The male driver of the north-bound Dynes Transport (Tapanui) double tanker died after his truck careered off a straight stretch of road at the entrance to the Riverstone Kitchen restaurant about 4.20am.
The tanker crashed through more than 10m of trees before coming to rest.
Nearly 60m of tyre marks were visible on the access road along Glenavy-Hilderthorpe Rd.
About 5pm police temporarily closed the highway, putting a detour in place, as a 100-tonne crane lifted the trailer tanker and the remains of the truck from the trees.
A company employee, who asked not to be named, was at the scene co-ordinating the recovery of the vehicle yesterday and said the death of the driver had had an impact on the company.
"It sends ripples through the company. We’re all a big family," he said.
"At the same time our hearts go out to the family [of the driver]."
Riverstone Kitchen owner Bevan Smith said the first of his staff arrived for work about 6.30am but the restaurant remained open and busy with school holiday customers.
The main entrance was blocked and an alternative access was used.
He said some of his staff and patrons were "a bit subdued".
"It’s a tragedy," Mr Smith said.
About 5pm he served food and hot beverages to those working on clearing the scene.
Crews from Jacksons Cranes & Heavy Haulage worked through the day to remove the truck in pieces, and a 5-tonne tree stump bowled over by the truck.
A Southern Fire Communications shift manager said volunteer fire crews from Glenavy and Oamaru arrived about 4.35am and assisted police.
There was some milk spillage at the scene and the Otago Regional Council was notified.
The Serious Crash Unit arrived from Invercargill about 9am to investigate.
