The start of Great Walk season has been delayed by bad weather in the South Island, with a number of tracks damaged or at risk from avalanches.
The Routeburn and the Kepler are partially closed, and the already-delayed reopening of the Milford Track has been pushed back by another week, again due to avalanche risk.
The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) southern South Island operations director, Aaron Fleming, told RNZ there had been slips, flooding and track damage across many of Southland’s popular hiking spots.
“So we’ve had quite a bit of snowfall, a lot of snow sitting up in the high alpine areas, and we have had some avalanches come down and cause some damage.”
Trampers with bookings on any of the affected tracks were being contacted by the department for refunds or to discuss their options, and people were encouraged to report damage to the department.
“We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out and urge them be prepared to turn back or change their plans if needed,” he said.
“Teams have been out this week making repairs where they can, and we’re bringing in more people and resources as weather conditions improve.”
Which tracks are affected?
The Routeburn Track is partially closed, with the section between Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake MacKenzie Hut inaccessible due to waist-deep snow and significant avalanche danger. Alternative routes may be available.
The Milford Track’s reopening has been pushed back by another week due to ongoing avalanche risk after recent snowfall. The track was already delayed by two weeks earlier this month because of avalanche damage, and the opening date was now expected to be 19 November.
The Kepler Track is expected to be inaccessible between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut for up to a week due to avalanche risk, and has also been affected by flooding in low-lying areas.
In southern Fiordland, the Hump Ridge Track has sustained some storm damage but is still fully open.
There is also damage to tracks and infrastructure in the Catlins, Forest Hill Scenic Reserve, and a large slip on the Dart Track in Mount Aspiring National Park.
DOC will provide another update on the impacted Great Walks on 7 November.
rnz.co.nz
