Safety considerations
Plan properly for your trip and make sure your group has a capable leader. Be sure you have all the necessary equipment and clothing. Physical fitness and good equipment will make all the difference to your enjoyment of the trip.
Always tell someone you trust where you are going and when you are due back.
Safety in the outdoors for more details.
What to expect on the track
Check current track conditions before you go with the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau.
Track conditions
- Sections of the track can become impassable after heavy rain, especially along the Demon Trail area, and at the Jerusalem River between Hokuri and Martin’s Bay huts.
- Some sections are rough and muddy and not well defined. Orange markers will guide the way.
- Tree falls are possible.
River crossings and bridges
- Expect unbridged stream and river crossings particularly during and following rainfall. How to cross a river safely
- Unbridged streams or rivers may become impassable during heavy rain
- Flooding is possible on parts of the track during and following rainfall
- There are several three-wire bridges on the Demon Trail section
- Hokuri Creek is bridged but if you choose to cross it, note that it looks tame but is disconcertingly swift.
Stay on the tracks. If you become lost – stop, find shelter, stay calm and wait for searchers to find you.
What to take
Be prepared for at least one wet day on your trip – Fiordland is a high rainfall area.
During holiday periods you could take a sleeping mat or tent in case huts are full on arrival.