The quick actions of a Queenstown bus driver averted disaster after the brakes of the vehicle apparently failed as it was descending Coronet Peak Rd on Friday night.
None of the 35 passengers was injured in the incident, which occurred about 9.45pm.
Sergeant Kate Pirovano, of Queenstown police, said the 57-year-old driver was able to control the runaway bus after the brakes apparently failed about 500m from the exit on to Malaghans Rd.
The man "bled out" the speed on the road's incline and brought the bus to a standstill, she said.
"Passengers were understandably shaken up, but fortunately no-one was hurt and no property was damaged," Sgt Pirovano said.
"However, it could have been disastrous and highlights the perils, even in fine, dry, clear weather, of vehicles driving on mountain roads with long descents."
Sgt Pirovano said Queenstown police were keen to speak to anyone who was following the 1994 white Isuzu 45-seater bus, with the logo "City of Dunedin", as it descended the mountain from about 9.30pm.
Constable Craig Longworth was investigating the incident, she said.
The passengers had been on a Queenstown social club outing at the Coronet Peak skifield area.
Passengers on the bus alerted the police to the incident.
Police were alarmed by the smell of burning brake pads as vehicles descended Coronet Peak Rd yesterday.
Steam was seen rising from wheel arches as many motorists rode their brakes on the way down.
Sgt Pirovano said motorists should drive more slowly on the mountain and use their gears to control their speed.
