New Zealand — Te Anau
Walk New Zealand's Kepler Track, a 60km loop through Fiordland National Park. This moderate, 3-4 day walk showcases diverse landscapes from alpine ridges to lush valleys. Designed for enjoyment, it offers stunning panoramas and a well-maintained route through protected wilderness.
Distance: 60.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1350 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 days
The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's premier Great Walks, offering a spectacular 60-kilometre loop through the heart of Fiordland National Park. Unlike many other multi-day hikes in the region that follow ancient Māori greenstone trails or pioneer exploration routes, the Kepler Track was custom-built for pleasure. Opened in 1988 to celebrate the centennial of the National Parks system and to alleviate pressure on the nearby Milford and Routeburn Tracks, it was designed to showcase the very best of Fiordland’s diverse landscapes. Over three to four days, walkers traverse vast tussock-covered alpine ridges, descend through lush podocarp and beech forests, and skirt the serene shores of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. It is a journey of immense scale, where the transition from the mossy, damp forest floor to the wind-swept limestone bluffs of the alpine zone happens with breathtaking speed.
The Kepler Track is often described as the "wilderness loop," a title that reflects its unique geography. Starting and ending near the township of Te Anau, the track eliminates the logistical complexity of boat transfers or long shuttle rides required by its neighbours. However, do not let its accessibility fool you; the Kepler is a serious mountain undertaking. The track is a masterclass in landscape contrast. One moment you are enveloped in the prehistoric silence of a silver beech forest, where every branch is draped in emerald moss and the only sound is the high-pitched call of a rifleman. The next, you emerge above the bushline onto the exposed ridges of the Kepler Mountains, where the horizon expands to reveal the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Murchison Mountains and the deep, glacial fiords of Lake Te Anau.
The physical heart of the journey is the traverse between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut. This section stays above the treeline for several kilometres, offering some of the most sustained alpine walking available on any Great Walk. On a clear day, the views are unparalleled, stretching across the vast expanse of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. However, this exposure makes the Kepler particularly susceptible to Fiordland’s notoriously volatile weather. The ridge can be buffeted by gale-force winds and shrouded in cloud within minutes, transforming a scenic stroll into a test of endurance and navigation. This duality—the serene lakeside forests and the raw, unforgiving alpine heights—is what defines the Kepler experience.
For many, the highlight is the descent into the Iris Burn Valley. After the intensity of the ridges, the track plunges back into the forest via a series of well-graded switchbacks. The change in temperature and humidity is immediate. The valley floor is a haven for New Zealand’s native birdlife, including the inquisitive and often mischievous kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. The final leg of the journey follows the Waiau River and the shores of Lake Manapouri, providing a gentle, meditative conclusion to a high-energy adventure. Whether you are watching the sunrise from the deck of Luxmore Hut or cooling your feet in the crystal-clear waters of Shallow Bay, the Kepler Track provides a profound sense of connection to the wild.
The Kepler Mountains, which the track traverses, were named after the 17th-century German astronomer Johannes Kepler. While the track itself is a modern creation, the land it occupies has a deep and storied history. For Ngāi Tahu, the Māori iwi (tribe) of the South Island, the lakes and rivers of this region were vital sources of food and resources. Lake Te Anau (Te Ana-au, meaning "The Cave of Swirling Water") and Lake Manapouri (Moturau, meaning "Many Islands") were part of a network of seasonal trails used for gathering mahinga kai (traditional foods) and transporting pounamu (greenstone). The forests provided birds, eels, and plant materials, while the lakes offered a means of travel through an otherwise impenetrable landscape.
European exploration of the area began in the mid-19th century. Early surveyors and explorers, such as James McKerrow and Quintin MacKinnon, ventured into the valleys surrounding the Kepler range, but the high ridges remained largely untouched by formal trails for decades. It wasn't until the 1980s that the Department of Conservation (DOC) identified the need for a new Great Walk. The goal was to create a track that met modern tramping standards—wide paths, gentle gradients where possible, and high-quality hut facilities—while showcasing a variety of ecosystems. The construction was a significant engineering feat, involving the clearing of dense forest and the hand-cutting of paths through limestone outcrops and alpine scree.
Since its opening in 1988, the Kepler Track has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s outdoor culture. It is also home to the "Kepler Challenge," a world-renowned mountain run held every December. Elite athletes complete the entire 60-kilometre loop in less than five hours—a staggering feat considering most trampers take four days. This event has cemented the track's reputation as a place of both physical challenge and immense natural beauty. Today, the track is managed with a strong focus on conservation, particularly the protection of the endangered whio (blue duck) in the Iris Burn stream and the control of introduced predators to ensure the survival of the local kiwi population.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Kepler Track experience is dictated entirely by the seasons. During the Great Walks season (late October to April), the track is fully operational. This is when the huts are staffed by DOC wardens, gas cooking facilities are provided, and the track is maintained to a high standard. Summer (December to February) offers the longest daylight hours and the warmest temperatures, with averages ranging from 10°C to 20°C in the valleys. However, this is also the period of highest rainfall and peak sandfly activity. In Fiordland, "summer" does not guarantee sunshine; trampers should be prepared for rain at any time.
The shoulder seasons of late October, November, and April are often considered the best times to walk. The air is crisper, the light is softer for photography, and the crowds are slightly thinner. However, the risk of snow on the high ridges increases significantly. It is not uncommon for the section between Luxmore and Iris Burn to be closed temporarily in November due to late-season snowfalls or high wind warnings. Walkers must be flexible with their plans during these months.
Outside the Great Walks season (May to October), the Kepler Track becomes a formidable alpine environment. The Department of Conservation removes many of the bridges to prevent damage from avalanches, and the huts operate on a "backcountry" basis with no gas or wardens. The alpine section is prone to severe avalanches, particularly in the gullies above the Iris Burn. Only those with advanced winter mountaineering skills, including the use of ice axes and crampons, and a deep understanding of avalanche terrain should attempt the full loop in winter. For most recreational walkers, winter visits are limited to day trips to Luxmore Hut (if conditions allow) or walks along the lakeside sections.
Day 1: Kepler Track Control Gates to Luxmore Hut
Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut
Day 4: Moturau Hut to Kepler Track Control Gates
Important Notes:
The Kepler Track requires significant physical preparation and logistical coordination. While the track is well-maintained, the 800-metre climb on Day 1 and the 1,000-metre descent on Day 2 are strenuous. Walkers should have experience carrying a multi-day pack (10–15 kg) over uneven terrain. Training hikes with elevation gain are highly recommended in the weeks leading up to the trip.
Te Anau is the essential base for this hike. It is a two-hour drive from Queenstown and serves as the gateway to Fiordland. The town has several supermarkets, outdoor gear shops for rentals (poles, stoves, waterproofs), and a wide range of accommodation. It is advisable to stay in Te Anau the night before your hike to attend a safety briefing at the DOC Visitor Centre and the night after to recover. Transport to the trailhead is simple: you can drive to the Control Gates (free parking), take a shuttle bus, or even take a water taxi from the Te Anau lakefront to Brod Bay to skip the first 5.6 km of flat walking.
Accommodation on the Kepler Track consists of three Department of Conservation huts and two designated campsites (Brod Bay and Iris Burn). During the Great Walks season, these must be booked well in advance.
Hut Facilities:
Campsite Facilities:
Costs and Availability:
To walk the Kepler Track during the Great Walks season, your "permit" is effectively your hut or campsite booking confirmation. You must carry a printed or digital copy of this confirmation at all times, as hut wardens will check it every evening. There is no separate entry fee for the National Park itself.
Booking Process:
Cancellations and Changes:
Off-Season Permits:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Kepler Track (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Kepler Track, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Fiordland is a world-class destination with much more to offer than just the Kepler Track. Consider these activities to round out your trip:
Safety in Fiordland is a matter of preparation and respect for the environment. The Kepler Track, while well-trodden, presents several specific hazards that walkers must manage.
Weather Extremes: Fiordland is one of the wettest places on Earth. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding, making even small streams dangerous to cross. On the alpine ridges, wind speeds can exceed 100 km/h, and temperatures can drop below freezing even in mid-summer. Hypothermia is a genuine risk. If the weather turns, the best advice is often to stay put in a hut or shelter rather than pushing onto the exposed ridges.
Alpine Exposure: The section between Luxmore Hut and the Hanging Valley Shelter is highly exposed. There is no shelter from wind or rain for several hours. If visibility is poor, stay on the marked track—the orange poles are your lifeline. Do not attempt to summit Mount Luxmore in high winds or thick cloud.
Avalanche Risk: From May to November, the Kepler Track is subject to avalanche danger. There are over 40 known avalanche paths that cross the track, particularly on the descent into Iris Burn. DOC monitors these risks during the season, but walkers must be self-reliant in the off-season.
Communication: Cell phone coverage is non-existent on most of the track, except for a few spots on the Luxmore ridge. It is highly recommended to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), which can be hired from the DOC Visitor Centre or outdoor shops in Te Anau. In an emergency, a PLB is the fastest way to alert search and rescue services.
Sandflies: While not a direct safety threat, sandflies can cause significant distress and allergic reactions. They are most active in damp, shaded areas and near water. Cover up and use repellent to avoid being bitten.
The Kepler Track features several notable detours that enhance the experience:
Luxmore Caves: Located just a short walk from Luxmore Hut, these limestone caves are a fascinating geological feature. You can explore several hundred metres into the cave system. The passage is narrow and wet in places, so a good head torch and sturdy footwear are required. The caves feature delicate stalactites and stalagmites—please do not touch them as the oils from your skin can stop their growth.
Mount Luxmore Summit: While the main track skirts the shoulder of the mountain, a 15-minute side path leads to the actual summit (1,472 m). On a clear day, this is the ultimate viewpoint of the track, offering a 360-degree panorama that includes the Murchison Mountains, the Franklin Mountains, and the South Arm of Lake Te Anau.
Iris Burn Falls: A 20-minute walk from the Iris Burn Hut leads to a spectacular waterfall that plunges into a deep, cold pool. It is a peaceful spot to relax after the long descent from the ridges. The forest surrounding the falls is particularly lush and full of birdlife.
Shallow Bay: Near Moturau Hut, a short side track leads to Shallow Bay and a historic hunters' hut. The beach here offers a different perspective of Lake Manapouri and is often quieter than the main hut area.
As a visitor to Fiordland National Park, you have a responsibility to protect this pristine environment. The Kepler Track passes through sensitive alpine and forest ecosystems that can be easily damaged.
