A popular side trip off the Milford Track, the Sutherland Falls track - which was closed in late October after a large rockfall - could reopen for the start of the Great Walks season in October or November this year.
The rockfall swept across the track and is still considered unstable, making the area unsafe for users.
The Department of Conservation decided to move the track away from the slide path and is building a new track section.
The new track, giving Milford Track trampers the chance to stand under the world-renowned 580m falls, will feature two new 33m cable suspension bridges over Staircase Creek.
