Great Walks of New Zealand
Kepler
South Island
Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer hiking trail located in the Fiordland National Park in the South Island, New Zealand. The track is known for its stunning scenery, including alpine vistas, lush forests, and takes you high above pristine lakes. A great option if the Milford and Routeburn tracks are fully booked as it is just as beautiful. Kepler is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and it is possible to complete day trips on sections of the track.
Quick Overview
If you are keen to read our real experience of the track - Read it here
Skip to the relevant section
The Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is located in the Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island where the Milford, Routeburn, and Hump Ridge Tracks are also located. The Kepler Track should be attempted during the Great Walks season from approx Oct to the end of April each year. The walk should only be attempted outside of the Great Walks season by fit, experienced hikers as hut facilities are greatly reduced, and hikers may experience snow, ice and risks of avalanches.
The Kepler Track is a 60km loop track that can be walked in either direction and takes 3-4 days to complete. The track begins just outside of Te Anau. There are 3 huts on the Kepler Track – Luxmore Hut (54 bunks), Iris Burn Hut (50 bunks) and Moturau Hut (40 bunks). Camping is permitted at the two designated campsites – Brod Bay and Iris Burn, however these campsites are inconveniently 22.8km apart. Whilst it is doable for very fit hikers in summer to walk the 22.8km distance between the two campsites, you will rush through the best of the Kepler (that incredible ridgeline). Consider at least booking Luxmore Hut and then camping at Iris Burn campsite.
The Kepler Track is a popular track and is in close proximity to the Milford and Routeburn tracks. Hikers who are unsuccessful at booking huts on the Milford and Routeburn tracks will often turn their attention to the Kepler. Luxmore Hut is also booked by overnight walkers who stay only one night on the track and return.
What To Expect
From Kepler car park towards Luxmore Hut
Day 1 – Kepler car park to Luxmore Hut - 13.8km / 5-6hrs
The hike from the car park begins with a lovely stroll under beech forest around the shores of Lake Te Anau. Once you pass Brod Bay Campsite the ascent begins and takes hikers up to Luxmore Hut which sits at1085m. The climb is moderate as hikers pass under forest and limestone bluffs. Once through the bush line, hikers are rewarded with impressive mountainous panoramic views over Te Anau basin. Luxmore Hut can be seen in the distance with Luxmore caves a quick and easy 5min side trip from the hut.
Day 2 – Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut - 14.6km / 5-6hrs
The day begins with an ascent from Luxmore Hut up to the ridgeline at1472m. On a clear day the views are astonishing towards the Murchison Mountains and lake Te Anau. The ridge is very exposed to the elements particularly the wind and the hut rangers will let you know if it is safe to proceed. After an incredible day on top of the world you will descend down to Iris Burn Hut. Not far from the hut is Iris Burn complete with a small waterfall for a refreshing swim to end the day.
Day 3 – Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut 16.2km / 5-6hrs
It is possible walk out of the track this day and exit at Rainbow Reach car park (22.2km / 6hrs 30mins – 8hrs) or stay another night on the track at Moturau Hut. The hike to Moturau Hut from Iris Burn is relatively easy and will take approx 5-6hrs as hikers cross over16.2km of terrain. Hikers will wind through a gorge, hike under beech and podocarp forests, and exit onto the shores of Lake Manapouri. The hut is situated lake front and is great for a swim and to watch the sunset.
Day 4 – Moturau Hut to Kepler car park 15.5km / 4-5hrs
The final 15.5km day from Moturau Hut back to the Kepler car park is such a nice cruisy way to finish the hike over 4 - 5hrs. The track starts in the forest and soon you will reach a boardwalk section which squirrels you around the wetland area. The rest of the track is flat and follows the Waiau River where you can exit at Rainbow reach car park or end up back at the start (Kepler car park).
Check out The Mountain Safety Council video of the Kepler Track here
Day Walk Options
Day walks are possible on the Kepler Track either heading towards Luxmore or Moturau Huts.
Suggestions:
Kepler Track Shelter to Rainbow Reach Shelter (one way) - 9.5km / 2hrs 30mins. A reasonably flat and pretty walk beside the Waiau river.
Rainbow Reach car park to Moturau Hut (return) - 12km return / 3 -4 hrs. A lovely walk through wetlands to the shores of Lake Manapouri.
Kepler Track Shelter to Luxmore Hut (return) - 10 -12hrs / 27.6km. For the fitter hikers it is possible to head out early and climb to Luxmore Hut for lunch and descend back down in one day. Or alternatively, stay one night and return in the morning.
There are also helicopter options available to fly to Luxmore hut and hike down to the Kepler Track Shelter and car park.
Difficulty
Like many of the Great Walks the first day of the Kepler Track requires a moderate climb to Luxmore Hut as you ascend into the alpine environment. For slower, less experienced hikers consider leaving early to have plenty of stops or 'picture opportunities' along the on the way.
Beyond Luxmore Hut the ascent continues on the second day to the ridgeline. Hikers are very exposed to the weather at this point which can make the hiking more challenging. We experienced very high winds this day and were instructed to leave early by the DOC ranger. We started off with hectic winds blowing us off the track. Some hikers decided to sensibly turn around before reaching the ridgeline. After an hour or so the winds decreased significantly by the time we reached the ridgeline. The track narrows here and has steep drops either side.
Once you reach the Hanging Valley emergency shelter the rest of the day is a winding descent back down to Iris Burn Hut. The final day(s) on the track are flat or downhill and relatively easy going with the length of the day up to you depending on whether you stay at Moturau Hut or exit at Rainbow Reach vs Kepler car park.
Kepler Track Elevation Profile
Source: Department of Conservation
Logistics & Bookings
The Kepler Track is a popular Great Walk, and it can be difficult to secure hut/campsite spots. Before you book anything, secure bookings for the huts/campsites first. For more information on Department of Conservation (DOC) huts/campsites and tips check out the BOOK IT section above or click the link below.
If staying in Te Anau before and after the walk (highly recommended) then you can actually walk to the Kepler car park, adding an extra hour to the hike. Alternatively, you can organize track transport to/from either Rainbow Reach or Kepler car parks or consider a water taxi option. Check out the link below for more information.
Things We Learnt
1. The ridgeline is very exposed to the elements. We experienced very strong winds pushing us around with some hikers turning back. Be careful up the ridge in inclement weather and carry appropriate gear (rain gear/warm clothing)
2. Even in summer the water is pretty cold at Iris Burn and Lake Manapouri, think ice plunge pool.
TIPS From The Crew
1. Don't forget your swimming gear. Iris Burn is a magical place to swim after a long day's hike and Moturau Hut is situated lakefront on Lake Manapouri.
2. The ridgeline from Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn hut is very exposed so you will need to check the weather before departing for the day. The hut ranger will advise hikers if it is not safe to proceed. Listen to the rangers.
3. The sandflies are on full attack mode at Lake Manapouri. Unload some insect repellant on yourself once you reach the lake.
