obliterated a home in the Bay of Plenty area.

The situation worsened when another landslide struck campervans, vehicles, and a shower facility at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park mere hours later.

This holiday park is located at the foot of the dormant Mount Maunganui volcano, a site of great cultural significance to the Māori community.

Known as Mauao, this small volcano is a favorite destination for hikers and families alike, celebrated for its stunning vistas of the Bay of Plenty.

The local council has now fully closed Mount Maunganui to the public until further notice as search and rescue efforts continue.

As many as nine people are thought to be missing, according to local media.

A landslide hit Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park at 9.30am on Thursday

Up to nine tourists are understood to be missing in the landslide

Tauranga City Council said that the mountain and the areas surrounding it are fully closed to the public until further notice due to the large slips that have made the area unsafe.

The council said that the recent severe weather has ‘significantly destabilised’ the mountain, creating an ongoing risk for further slips and falling debris.

Fencing is being put up in the area and security will also be present during the closure.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has closed the State Highway 2 Eastern Link due to surface flooding.

All westbound and eastbound traffic is being diverted through Pāpāmoa, which is causing significant traffic congestion, reports The Independent. 

People are advised to follow all detours and, if possible, delay travel. Those in the area are encouraged to refrain from non-essential travel.

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said: ‘Please remember to take care if you plan to head outdoors or travel. Slips, fallen trees, and dangerous driving conditions are still possible.’

MetService New Zealand said that the weather system that caused the torrential rain on the North Island this week continues to head eastward.

Mount Maunganui (Mauao) and the surrounding area in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand is pictured

While all weather warnings have been discontinued on the mainland, orange wind warnings are still in place for the Chatham Islands with gusts forecast up to 120km/h.

A yellow rain watch is also in place for the islands, which are found 430 miles east of New Zealand’s South Island.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not issued any travel advice relating to the landslides in Mount Maunganui.

General advice says that if a natural disaster happens in New Zealand, you should follow the advice of the local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency.

If you have booked accommodation near Mount Maunganui, it is recommended that you contact the operators directly for the most up-to-date advice.

The Beachside Holiday Park is currently closed and staff have said they will be in touch with guests as soon as possible.

Package holidays are operating as usual across the country. If you have an upcoming trip booked and want to postpone, get in touch with your tour operator or holiday provider; they may offer some flexibility.

However, if not, there are currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance, as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not issued a blanket ‘avoid all non-essential travel’ advisory for New Zealand.

The coastal town of Mount Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty is pictured 

Ellis German, Head of Travel Insurance at Co-op Insurance, told the Daily Mail: ‘Extreme weather and natural disasters can cause significant disruption to travel plans. 

‘If you’re due to travel to an affected area, your first step should be to check with your airline or tour operator for the latest advice on flights and accommodation.

‘Next, review your travel insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Terms can vary between insurers, and events may be classified as extreme weather, natural disasters, or catastrophic events. If you’re unsure, speak directly to your insurer.

‘It’s important to note that cover usually won’t apply if the event was known before you bought your policy or any optional add-ons. Changes to official FCDO travel advice can also impact your cover, so keep an eye on updates.

‘Finally, if you simply decide not to travel but your trip is still going ahead, this is unlikely to be covered by insurance. 

‘In that case, speak to your airline or tour operator about changing your dates. Where safe, continuing to travel can help support local communities that rely on tourism.’