Kepler Track Information

Fiordland National Park's Kepler Track is a 60-kilometre loop walking track of moderate difficulty that takes three to four days to complete. It traverses lake and river edges, beech forest, alpine mountain tops, and a U-shaped glacial valley.

Reasonable fitness is required to complete the full circuit, and trampers must be well-equipped. During winter and spring, the alpine section of the track can be closed by snow and ice. Sections of the track are suitable for day walks year-round.

Most trampers start the Kepler Track at the Control Gates, but this will depend on which hut tickets you have booked. The Tracknet bus takes walkers to the Kepler Track Carpark (Control Gates). This entry/exit point is a short drive by Shuttle from Te Anau.

Booking during the 'Great Walks Season' is essential – contact the Department of Conservation to reserve your hut tickets or campsite on the Track. Please book your hut tickets with the Department of Conservation before organising your bus transport.

The first day is a journey into the Kepler Mountains, with the first night spent in Mt Luxmore Hut. This is the best place to assess the weather for the next days walking across the open tops and have most of the climbing behind you.

The second day is up over the top of Mt Luxmore, here is where you can get marvellous views of the surrounding mountains before descending over the Forest Burn Saddle and into the Iris Burn Valley to the Iris Burn Hut.

The third day is a steady tramp following the Iris Burn River through beech forest to the shores of Lake Manapōuri then along the lakeshore to Moturau Hut for a night.

The final day is a gentle stroll through beech forest to Rainbow Reach. Here, cross over the Swingbridge and catch the Kepler Track Shuttle to travel back to Te Anau, Same day connections also available to Queenstown.