A bright outlook

The damage done to the Franz Josef access road. Photo: Rebecca Sharp

As the West Coast counted the cost of the floods - the weather news for Otago over the next few days is good.

Late yesterday, the MetService lifted its heavy rainfall warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes.

Otago Regional Council manager natural hazards Jean-Luc Payan said river levels in the Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawea catchments had peaked and were now receding.

The Waiho Bridge was more apparent yesterday. Photo: Wayne Costello

"The rate of rise for lake levels in Wakatipu and Wanaka is now decreasing, and water levels are not expected to increase significantly," Dr Payan said.

"Lake levels would remain high for the next few days and high flows from the headwaters would travel downstream.

"This will increase the flows in the Lower Clutha catchment, but the extra volume is expected to be well contained by the river.

"ORC staff will continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates as required," Dr Payan said.