Kepler Track | Fiordland, New Zealand

Distance:  37.3 miles (60 km)

Average Time:  3 days

Start / Finish:

• Te Anau

• No transport required. Simply walk 4.5km out of town to the trailhead.

Season:  October – April.

Difficulty:   Easy

Maps / Info:

• Online: For anything and everything pertaining to the Kepler Track, check the DOC website (i.e. Free downloadable brochure, trail map, trekking notes, logistical details, etc.).

• Guidebook: The Lonely Planet guide Hiking & Tramping in New Zealand has a map and trekking notes for the Routeburn. Available in Kindle format.

• GPS: See Wildernessmag.co.nz for GPX data and trekking notes for the Kepler.

• Supplies: All provisions can be purchased in Te Anau.

Route / Conditions:

• As with all the Great Walks, the Kepler is a proverbial highway of a trail, upon which it would be very difficult to lose your way.

• The ridge section between Mt. Luxmore hut and Hanging Valley shelter is the scenic highlight.

• The short side-trip to the summit of Mt. Luxmore (20 minutes) is worthwhile, offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama in fine weather.

• Despite the relatively mellow nature of the trail, the Kepler is nonetheless an Alpine crossing, and hikers should pack accordingly.

• Drinking water is available at the huts.

• If you want to avoid the crowds, consider hiking very early in the mornings or late in the afternoons.

Sleeping:

• Huts or camping. Both need to be booked in advance.

• Being a designated Great Walk, the Kepler is a very popular trail and attracts people of all levels of experience and fitness. As a result, the huts are often quite full. Bring a tent if you want some privacy.

• Lots of sandflies if camping at Iris Burn.

• Not long past Moturau hut, there is a side trail leading to Shallow Bay hut, a smaller (only six beds), cheaper accommodation option. Camping also possible.  No bookings required.

• All water at Shallow Bay should be treated or purified. Alternatively, load up at Moturau Hut, which is just 20-30 minutes away.

Overview:

• The Kepler is the most accessible of the Great Walks, allowing walkers to start and finish in Te Anau without any of the usual associated transport costs.

• As mentioned above, the ridge section after Mt. Luxmore boasts beautiful alpine scenery. The second half of the trail is virtually all through Beech and Podocarp forests.