Aerial photos have revealed the staggering impact of flooding on the West Coast.
This comes as a state of emergency is continuing on the West Coast after the Waiho Bridge, south of Franz Josef, was swept away on Tuesday.
Video: RNZ
A huge stretch of road on State Highway 6 remains closed between Hokitika and Haast.
A woman was found dead near flood waters in the Arahura Valley, north of Hokitika.
She was named on Wednesday afternoon as Gloria Reardon-Hirst (66), of Arahura Valley.
Police said after an initial scene investigation, it appears she got out of the vehicle she was driving and tried to cross the floodwaters on foot.
Her death will be referred to the Coroner.