Kepler Track
Tussock tops and beech forest loop
Overview
Walk along the shores of beech-forested lakes and up to tussock-covered ridgelines with spectacular views. From May to late October, conditions can be challenging – only attempt if you have the skills and experience.
Highlights
Up to Luxmore
Lake Te Anau panorama from Luxmore Hut
The High Alpine Ridge
Fiordland ridgeline traverse
Down to Lake Manapouri
Iris Burn waterfall and lake reflections
Back to Te Anau
Lakeshore birdlife and forest
Walk sections
- 1
Kepler Track car park to Brod Bay
Gentle stroll through beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau — the largest body of fresh water in Australasia.
5.6 km
1h 30m
- 2
Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut
A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin. Luxmore Hut is 45 min walk from the bushline.
8.2 km
4h
- 3
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
Climb to a ridge below Mount Luxmore with stunning views across south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. Fill drink bottles at Luxmore — no reliable water on the alpine section.
14.6 km
5h 30m
- 4
Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut
Cross a low saddle past a large slip caused by heavy rain. Wind through a gorge and lowland beech/podocarp forest before reaching beautiful Lake Manapouri.
16.2 km
5h 30m
- 5
Moturau Hut to Rainbow Reach
Easy walking across a unique and fragile wetland, then follow the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach.
6 km
1h 45m
- 6
Rainbow Reach to Kepler Track car park
Continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park.
9.5 km
3h
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
4h 30m
Up to Luxmore
Te Anau Control GatesLuxmore Hut
Distance
13.8 km
Elevation gain
980m
Est. time
4h 30m
A steep climb through beech forest to the treeline at Luxmore Hut — the views of Lake Te Anau unfold.
Lake Te Anau panorama from Luxmore Hut
- 2
Day 2
7h
The High Alpine Ridge
Luxmore HutIris Burn Hut
Distance
20 km
Elevation gain
350m
Est. time
7h
The track's showpiece day — exposed ridge walking above the clouds with views across Fiordland.
Fiordland ridgeline traverse
- 3
Day 3
5h
Down to Lake Manapouri
Iris Burn HutMoturau Hut
Distance
16 km
Elevation gain
80m
Est. time
5h
Descend through native forest to the shores of Lake Manapouri.
Iris Burn waterfall and lake reflections
- 4
Day 4
2h
Back to Te Anau
Moturau HutTe Anau Control Gates
Distance
6 km
Elevation gain
0m
Est. time
2h
A flat lakeshore finish returns walkers to the start.
Lakeshore birdlife and forest
Points of interest
Luxmore Summit
Highest point on the track (1472m) — panoramic views in fine weather.
Luxmore Cave
20 min return from Luxmore Hut on a clearly signposted track.
Hanging Valley Shelter
Webcam location showing current conditions on the Kepler.
Iris Burn Kea Zone
Kea are frequent visitors at Iris Burn — guard your gear and tent.
Side trips
Luxmore Cave
Clearly signposted from Luxmore Hut.
20 min return
Luxmore Summit
In fine weather, panoramic views from the highest point on the track (1472m).
30 min return
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 54
Luxmore Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookersLake views - Night 2HutSleeps 54
Iris Burn Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 3HutSleeps 40
Moturau Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookersLakeshore
Campsites along the track
Brod Bay Campsite
15 tent sites · Cooking shelter · Non-flush toilets · Water tank
Iris Burn Campsite
15 tent sites · Cooking shelter · Non-flush toilets · Water tank
Fees & pricing
Prices per person, per night. NZ rates require proof of eligibility.
Hut fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Iris Burn/Moturau): 27 Oct – 30 AprPeak | $88 | $132 | $44 | Free |
| Peak (Luxmore): 27 Oct – 30 AprPeak | $88 | $132 | $44 | Free |
| Winter (Luxmore): 1 May – 26 Oct | $35 | $35 | $17.50 | Free |
| Winter (others): 1 May – 26 Oct | $30 | $30 | $15 | Free |
Campsite fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak: 27 Oct – 30 AprPeak | $28 | $42 | $14 | Free |
| Winter: 1 May – 26 Oct | $10 | $10 | $5 | Free |
Getting there
Start point
Kepler Track car park
5 km — Te Anau
5 km from Te Anau.
Fiordland NP Visitor Centre
Te Anau
50 min walk along the lakefront to the entrance of the track.
End point
Rainbow Reach
12 km — Te Anau
12 km from Te Anau.
Know before you go
Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.
Avalanche risk
9 avalanche paths, most cross the track. May-late Oct only attempt with alpine skills, transceiver, probe and shovel.
Fiordland weather
Up to 9000 mm rain/year. Cold, snow, strong winds, heavy rain can occur any time. Be prepared.
Kea
Inquisitive parrots on the alpine section and Iris Burn — guard tents and gear.
What to take
Personal equipment
- Backpack 40-60L
- Waterproof pack liner
- Sleeping bag (3-4 season)
- First aid kit including blister treatment
- Survival kit (blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high-energy snack)
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
- Distress beacon
Cooking & food equipment
- Drink bottle 1-2L
- Eating and cooking utensils
- Gas cooker and fuel
- Matches/lighter (waterproof container)
Toiletries
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Personal medication (antihistamine for wasp allergies)
Clothing
- Tramping boots or firm footwear
- Wool/polypropylene socks
- Quick-dry shorts
- Wool/polypropylene base layers
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof raincoat with hood
- Wind-/waterproof overtrousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Warm sleeping layers
Food
- Lightweight high-energy meals + spare day
- Rodent-proof food storage
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight hut shoes
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
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Content from DOC (CC BY 4.0) — used with permission.