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
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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.