21 November 2025
The Milford Track is on schedule to reopen on November 24.
Persistent avalanche conditions coupled with unfavourable weather meant the work to reinstall some of the bridges wasn’t able to happen until this week. We’ve been in direct contact with walkers impacted by the delay. We’re all looking forward to getting the track opened and getting on with the summer season – DOC Te Anau Operations Manager John Lucas.
20 November 2025
No word on the opening date, we will let you know as soon as we know (see above)
11 November 2025
Milford Track closed. Good progress has been made repairing sections of the Milford Track, but avalanche conditions are still preventing full reopening, the Department of Conservation (DOC) says.
Windfall clearance and bridge repairs are well underway following last month’s storm, but daily avalanches in the upper Clinton Valley continue to make the area unsafe for crews. Until the avalanche risk drops, the damaged bridges can’t be replaced.
DOC Operations Director Aaron Fleming says rangers from other regions have joined local teams to help with recovery work. “Safety is always our number one priority and right now the risk is too high,” he said. “It wouldn’t make sense to install a bridge directly in the path of a predictable avalanche.”
Milford Track closed, DOC is still aiming for a 19 November reopening
DOC will contact booked walkers if further delays occur. The alpine sections of the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks also remain closed until snow and avalanche conditions improve.
Fleming reminds anyone heading into alpine areas to be aware of the higher avalanche risk following late-spring snowfalls. “It’s not the start of the summer hiking season we’d hoped for, but we’re working hard to get things back up and running so people can get out and enjoy nature again.”