A long recovery lies ahead for Nelson and Tasman, following the recent bout of severe weather

Almost a hundred homes have been deemed uninhabitable, and a state of emergency remains in place.

Sections of State Highway 6 and 63 remain closed.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says major infrastructure has been affected, including Nelson's main water pipeline.

She says there's many slips they'll need to look at, while simple things such as playgrounds have been completely washed away.

Contractors have now restored road access between Blenheim and Rai Valley.