The Department of Conservation (Doc) announced yesterday the Milford Track season would be delayed by two weeks due to spring avalanche damage.
Bookings from October 28 to November 11 would be cancelled and refunded.
Walkers with bookings beyond those dates would be advised as soon as possible if further delays were likely.
Doc operations director Aaron Fleming said significant snow and rain throughout September had caused large avalanches on the Milford Track, changing watercourses, damaging bridge footings and track infrastructure and covering sections with ice and rock debris.
"Because of ongoing avalanche hazards, our team haven’t been able to get on to the track to fully assess the damage and begin repairs."
Repair work would start once conditions improved, he said.
The bookings for the track sold out in 30 minutes in late May, with more than 7000 tickets sold.
Mr Fleming said the plan was to reopen the track after November 11.
Doc Te Anau operations manager John Lucas said Doc was working towards that date to reopen, but it was dependent on the weather.
"Storm-related closures do happen here from time to time. This part of the world is famously wet and the rugged landscapes — which are the main appeal of the track — are prone to avalanches and slips. Hikers are aware of these risks when they book."
Fiordland Community Board chairwoman Diane Holmes said the area had been very wet.
"I have been here for a lot of years, and some years it rains a lot, and this year is one of those years," she said.
"It isn’t the first time the track won’t be open and it won’t be the last. A few years ago, it was all set to open then a wind came through and all these trees blew down. So it does happen.
"There are lots of tourists heading into Milford already. Not as many hikers, but they will be coming."
Fiordland Business Association Nathan Benfell said businesses would feel the pressure of two weeks of trampers not coming to walk the track.
"It will be a loss of two weeks’ income. But I am sure it was not an easy decision to make.
"Perhaps though they may still come and go to Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound, or do another walk in the area."
