Severe spring weather has led the Department of Conservation (DOC) to postpone the reopening of several Great Walks in the lower South Island, including the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks.
Hikers are being advised to take extra care due to track damage, avalanche danger and rapidly changing conditions.
Aaron Fleming, DOC’s Southern South Island operations director, said slips, flooding and snow had made it difficult for staff to reach and inspect large sections of the Great Walk network across Otago, Southland and Fiordland.
Rangers have so far been unable to fully assess conditions in many remote areas because of the continuing poor weather and the scale of the affected region. Mr Fleming urged people to consider their plans carefully before setting out and to be ready to turn back or alter their route if required.
The Routeburn Track remains only partly open. The section between Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake MacKenzie Hut is still covered in snow up to waist height and remains under a significant avalanche threat.
DOC staff are continuing to monitor the situation and will reopen tracks once they are satisfied that conditions are safe. Visitors are being reminded to check the latest updates on the DOC website before starting their trips and to ensure they carry suitable equipment for cold, wet and unpredictable weather. Safety, Fleming said, must remain the top priority as crews work to restore access to these popular alpine routes.