The Milford Track summer Great Walk season will be delayed by two weeks due to spring avalanche damage.

Department of Conservation (DOC) bookings for the track from October 28 to November 11 will be cancelled and refunded. Trampers beyond those dates will be advised as soon as possible if further delays are likely.

DOC operations director Aaron Fleming said significant snow and rain throughout September had 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.

“Staff will begin the repair work once conditions improve and the debris melts enough to allow safe access.”

Fleming said avalanche conditions and other weather disruptions can occur at any time of the year and travel insurance is recommended for all trampers.

“The Milford Track traverses through the heart of Fiordland National Park. It’s a spectacular place … but it can be an unforgiving place when it comes to the weather. On average, it receives between 7-8m of rainfall a year, making it one of the wettest places in the world.

“We know this delay will be disappointing for those booked but safety is at the heart of our decision.”

DOC plans to reopen the track on November 11, weather conditions and repairs permitting. At this stage, the Routeburn and Kepler are not affected and have later opening dates.