Google Maps sends South Westland travellers on nine

Tourism operators in South Westland say Google Maps is sending travellers on a nine-hour detour, with visitors cancelling bookings and changing itineraries, despite a shorter route being available.

The highway between Makarora and Lake Hāwea remains officially closed after a series of slips.

However, motorists are still being escorted through the affected section in three daily convoys.

Operators said Google Maps has treated the restricted section of road as completely impassable and is directing travellers from Franz Josef to Wānaka on a 738km detour taking just over nine hours.

Some visitors have also chosen instead to travel via the east coast and the Mackenzie region.

A typical journey through Haast takes about four hours.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours owner Dale Burrows said the disruption was having a clear impact, with passenger numbers down 40% compared with the same period last year.