Walkers will have the option to hike the Routeburn Return — a four-day three-night return experience replacing the Routeburn Great Walk — beginning on March 12.
Department of Conservation Southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said since the February 3 storms, Doc staff had worked exceptionally hard, drawing on expert geotechnical advice to get tracks reopened as soon as possible.
“We know people are really keen to get back into nature as quickly as possible, but for us, safety has to come first. We knew really early on that the track as a traditional cross-alpine Great Walk adventure could not be safely reopened in its entirety this season.
“Now we’ve completed assessments, made some necessary repairs, and are pleased to announce access from the Glenorchy end; through to Lake Mackenzie hut is now safe for people to return.
‘‘Repairs have included flying in a replacement temporary bridge, fixing damaged bridges and track clearance.”
There is no access from the Divide/Milford Rd end of the track for the foreseeable future and the track will not reopen fully this season.
The Routeburn Return is longer and more challenging than the traditional Great Walk, as walkers will now trek about two-thirds of the original track before turning back to head out the same way, staying at either Routeburn Falls or Routeburn Flats each way, he said.