Kepler Track
3-4 days 60km / 37mi Map
A real adventure above the clouds, from the gentle, beech-forested shores of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the tussocky alpine tops and grand Mt Luxmore. On top of the world, you’ll be rewarded with marvellous panoramic views of the Kepler Mountains on one side, and lakes, rivers and valleys on the other.
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Before you go
It is important to plan and prepare so that you will be well equipped to enjoy your Great Walk.
Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to help you stay safe:
- Plan your trip
- Tell someone
- Be aware of the weather
- Know your limits
- Take sufficient supplies
Kepler Track safety
- This track is not recommended for children under the age of 10 due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. However, an overnight stay at Moturau Hut is a great way for the whole family to experience part of this track.
- The track may need to be closed for safety reasons (e.g. avalanche danger, flooding or high winds). DOC staff can keep you informed of all issues and options around these situations.
- During the off-peak season (May - October) the track remains open but is subject to weather, track and avalanche conditions. Make sure you are fully prepared before you go. There are no hut wardens during the off-peak season.
- Fiordland National Park lies in an area of predominantly westerly airstreams, which delivers high rainfall and changeable weather patterns to the area. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Contact the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for current weather, track and avalanche conditions before departing.
- There is a risk of Giardia. Boil, filter or chemically treat water if you doubt its purity.
- Cell phone coverage on the track is limited.
Things to know before you go
- A good level of fitness and the right outdoor clothing and equipment will greatly improve the enjoyment of your trip.
- Safety is your responsibility - cell phone coverage is limited and it is recommended that you leave your trip details with a trusted contact. Intention forms are available at adventuresmart.org.nz.
- Book your trip well in advance including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/end of the Great Walk.
- Pack all necessary equipment, your own food and drinks and any personal items for your trip including an extra day's supply of food and water.
- For a full list of equipment and preparation required for this walk, plus track updates for the Kepler Track, please visit the DOC website.
When to go
The best time to walk the Kepler Track is from late October to late April when the weather is warmer and there are more regular transport services to and from the start and end of the track. During the off-peak season (May to October) the Kepler Track remains open but is subject to weather, track and avalanche conditions.
What to bring
Your basic equipment needs to include
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Portable cooking stove
- Cooking utensils
- Food, incl. high-energy food
- Waterproof rain jacket and overtrousers
- Warm/thermal clothing
- Hiking boots
- Map and compass
- Lighter and matches
- Drink bottle & water
Add camping gear to your list if you’re staying at a campsite.
Travelling with children
The Kepler Track offers great day walking options from the Kepler car park or Rainbow Reach, for families or those with limited time to explore the area. The walk from Rainbow Reach to Moturau hut on the shores of Lake Manapouri is particularly suitable for family groups.
Nearest DOC visitor centre
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Lakefront Drive
Te Anau
+64 3 249 8514
Email booking
Hours
Open daily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Services
Great Walks booking and recreation information for the area.
Getting there
Nearest airports
- Queenstown - 174km / 108mi, 2 hours 30 min
- Invercargill - 159km / 99mi, 2 hours 20 min
Flights to these airports typically connect from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The above driving times are indicative only - always allow for extra time to get to your destination.
How to get to the trailhead
The Kepler Track is easily accessible from the Lake Te Anau control gates, either by road or a 45 minute walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau, or over the swing bridge across the Waiau River at Rainbow Reach. A shuttle bus also operates during the summer season to entry and exit points on the track and a scheduled boat service provides access to Brod Bay.
Transport and accommodation
Guides and commercial tourism providers - find accommodation, transport, and activities in the area.
Where to stay
DOC provides three huts and two campsites along the Kepler Track.
Huts
Kepler Track huts have heating, toilets, bunks, mattresses, basic cooking facilities, solar powered lighting and cold running water. Note: Huts do not provide pots and pans, cooking utensils, hot showers, linen, toilet paper or food for purchase. Make sure you put these things on your checklist before you go.
- Luxmore Hut: 54 bunks
- Iris Burn Hut: 50 bunks
- Moturau Hut: 40 bunks
Campsites
The Brod Bay and Iris Burn campsites have a water supply, cooking shelter and toilets. Open fires are only permitted where fireplaces are provided. Campers are not permitted to use the hut facilities.
Cost and booking
Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts and campsites.
Bookings are essential! Use the DOC online booking system prior to travel or call 0800 NZ GREATWALKS.
On the track
Track description
The Kepler Track is a circular track that begins and ends at the Kepler Track carpark at the southern end of Lake Te Anau, about 5km / 3mi from Te Anau township. This well-graded track can be walked in either direction.
Access is either by road or a 50 minute walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. Alternatively, there is an entry point at Rainbow Reach, a 10 minute (12km / 7mi) drive from Te Anau.
Shuttle buses provide a daily service to entry and exit points on the track from late October to late April. A scheduled boat service also offers transport to Brod Bay.
Elevation profile
It is recommended that the track is walked in an anti-clockwise direction, allowing a more gradual climb of 1000m / 3281ft through cool beech forest to the bush line. Note the altitude level when you view the elevation profile.
Walking guide
Day 1: Kepler Track car park to Luxmore Hut
5-6 hours, 13.8km / 5.3mi
Walk alongside the lake shore through a forest of mountain and red beech, a grove of hard tree ferns and crown fern. Continue through to Coal Creek Bridge to arrive at Brod Bay which is a great spot for swimming. Climbing steadily for two hours, the track will lead you to limestone bluffs and a great place to lunch. Another hour’s walking will reward you with panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and the Takitimu, Snowden and Earl Mountains.
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
5-6 hours, 14.6km / 5.6mi
In heavy rain, strong winds or wintry weather wait at Luxmore Hut until the weather improves. From the hut, a gradual climb will take you to a ridge below the summit of Mount Luxmore and a side track walk of 10 minutes will take you to the 1472 m summit. After a climb over ridges for about 2 hours, the track starts to wind down through beautiful forest. A 20 minute walk from the Iris Burn Hut will lead you to Iris Burns Waterfall.
Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut
5-6 hours, 16.2km / 6.3mi
Walk through beech forest and a gorge, climb over a low saddle and wander through another mixed species forest on your way to a large natural landslide, which was caused by excessive rain in 1984. As you near Lake Manapouri a left turn takes you through lowland beech and a podocarp forest through to Moturau Hut which is situated beside a beautiful beach.
Moturau Hut to Kepler Track car park
4-5 hours, 15.5km / 6mi
A moderate walk will take you through a beech forest across wetland, follows the Waiau River Terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. Follow the final part of the Kepler Track through a variety of forest and river views through to the Kepler Track car park. Along here are great opportunities for trout fishing!
