Coromandel businesses are thrilled State Highway 25A is opening before Christmas.
The vital link to the region has been closed by a massive slip since January and is re-opening well ahead of schedule in time for the holiday season.
But some fear not enough visitors will return to save their businesses.
Andrea Johnson owns a restaurant in Pauanui and saw her revenue halve since the highway closure.
Carole Williams owns a motor lodge in Pauanui and used her savings to keep her lodge open, and says the loss of revenue has taken a toll on her mental health.
Johnson and Williams spoke to Corin Dann.