Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are struggling as the race continues to fix the collapsed Waiho Bridge.
The bridge, which was partially destroyed in flooding two weeks ago, is a vital link between the tourist hot spots.
The fall in visitor numbers is estimated to be costing the West Coast economy up to $3 million a day.
"Generally, at this time of the year, we'd be quite busy, the shop would be full we'd be flying lots of people up onto the glacier, but the last two weeks it's been pretty quiet," Fox Glacier Guiding CEO Rob Jewell says.
Rebuilding efforts have been hampered by the weather today, adding to the pressure to get it fixed.
Originally it was hoped the bridge would be reopened by Friday, but now the NZ Transport Agency say it will be next week at the earliest.
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