Fiordland National Park track & weather update

20 November 2009

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.

Changes to weather will affect conditions in the backcountry. Always check the latest weather report (www.metservice.co.nz) before you venture out and be prepared to change your plans if conditions are unfavourable.

• Milford Track
• Routeburn Track
• Kepler Track
• Major tracks; Hollyford, Dusky, Manapouri
• Changes to other facilities and services
• Didymo control in Fiordland rivers

Fire restrictions: There has been some recent heavy rain, however a restricted fire season status means a fire permit is required in the Southen Rural Fire District.

Summer season: From 27 October until 30 April 2010 inclusive summer tramping, hut services and prices apply. Bookings are required for the Milford Trach Huts and  Kepler and Routeburn Track huts and campsites. Conditions remain highly changeable at this time with snow falls effecting the Alpine areas of all tracks in the past week. Check the current status of tracks at the visitor centre before setting out.

 Trip Intentions should be left at the Visitor Centre.

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

All parties are strongly advised to carry either a Personal Locator Beacon or Mountain Radio. These are available in Te Anau.

Great Walks

• Expect tree falls covering tracks in places.
• Bridges in avalanche path areas have been removed for the winter.   

Milford Track

Bookings are required for the period between 27 October to 30 April 2010.

Track is open.
Patches of snow remain on places on track.
The main track from Mackinnon pass is closed due to avalanche danger - please use the signposted Emergency Track.

Avalanche prone bridges are not in place.

Routeburn Track 

Bookings are required for the period between 27 October to 30 April 2010. 

Avalanche prone bridges are not in place.

Lake Harris Outlet  to Harris Saddle

Track is closed in this section. Avalanches are occurring regularly in this area falling from above the bluffs which the track crosses and falling into the lake below. 
Very dangerous section!

For those walkers booked onto the track a helicopter ride costing $55 per person can take them over the hazard area. The helicopter will need to be booked when tickets are collected from either the Fiordland Naional Park or Queenstown Visitor Centre. Those who do not wish to use the helicopter option can obtain a full refund.

It is expected that the Routeburn Track will be fully open by the end of the month. 

Kepler Track

Bookings are required for the period between 27 October to 30 April 2010.

Track Open but alpine section could close again if there is another significant snow event.

Forest Burn Shelter to Irisburn Bush line
Pockets of snow remain in this area.
A marked track deviates from main track taking walkers above hazard areas. 
 

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Major tracks

Hollyford 

• Expect windfalls on the track
• One big windfall near Homer Saddle
• Annual track maintenance due to commence in November/ December.

Dusky

• Expect windfalls and slips on the track
• Snow and ice is present above bushline
• Alpine crossing not recommended due to avalanche risk
• Alpine and route finding skills essential

Manapouri

• Expect windfalls and muddy parts
• Annual maintenance completed in late August

Gertrude Saddle

Not recommended due to avalanche risk

Changes to other facilities and services

• Water is turned off at Mavora Lake campsite and also in the huts along Mavora walkway
• Borland road is closed due to snow
• Due to current avalanche danger please ask the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for safe walking options on the Road to Milford Sound

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 Parkinformation leaflet which includes a map showing the control areas.

For further information about didymo and the control measures contact:

• Department of Conservation staff;
• Fish & Game staff www.fishandgame.org.nz Southland region, or 
• Biosecurity NZ www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo, Tel:0800;80 99 66. 

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