"They have only one option - put their best foot forward," Westland Mayor Mike Havill said today, as Fox Glacier tried to pick up the pieces from its second air disaster in five years.
Eighteen tourists have lost their lives at Fox Glacier in recent years.
In summer 2009, two Melbourne brothers died when a section of ice at the terminal face of the glacier collapsed on top of them.
Five years ago, nine people died when their skydiving plane crashed just after takeoff from the Fox Glacier airstrip.
Flights to the lower glacier - well away from the crash site and out of view of it - were allowed to resume this morning, although bad weather had hampered pilots.
Glacier Country Tourism Group chairman Rob Jewell said the mood in the township was pretty sombre.
However, tourists were still arriving in town, and they could still do the walks.
"I don't think it will have any significant impact on the visitors to the town," Mr Jewell said.
He did not know if skydiving numbers had recovered since the fatality five years ago.
"Our total focus is on helping family and friends of those affected in any way we can, and supporting all other visitors who are also here.
"Pending visitors are advised that all other services at Fox Glacier are open and operating normally - guided walks, freedom walkers, hotels and motels. Tourists and visitors who are booked with these operators can proceed as planned."
Westland Mayor Mike Havill said Fox would recover.
"It's been a bloody disaster for them and the families. It's a big destination and heli tours are a big part of the glacier attraction."
Helicopter flights had been a growth part of the industry.
Mr Havill said it seemed the West Coast had its share of disasters.
Alpine Adventures spokesman Barry Waterland said only Glacier Helicopter flights taking guided tours on to the lower part of the glacier had been authorised to resume.
It was too early to know the impact on forward bookings. The police would decide when the rest of the glacier flights could restart.
"It's very much a waiting game."
He did not think they could restart until all the bodies and wreckage had been removed, or until the authorities determined they could not go any further.
"It's up to the police."
- by Laura Mills of the Greymouth Star
