Kepler Track
Located in Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri area and Lake Te Anau area in the Fiordland region
Introduction
From late October to April, walk past the beech-forested shorelines of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, to tussock-covered ridgelines with spectacular alpine vistas. From May to late October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours - only attempt if you have alpine, navigation and river crossing skills.Highlights
Bookings are open for the 2022/23 season.
60 km loop
Seasonal restrictions
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. Bookings are required for huts and campsites.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
Walking the track should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards.
Dog access
Outside the Great Walks season (May to late October):
- It can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours.
- DOC does not manage hazards such as avalanches and flooding.
- There are additional hazards to consider.
Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people.
For safety reasons the Kepler Track doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track outside the Great walks season.
Expect challenging track conditions
The track over the alpine section is not marked and is often blanketed in thick snow. The side track to the Luxmore Caves can also be very slippery and icy.
View current conditions on the Kepler Track looking toward Hanging Valley Shelter.
Snow blankets the alpine section of the Kepler Track, making travel slow
Image: DOC
Conditions will be wet and cold with snow
During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlights into the valleys. Alpine areas are usually covered in snow. Dress for these conditions.
Avalanches will be frequent
The Kepler Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. Avalanches are frequent. There are 9 avalanche paths, and most have the potential to cross the track. In some instances, by following the track, you'll be crossing avalanche paths - you may need to navigate around them.
If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you:
- have checked the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory for Fiordland and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for Fiordland
- have the skills for the ATES class you are going into
- have talked to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
- take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. Know how to use these tools.
Map of avalanche paths on Kepler Track (JPG, 934K)
Expect reduced hut facilities
- Hut facilities are reduced:
- 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.
- No emergency radio facilities.
- No rangers based at the huts.
Expect reduced transport services
All transport must be arranged before starting the track. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk.
Be totally self-sufficient
You need to be totally self-sufficient. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need:
- food for at least two extra days
- stove and gas for cooking
- lighter or matches
- alpine equipment: ice axe and crampons
- avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe
- personal locator beacon
- mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional)
Luxmore Hut after a snow storm - alpine equipment is essential
Mountain Safety Council video
Bookings are open for the 2022/23 season.
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
- track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough
- cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur
- DOC manages avalanche risk to a low level and may close the alpine section of the track between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if avalanche conditions exist
- track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions.
On this page:
- Highlights
- Walking options
- Places to stay
- Getting there
- What to take
- Know before you go
- Track description
Highlights
- Watch out for the cheeky kea
- Explore the fascinating Luxmore Caves
- Walk to the isolated Iris Burn Falls
Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos
Iris Burn Falls
Walking options
Walk the full track. Most walkers take 4 days/3 nights.
Enjoy a day walk. Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay | Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach | Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut | Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore Hut
Places to stay
There are 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. Camping or staying overnight in the shelters at Forest Burn and Hanging Valley is not permitted.
Hut facilities
Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence. Huts do not have food, cooking utensils or showers.
Campsite facilities
Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some have picnic tables and shelters. Campers can't use the hut facilities.
Getting there
Kepler Track can be started from:
- Kepler Track car park: 5 km from Te Anau.
- Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre: 50 min walk along the lakefront to the entrance of the track.
- Rainbow Reach car park: 12 km from Te Anau.
Shuttle buses provide a daily service to the entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. A scheduled boat service also offers transport to Brod Bay.
Visit Fiordland has information about transport operators.
What to take
To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. Find out what to take.
Know before you go
Weather conditions can change quicky in any season. Fiordland National Park experiences high rainfall (up to 9000 mm per year) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Be prepared for all conditions. Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
The risk of avalanche can extend into December. During the Great Walks season, DOC manages avalanche risk and may close the alpine section between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if there is avalanche hazard.
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors and follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code
Track description
Kepler Track carpark to Brod Bay
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 5.6 km
The track begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water in Australasia, to Brod Bay.
Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut
Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 8.2 km
A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you above the bushline to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and surrounding mountains. Luxmore Hut is a 45 minute walk from the bushline.
Side trip: Luxmore Cave
Time: 20 min return
The track from the hut is clearly signposted.
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
Time: 5 – 6 hr
Distance: 14.6 km
Start your day on top of the world. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains.
A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing.
Side trip: Luxmore summit
Time: 30 min return
In fine weather you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the highest point on the track (1472 m).
Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut
Time: 5–6 hr
Distance: 16.2 km
Experience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. The beach-side Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake.
Moturau Hut to Rainbow Reach
Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
Distance: 6 km
The last day is easy walking across a unique and fragile wetland. The track then follows the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. You can leave the track here and catch a shuttle bus to Te Anau.
Rainbow Reach to Kepler Track carpark
Time: 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 9.5 km
Continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park.
Mountain Safety Council video
You need to pay fees to stay at the huts and campsites on this track. Fees vary depending on when you go.
Bookings are open for the 2022/23 season.
Hut fees
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $68 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $102 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $51 per person, per night
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
- Except Luxmore Hut. Check Luxmore Hut’s page for prices.
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Campsite fees
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $21 per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
- Child (17 years and under): $16 per night
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Discounts
Discounts for Great Walks are not available online. If you belong to a group or organisation that is entitled to a discount we will need to see proof of your membership.
To receive your discount, you must email your organisation's membership card, showing your name, membership number and expiry date, to bookings@doc.govt.nz or go to a DOC visitor centre in person. Visitor centre staff will make your booking for you and apply your discount. No booking fee will be charged.
If you make your booking online yourself, you must contact bookings@doc.govt.nz or a DOC visitor centre within 48 hours of making the booking to receive your discount. Discounts cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings after this time.
Bookings
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
Bookings are required for huts and campsites.
Book Kepler Track huts and campsites online.
If you don’t have a valid booking for your stay, you may be charged a penalty, or turned away if the hut/campsite is full.
You can book transport between Te Anau and the ends of the tracks, otherwise it's a 50 min walk.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
Bookings are not required.
Bunks are first come, first served.
Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass – buy these from a DOC visitor centre before you go.
Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof/plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including insect repellent, sunscreen, blisterkit, personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, highenergy snack food
- Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year, for example, map, compass
- Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel. Gas cookers are in huts – you do not need to take gas.
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
- Toiletries – do not wash or use soap in lakes or streams
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
Camping
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Ground sheet
- Gas cooker
Clothing
- For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night.
- Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear – should be comfortable and well broken in
- Socks – wool or polypropylene
- Shorts – quick dry material
- Shirt – wool or polypropylene
- Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
- Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
- Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Food
You cannot buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
- Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads
- Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
- Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.
You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
Equipment rental
Outdoor gear supplies and hire in Fiordland.
May to late October
For safety reasons the Kepler Track doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track from May to late October. If attempting the Kepler Track at that time, you'll need additional equipment. See Walking the Kepler Track in May to late October.
Your safety is your responsibility
Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
Contacts
| Te Rua-o-te-moko / Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 249 7924 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 29 Te Anau 9640 |
| Full office details | |
