The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced a two-week delay to the start of the Milford Track’s Great Walk summer season due to extensive avalanche damage caused by severe spring weather.

Bookings for the popular track between October 28 and November 11 have been cancelled and will be fully refunded, DOC confirmed. Hikers with reservations beyond those dates will be notified if further delays become necessary.

DOC Operations Director Aaron Fleming said significant snow and rain throughout September have caused large avalanches on the Milford Track, changing watercourses, damaging bridge footings and track infrastructure, and covering sections with ice and rock debris.

“Because of ongoing avalanche hazards, our team haven’t been able to get onto the track to fully assess the damage and begin repairs,” Fleming said.

“Safety of our staff and the public is our number one priority, and with wintry conditions persisting here in the South we’ve made the call to delay the opening now, to give those booked as much notice as possible."

Flemming said DOC staff would begin repair work once conditions improved.

DOC reminded hikers to always check forecasts, pack extra warm and weather appropriate gear and be prepared for all conditions, at any time of year.

They said that avalanche conditions and weather disruptions could occur year-round, and travel insurance was always recommended.

All affected hikers from the current closure would be contacted directly by the DOC booking team.