Fiordland alerts

Updated 18 May 2012

Fiordland National Park

For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure that this information is correct at the time of writing. However you should contact the local DOC visitor centre for the latest updates.

Hut and campsite fees are payable for all huts and campsites in Fiordland National Park.

Trip intentions

Your safety is your responsibility. Make sure you have the skills and the correct equipment to safely walk the track..

You should leave your trip intentions with a friend or family member who you will be in contact with before and directly after your trip or you can leave your intentions at Adventure Smart website.


Great Walks

Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks are now in winter offpeak season. Bookings are not required during the winter period, with huts operating on a first come first served bases. Payment is by backcountry hut tickets or backcountry pass which must be purchased piror to departure.

Bookings are now open for the 2012/2013 summer season. Bookings are required for hut and campsite accommodation between 23 October 2012 - 1 May 2013.

Milford Track

Open - offpeak walking season no bookings required.

  • Winter hut facilities - no hut ranger, radio or gas cooking facilities available.
  • Snow and ice is present above bushline - alpine skills recommended.

Routeburn Track

Open - offpeak walking season no bookings required

  • Winter hut facilities - no hut ranger, radio or gas cooking facilities available.
  • Snow and ice is present above bushline - alpine skills recommended.
  • Construction work is in progress at the Guided walks lodges at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie. Please obey restricted area signs and take care in construction areas.

Kepler Track

Open - offpeak walking season no bookings required

  • Winter hut facilities - no hut ranger, radio or gas cooking facilities available.
  • Snow and ice is present above bushline - alpine skills recommended.
  • Public access to the track at the Control Gates has been diverted to a temporary bridge at the down stream end of the Control Gates. This is to allow maintenance work to be carried out.

Great Walks Booking Desk

Open daily 8.30am - 4.30pm
Ph: +64 3 249 8514
Email: greatwalksbookings@doc.govt.nz

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Major tracks

Hollyford Track

  • Expect windfalls.

Dusky Track

  • Expect windfalls.
  • Care required on 3 wire bridges between Loch Maree and Supper Cove.
  • Snow and ice is present on the alpine sections of the track - alpine skills recommended.

Manapouri Track

  • Expect windfalls.

George Sound Route

  • Some minor windfalls.
  • Route in reasonable condition - no track maintenance planned for this season.

Hump Ridge Track

Changes to other facilities and services

Te Anau - Manapouri area

  • All walks are currently open.

Milford Road short walks

  • Lake Marian Track - Care required on parts of the track.
  • Gertrude Saddle Route - snow and ice present - care required.

Milford Road

Milford Road campsites

  • Open.

Mavora Lakes Campsite

  • Campsites open.

Borland Road

  • Open but care required.

Weather Information

New Zealand weather patterns change rapidly. These changes will affect conditions on tracks and routes in Fiordland National Park. Always check the latest weather report (www.metservice.co.nz) before you leave on your trip and be prepared to change your plans if conditions are unfavourable.

Fire restrictions

There is now a restricted fire ban in place Southland including Fiordland National Park.

Thank you for helping to protect our environment.

Didymo controls for Fiordland rivers

Biosecurity measures have been put in place for Fiordland National Park rivers to limit the spread of didymo, an introduced and invasive freshwater alga. Approved cleaning stations and control measures are operating. Please view the Didymo Controls for Fiordland National Park information leaflet which includes a map showing the control areas.

For further information about didymo and the control measures contact:

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Weather

Weather information

Learn more

Mountain safety council website

www.beacons.org.nz

Backcountry avalanche advisory website

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

View a list of DOC Visitor Centres
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai