Local favorite and visitors a place in the Aoraki Mt Cook meeting have been badly damaged by the storm that hit the region last night. Fierce wind gust blew in the Windows image that frame views of the highest mountain in New Zealand, very damaging to the roof of the much loved Chamois Bar (pronounced Shammie).
MT Cook Backpacker Lodge Manager Justin Winter says the wind is really phenomenal.
"There is a wind gusting up to 180 miles that causes windows to flex and eerie creaking wood in front of the bar minutes before succumbing. Everyone has moved on from windows so that no one was injured. After the cave in we evacuated guests and staff of a bar and accommodation to the main wing lobby which is protected from danger. We then moved to the Hermitage of our 20 guests for the night. "
"The damages we woke up this morning was indescribable. Aside from the obvious caves in, water damage and is just a big mess everywhere. "
While lodging accommodations wing damaged, it will remain closed to the public areas can be improved.