Hikers are being warned of track damage, heavy snow, avalanche risk and further disruptions to the start of the summer Great Walk season.
DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says wild spring weather across Southland, Otago and Fiordland has led to slips, flooding and track damage across many of the region's popular hiking locations and caution is required.
"Rangers have not yet been able to access and fully assess conditions in many areas due to ongoing severe weather and the vast area to cover," Aaron says. "We're asking people to think carefully before heading out and urge them be prepared to turn back or change their plans if needed.
"Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature's power and knowing when to pause or change plans."
Heavy snow and avalanche risk are key concerns, particularly on the alpine passes.
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.
The Milford Track, which opened two weeks later than scheduled due to avalanche damage earlier this month, will now be delayed by a further week because of ongoing avalanche risk following recent snowfall.
The opening date for the Milford Track is 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.
