Kepler Track
Located in Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri area and Lake Te Anau area in the Fiordland region
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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.Bookings are open for the 2023/24 season.
60 km loop
Seasonal restrictions
In the Great Walks season (24 October 2023 – 30 April 2024)
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 2023 – 23 October 2023)
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
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
Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos
Places to stay
There are three huts and two 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.
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.
Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some have picnic tables and shelters. Campers can't use the hut facilities.
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.
Caution: Fill drink bottles at Luxmore Hut before leaving, as there are no reliable water sources along the alpine section until Iris Burn Hut.
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.
Understand if you are ready for the Kepler Track
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.
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 2023/24 season.
Hut fees
In the Great Walks season (24 October 2023 – 30 April 2024)
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
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2023 – 23 October 2023)
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Campsite fees
In the Great Walks season (24 October 2023 – 30 April 2024)
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 2023 – 23 October 2023)
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Bookings
In the Great Walks season (24 October 2023 – 30 April 2024)
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 2023 – 23 October 2023)
Bookings are not required.
Bunks are first come, first served.
Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass. Buy Backcountry Hut Tickets from a DOC visitor centre before you go or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass online.
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.
Track not recommended for young children
Track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions can change quickly in any season. Fiordland National Park experiences high rainfall (up to 9,000 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.
Avalanche risk
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.
Kea are present
Kea are present on the alpine section and Iris Burn area 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.
Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof/plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including blister treatment materials
- Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year, for example, map, compass
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
Cooking and food equipment
- Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel. Check individual huts for what cooking facilities and lighting are provided.
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
Toiletries
- Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option
If 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:
- 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).
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2023 – 23 October 2023)
- 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.
Fees and bookings
Outside of the Great Walks season, hut fees are reduced and bookings are not required. Full information can be found in the fees and booking section for this track.
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
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
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 | |
