Clean ups are underway as the West Coast recovers from a deluge of rain

Franz Josef experienced its wettest 24 hours in more than four decades - prompting a state of an emergency for southern Westland.

State Highway 6 from Fox Glacier to Haast has been damaged by slips and flooding - it's closed until at least Monday.

Westland Mayor Helen Lash says the road is currently not passable.

She says they're not prepared to take any risks as it's slumped and got cracks running across it.