Only a few properties are still without power after an extreme storm caused chaos in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago areas on Wednesday.
About 4500 homes and businesses were left without power after the wild weather downed trees and power lines in region, starting in Alexandra and later making its way to Queenstown, Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Aurora Energy external relations adviser Karen Melville confirmed that by 9.30pm last night all but 16 customers had their power restored.
Ms Melville said the "severe wind gusts and heavy rain caused widespread damage across the region''.
"Aurora Energy would like to acknowledge and thank all our contractors for their outstanding efforts in difficult conditions to clear trees and repair damage, often in inaccessible areas.''
Twelve customers remained without power last night in Ettrick due to tough terrain making it difficult for crews to access and repair affected power lines, as well as four customers in Makarora.
Power was expected to be restored to the remaining properties this morning.
Glenorchy residents were being supplied by a back-up generator yesterday, as crews repaired faults in the Bobs Cove area, where power lines were severely damaged.
About 140 customers in the wider area around the township were not supplied power from the generator, until repairs to the network supply were complete.
