By Laura McQuillan
Franz Josef Glacier business owners are demanding answers after being left high and dry - many literally - after their water supply was abruptly cut off.
Weeks of fine weather drained local reservoirs, and while the water has come back on and rain is on its way, the damage is already done for many businesses.
The popular Landing bar was forced to close its doors about 5:30pm on Monday, unable to use water for toilets, taps and dishwashers.
Manager Mark Bentley told NZ Newswire the bar suffered a "pretty substantial loss" of business.
He was informed about water restrictions about three hours before the water ran out - but that was all the warning he got.
While the region remains on a boil water notice, Mr Bentley is just glad it was a one-night event.
"It's only a matter of time before we get rain, and rain's coming," he said.
It was also a frustrating night for the nearby Rainforest Retreat, which had about 350 guests on Monday night.
General manager Oscar Morgan says many packed up and left when the water stopped flowing.
"We had no warning and suddenly nothing came out of the taps. It was a hot day ... and everyone's been out doing activities, came back and wanted a nice shower, and we had a lot of people piling into reception telling us they couldn't," he says.
"A lot of them chose to carry on north or south to other towns with water. We've had a few motel rooms not bother checking in, so we've lost quite a lot of business from it."
Mr Morgan was disappointed with a lack of communication from the council - with an email warning of severe water restrictions less than an hour before the water ran out.
Glacier Country tourism spokesman Marcel Fekkes - also a local businessman - agreed the council's communication was less than ideal.
"I guess the council may have got a little bit caught out there, they certainly weren't aware that it was actually going to have such a hiccup.
"You can rest assured the community will be [tapping] on the council's shoulder to make sure that it doesn't happen again."
Mr Fekkes was apologetic to tourists affected by the cut-off, but wanted to reassure them the town is back to normal.
NZN