A problem during a planned water outage which sent water flooding down Aubrey Road on Friday (July 12) is being investigated by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

A resident described what looked like “massive burst pipes” near the intersection of Aubrey and Anderson Roads, saying the event exposed gravel down both sides of Aubrey Road as the water flowed downhill towards the Holy Family Catholic School.

A QLDC spokesperson said “a complication during a planned water outage and associated works” resulted in the “unexpected and uncontrolled release of water along Aubrey Road”. 

The water flow scoured out gravel alongside Aubrey Road.

“We apologise to motorists and residents and are currently investigating the incident to understand exactly what occurred,” he told the Wānaka App.

Work crews were working under lights on Friday afternoon and evening to deal with the problem. 

“Our infrastructure team expects to receive the investigation report from our contractors mid/late this week,” the council spokesperson said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App