Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Kepler Track, New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Alpine (200–1,400 m)
- Best season
- October – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine (200–1,400 m)
- Best season: October – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Kepler Track
Topic summary
A 60-km 3-4 day loop across the Kepler Mountains above Te Anau.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine (200–1,400 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Kepler Track trip tools
How to get there
The Kepler Track is near Te Anau in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. Walking options begin at the Kepler Track carpark and Rainbow Reach. Choose the starting point to match the full circuit or the lakeshore section you intend to walk.
- Kepler Track carpark
Starting point for the lakeshore walk through beech forest to Brod Bay, the climb toward Luxmore Hut, and the walking option to Rainbow Reach.
- Rainbow Reach
Starting point for the day-walk option to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut, and an endpoint of the walk from the Kepler Track carpark.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Kepler Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Kepler TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Kepler Track
Planning to fish Kepler Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Kepler Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Kepler Track
Thinking about hunting Kepler Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Kepler Track?
- Confirm the land around Kepler Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A lake-to-ridgeline circuit in Fiordland
The Kepler Track is a 60 km loop near Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island, within Fiordland National Park. Most walkers allow four days and three nights, moving between beech-forested lakeshores, tussock country and rocky mountain ridges. The changing terrain is central to the trip: the track follows Lake Te Anau before climbing beneath limestone bluffs and emerging above the bushline toward Luxmore Hut. Higher up, views extend across the lake’s south fiord to the Murchison Mountains. Forests, wetlands and rivers add variety beyond the alpine section. The track is built to a high standard, with bridges over most streams, boardwalks across boggy ground and steps on very steep sections. That construction helps underfoot, but it does not remove the demands of sustained climbing or exposed alpine travel.
Choose the season before planning overnight stops
The Great Walks season runs from 27 October 2026 to 30 April 2027, when the track has more facilities, fewer hazards and an intermediate classification. Huts and campsites require bookings during that period. Outside the season, from 1 May to 26 October 2026, cold, wet weather, ice, snow and short daylight hours make this an advanced or expert undertaking. Walkers need fitness, suitable equipment, and alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills. Luxmore Hut requires bookings in all seasons. Iris Burn Hut is closed for major renovations until mid-October 2026; Luxmore and Moturau huts remain open, but there is no hut accommodation between them during the closure. Iris Burn Campsite remains open for fully self-sufficient campers prepared for winter conditions. Confirm the hut’s status before committing to an overnight itinerary.
Water, accommodation and time on the tops
The alpine leg from Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut covers 14.6 km and takes five to six hours. Fill bottles before leaving Luxmore: there are no reliable water sources along this section until Iris Burn Hut. In fine weather, the Luxmore summit side trip takes 30 minutes return and reaches 1,472 m; Luxmore Cave is a separate, signposted 20-minute return walk from the hut. In-season huts provide bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, lighting and cold running water, but no food, cooking utensils or showers. Bring the supplies needed to use those facilities, and boil untreated tap water before drinking. Campsites have basic facilities, and campers cannot use hut facilities. Overnight stays and camping are prohibited in the Forest Burn and Hanging Valley shelters. Dogs are not allowed on the track.
Route options
- Full Kepler Track circuit60 km loopIntermediate during the Great Walks season; advanced or expert outside the season.
Allow three to four days; most walkers take four days and three nights. The loop combines lakeshores, forest and alpine ridgelines. Account for the Iris Burn Hut closure until mid-October 2026 when arranging overnight stops.
- Kepler Track carpark to Brod Bay5.6 km
Follow the shore of Lake Te Anau through beech forest to Brod Bay. The stated walking time is one hour 30 minutes for this section.
- Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore HutChallenging climb beyond Brod Bay.
Continue beyond Brod Bay on a challenging climb beneath limestone bluffs to the bushline and Luxmore Hut. The Brod Bay-to-hut section takes three hours 30 minutes to four hours 30 minutes; the hut is 45 minutes beyond the bushline.
- Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach
A day-walk option covering part of the Kepler Track rather than the full multi-day circuit.
- Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut
A day-walk option starting at Rainbow Reach, with Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut as the destination.
Sample itineraries
- Full Kepler Track circuit · 4 days
Walk the 60 km loop through lakeside beech forest, tussock ridgelines and wetlands. Plan three nights, with Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau huts as overnight stops when available. Book ahead during the Great Walks season. Iris Burn Hut is closed until mid-October 2026; confirm reopening before planning a hut-based circuit.
- Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay · 1 day
Choose a lakeside day walk through beech forest beside Lake Te Anau. The section from Kepler Track carpark to Brod Bay is 5.6 km and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes one way. Allow time for the return journey.
- Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut · 1 day
Use Rainbow Reach for a day walk to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut rather than committing to the full alpine circuit. Carry food, water and wet-weather layers, and plan the return before setting out.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before and after the 27 October 2026 season opening
Winter-style restrictions continue through 26 October, with reduced facilities and possible ice and snow. From 27 October, Great Walks services apply and hut and campsite bookings are required. Iris Burn Hut is closed until mid-October 2026; confirm its status.
Summer
Within the Great Walks season
This is part of the recommended walking season, with more facilities and fewer hazards. The track is classed as intermediate, but the climb above Brod Bay is challenging. Carry weather protection and enough water for the alpine section.
Fall
Great Walks season ends 30 April 2027
Seasonal facilities and booking requirements continue through April. Conditions become more demanding outside the Great Walks season, with cold, wet weather and shorter daylight. Do not treat an off-season circuit as equivalent to a serviced-season walk.
Winter
Within the 1 May–26 October 2026 off-season
Expect cold, wet conditions, ice, snow and short daylight hours. Only fit, experienced, well-equipped walkers with alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills should attempt the track. Iris Burn Hut is unavailable; its campsite remains open for fully self-sufficient winter campers.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before and after the 27 October 2026 season opening | Winter-style restrictions continue through 26 October, with reduced facilities and possible ice and snow. From 27 October, Great Walks services apply and hut and campsite bookings are required. Iris Burn Hut is closed until mid-October 2026; confirm its status. |
| Summer | Within the Great Walks season | This is part of the recommended walking season, with more facilities and fewer hazards. The track is classed as intermediate, but the climb above Brod Bay is challenging. Carry weather protection and enough water for the alpine section. |
| Fall | Great Walks season ends 30 April 2027 | Seasonal facilities and booking requirements continue through April. Conditions become more demanding outside the Great Walks season, with cold, wet weather and shorter daylight. Do not treat an off-season circuit as equivalent to a serviced-season walk. |
| Winter | Within the 1 May–26 October 2026 off-season | Expect cold, wet conditions, ice, snow and short daylight hours. Only fit, experienced, well-equipped walkers with alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills should attempt the track. Iris Burn Hut is unavailable; its campsite remains open for fully self-sufficient winter campers. |
Permits, fees & closures
Book huts and campsites for the Great Walks season. Camping or staying overnight in Forest Burn and Hanging Valley shelters is prohibited. No dogs are allowed.
Reservations: Bookings are open for 2026/27. Huts and campsites require bookings from 27 October 2026 to 30 April 2027; reserve well ahead. Outside the season, only Luxmore Hut requires booking. Check Iris Burn Hut availability following its renovation closure.
Official source: Kepler Track - Department of Conservation · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- There are no reliable water sources on the alpine section between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut. Fill bottles before leaving Luxmore.
- Cold, wet weather, ice and snow make off-season travel substantially harder. Reduced daylight limits time available for difficult sections.
- Off-season travel requires alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills; the track changes from intermediate to advanced and expert categories.
- Iris Burn Hut is closed until mid-October 2026. Luxmore and Moturau remain open, but there is no hut accommodation between them during the closure.
- The climb from Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut is challenging, passing limestone bluffs before reaching terrain above the bushline.
- Tap water at Brod Bay Campsite and Luxmore Hut is untreated. Boil it before drinking.
What to pack for Kepler Track
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm insulating layers, hat and gloves
- Track map and navigation equipment
- Headlamp
- All meals and trail food
- Cooking utensils
- Water bottles with capacity for the alpine section
- Equipment to boil untreated water
- Sleeping bag for hut stays
- Tent, sleeping mat and cooking equipment for camping
- Winter-capable shelter and sleep system for off-season camping
Kepler Track FAQ
- Where is the Kepler Track, and how long does it take?
- The Kepler Track is in Fiordland National Park near Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island. The full loop is 60 km and generally takes three to four days; most walkers allow four days and three nights.
- What facilities do the huts provide?
- During the Great Walks season, huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar lighting and cold running water, with a DOC ranger in residence. Bring food and cooking utensils. There are no showers, and facilities are greatly reduced outside the season.
- Can campers use hut facilities?
- No. Campsites provide basic facilities such as toilets, sinks and water supplies; some have shelters and picnic tables. Campers must carry their own overnight and cooking equipment. Iris Burn Campsite remains open during the hut closure, but winter campers must be fully self-sufficient.
- Is the track suitable for inexperienced walkers?
- During the Great Walks season it is classed as intermediate, with a challenging climb and alpine terrain. Outside the season, it is an advanced or expert undertaking requiring fitness, suitable equipment, and alpine, river-crossing and navigation skills.
- What side trips are available near Luxmore Hut?
- Luxmore Cave is a signposted 20-minute return side trip from the hut. The Luxmore summit side trip takes 30 minutes return and reaches 1,472 m, the highest point on the track. Choose fine weather for the summit.
- Can the track be explored without an overnight stay?
- Yes. Day-walk options include Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay, carpark to Rainbow Reach, Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut, and carpark to Luxmore Hut. Choose a route that matches fitness, weather and available daylight.