Milford Track avalanche closure

The story so far

In October 2025, the Department of Conservation (DOC) pushed back the summer season of the Milford Track by two weeks because spring avalanches, snow and rain had damaged it.^{9 Oct 2025} The track had been due to open on 28 October, but heavy weather in Fiordland National Park left sections buried under debris.^{9 Oct 2025} DOC urged hikers to take caution because conditions were unpredictable.^{31 Oct 2025}

Latest

The Milford Track has reopened to the public after repairs by DOC staff.^{24 Nov 2025} The reopening followed several delays to the opening date caused by weather damage and avalanche debris.^{9, 31 Oct 2025; 24 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 9 Oct 2025DOC delays Milford Track summer season by two weeks due to avalanche damage.
2. 31 Oct 2025Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks reopenings delayed by weather and avalanche risk.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.