Slips, flooding and track damage from the recent wild weather has further disrupted the start of the summer Great Walk season across Fiordland, Southland and Otago.

Hikers are being warned to watch out for heavy snow and the risk of avalanches.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming said 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 cove.

“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’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.

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.

Booked hikers affected by the closures will be contacted and offered refunds. In some cases (such as the Routeburn), alternative options may be available, and DOC staff will discuss these directly with walkers when they get in touch.

Conditions and the weather are changing quickly, so visitor patience is appreciated as DOC staff work through contacting customers ahead of their planned walks.

In southern Fiordland, the Hump Ridge Track has also sustained some storm damage however is fully open.

There is also damage to tracks and infrastructure in other parts of the region, including the Catlins, Forest Hill Scenic Reserve, and a large slip on the Dart Track in Mount Aspiring National Park.

“Our teams are trained and ready to carry out the necessary repair and avalanche control work, but we need a break in the weather to get in safely,” said Flemming.

Safety for both staff and visitors remains our top priority. We will directly contact booked hikers if any further delays or disruptions are expected.

“We want to get these tracks safe and repaired as quickly as possible."

"Teams have been out this week making repairs where they can, and we’re bringing in more people and resources as weather conditions improve.”

Visitors are advised to check the DOC website for the latest track alerts before setting out.

DOC will provide another update on the impacted Great Walks on Friday 7 November.