Wild weather has left behind a trail of broken bridges and closed off roads in the South Island

The only access to the Lake Ohau Village has been cut off by a washed out bridge, stranding residents and holidaymakers.

A slip on Aoraki Mt Cook Road has also trapped around 30 people in Glentanner, and about 100 at the Hermitage Hotel in Mt Cook Village.

Mackenzie District Mayor Graham Smith says as the weather eases, the damage that's been left behind is becoming clear.

He says it's a huge mess to clean up.