GNS scientists have mapped tens of thousands of landslides from the air, following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Engineering Geologist, Kerry Leith, who was on board for the initial flyovers, says he's never seen such damage in the 20 years he has worked in the field.
Leith says the flyover mainly looked for landslides that might continue to move or pose a risk to life or safety - particularly near housing or critical infrastructure.
With the ground so saturated, he says many of the landslides are still moving and people should be aware of the risk.
Leith says many of the landslides will slow their movement over the coming weeks, but the ground will remain weak for some years.
Authorities will now be made aware of the most critical and high priority sites the scientists have seen.
Over following weeks and months the landslides will be assessed in detail and formally mapped.
