Image: Tyler Ray Photography | ©
Iris Burn Hut on the Kepler Track
Iris Burn Hut

Located in Fiordland National Park in the Fiordland region

This is a 50 bunk, Great Walk hut on the Kepler Track, Fiordland. Bookings required in the Great Walks season.

This is one of three DOC Great Walk huts on the Kepler Track - the  Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau. There are also campsites at Brod Bay and Iris Burn. 

This hut sits in a tussock clearing in the valley. A 20 minute walk from the hut leads to the pretty Iris Burn Waterfall.

Iris Burn Campsite is located nearby. It must be booked online. 

Facilities and services

In the Great Walks season (29 October 2024 – 30 April 2025)

  • 50 bunks with mattresses in a communal sleeping layout.
  • Water supply, flushing toilets, wash basins with cold running water (but no showers).
  • Heating with fuel available, and solar lighting in the communal kitchen area.
  • Cooking facilities with fuel, tables and seating (but no cooking utensils).
  • A friendly conservation ranger - they like to chat, they know the area well and can tell you about the environment and weather, or help out should an emergency arise.

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2024 – 28 October 2024)

  • Gas is not provided - you will need to bring your own cooking stove.
  • Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets.
  • Running water is turned off inside the huts. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank, if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow.
  • There are no conservation rangers based at the huts.
  • Beds are on a first come, first served basis

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes can only be used in this hut from 1 May to 28 October. Passes cannot be used from 29 October to 30 April.

In the Great Walks season (29 October 2024 – 30 April 2025)

New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:

  • Adult (18+ years): $80 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $40 per person, per night

International visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $120 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $60 per person, per night

Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2024 – 28 October 2024)

For all visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $12.50 per person, per night

Bookings

Bookings are required in the Great Walks season.

Book Iris Burn Hut online.

This hut is on the Kepler Track, in Fiordland, and is about 7-8 hours walk from Rainbow Reach - 10 min drive from Te Anau. (Additional 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 min walk from the track start/end at Te Anau Control Gates/Kepler Carpark).

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: CD07
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E11703138, N49580472

Kea are present in the Iris Burn area and on the alpine section of the track. These inquisitive birds are interested in your camping gear, so be aware of potential damage to your tent and guard your gear to avoid damage or loss.

Bed bugs in Kepler Track huts

Bed bugs were found at Luxmore Hut in October 2021. We treated the Kepler Track huts every six weeks throughout summer 2021/22 as a precaution. The last known sighting was in February 2022.

Bed bugs are a common occurrence in high use shared sleeping areas. Help to prevent bed bugs spreading by checking your gear before and after staying in our huts. If you have any concerns, or have seen any, contact the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.