Located in Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri area and Lake Te Anau area in the Fiordland region
Bookings are open for the 2022/23 season.
60 km loop
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.
Outside the Great Walks season (May to late October):
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.
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
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.
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:
Map of avalanche paths on Kepler Track (JPG, 934K)
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.
You need to be totally self-sufficient. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need:
Luxmore Hut after a snow storm - alpine equipment is essential
Bookings are open for the 2022/23 season.
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
On this page:
Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos
Iris Burn Falls
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
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.
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 can be started from:
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.
To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. Find out what to take.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Time: 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 9.5 km
Continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park.
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.
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
International visitors:
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
For all visitors:
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
In the Great Walks season (25 October 2022 – 30 April 2023):
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
International visitors:
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2022 – 24 October 2022):
For all visitors:
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
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.
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.
You cannot buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
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.
Outdoor gear supplies and hire in Fiordland.
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.
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.
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 |