Thanks for this note. I had an impression that hiking routes were open depending on the weather (temperature and wind) and this was government controlled.

I wouldn't certainly do anything that would get the locals upset.

Thanks for your note on the excess baggage - I had also checked the new QF policy on this matter and I think it's reasonable for me to pay 15 or 20 AUD for the excess fees (at least for the first two flights and my wife and I can try to pack lightly enough during our trip to Australia).