New Zealand — Te Anau
A loop track showcasing Fiordland's beauty, with alpine views, native forests, and stunning lakes. A well-maintained Great Walk.
Distance: 60.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1350 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 days
The Kepler Track is a 60km loop track located in Fiordland National Park, near Te Anau. This Great Walk showcases the diverse landscapes of the region, from beech forests and wetlands to alpine tussock grasslands and stunning lake views. Built specifically as a walking track, it offers well-graded paths and excellent facilities.
Complete information for walking the Kepler Track — including transport, bookings, gear, and insider tips — is available in the Wakahi Guide.
The Kepler Track offers a diverse and challenging hiking experience, with a mix of gradual climbs and steep descents. The track begins with a climb through beech forest to Luxmore Hut, perched on the edge of a limestone bluff with panoramic views. It then traverses the alpine tussock tops before descending into the Iris Burn Valley, known for its lush rainforest. The final section follows the Waiau River back to Lake Te Anau.
This Great Walk is renowned for its well-maintained track, stunning scenery, and excellent hut facilities. The combination of alpine landscapes, native forests, and the convenience of a loop track makes the Kepler Track a popular choice for hikers of all abilities.
The Kepler Track was purpose-built in the late 1980s to showcase the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park. Unlike some other Great Walks that follow old Māori trails or surveying routes, the Kepler Track was designed specifically for recreational hiking. The track is named after the German astronomer Johannes Kepler.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
In Great Walk season (late Oct–Apr) huts have wardens and gas cooking facilities, and the alpine sections are usually clear of snow. Summer brings long daylight hours but also potential for rain. Spring may hold snow on the higher sections; autumn offers calmer weather with cool nights and fewer crowds. Outside the season, snow and ice can make the alpine sections hazardous and facilities are reduced.
Detailed trail map coming soon
Hut bookings are essential in season. Build in buffer time for weather delays and consider basing in Te Anau before and after for transport flexibility and accommodation options.
Bookings open once per year on the date announced by DOC. Demand is very high — huts for the Kepler Track often sell out quickly on opening morning. Create a DOC account in advance, log in early, and have multiple flexible dates ready.
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.
The Kepler Track passes through pristine alpine and temperate rainforest ecosystems that take decades to recover from damage. Stay on marked tracks, respect wildlife, and carry out all rubbish. The limited daily numbers exist to protect this World Heritage wilderness — tread lightly.
