Kepler Track
Personally hiked by Mike & Amanda, premium Rab, Lowe Alpine & MSR gear, delivered NZ wide - trusted by hikers from NZ and around the world
INCLUDES PERSONALISED GEAR TIPS FROM HIKERS WHO HAVE DONE IT!
60 km
OF RIDGELINES, MOUNTAIN VIEWS, LUXMORE HUT & LAKE TE ANAU
3-4 DAYS
DURATION DEPENDS ON HUT BOOKINGS AND HOW FAR YOU'D LIKE TO WALK EACH DAY
GRADE
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING. BEST SUITED TO HIKERS WITH A REASONABLE LEVEL OF FITNESS
GREAT WALK OF NZ
THE ONLY GREAT WALK THAT STARTS AND FINISHES IN TE ANAU
QUICK FACTS
Everything, at a glance.
HIGHEST POINT
Mount Luxmore 1,472 m
SEASON
Late Oct - Apr
SUITABLE FOR
Hikers with reasonable fitness
Our KEPLER STORY
We were lucky enough to strike what was probably the best weather of the summer for our Kepler adventure. Three days of bluebird skies, warm temperatures and some of the most spectacular scenery Fiordland has to offer.
We tackled the track with friends and used a little local trick to make the logistics easier. We left one vehicle at Rainbow Reach before driving to the Kepler Control Gates to start our walk. That meant we could skip the final 5 km along the shores of Lake Te Anau, which was a welcome decision on a scorching February afternoon.
The climb to Luxmore Hut is steady from the moment you leave the lakeshore, winding through beautiful beech forest that thankfully provided plenty of shade. If you're looking to shorten the first day, some hikers take a water taxi to Brod Bay and avoid the first 5 km altogether. We were happy to take our time, enjoy the forest and earn every step.
Arriving at Luxmore Hut is one of those moments that stays with you. The views over Lake Te Anau and Fiordland are almost impossible to describe. If you've seen the hero image on our homepage, you'll have a pretty good idea, but standing there in person is something else entirely.
Day two is, without doubt, the highlight of the Kepler. The ridgeline walk between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut is simply breathtaking. For hours you're surrounded by panoramic views across Lake Te Anau, alpine tussock and rugged Fiordland peaks. We were fortunate to have almost no wind, making it an unforgettable day. We also made the short climb to the summit of Mount Luxmore. Standing at 1,472 metres, with uninterrupted 360-degree views, is an experience we'll never forget. A cold plunge under the waterfall at Iris burn hut is a must!
One of our favourite places on the entire track is Moturau Hut. Although we didn't stay there on this trip, it's beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Manapouri and is the perfect place for a swim after a long day on the trail. Since then, we've run out to Moturau Hut from Rainbow Reach several times, simply because it's such a special spot. If you've got the time, we'd highly recommend lingering here for a while before continuing on.
The Kepler has become one of our favourite Great Walks. It's accessible, incredibly varied and showcases everything we love about Fiordland, from ancient beech forests and alpine ridgelines to crystal-clear lakes and unforgettable mountain views.
VIEW FROM LUXMORE HUT - NO FILTER!
Planning the Kepler?
✔ Premium gear
✔ Delivered NZ-wide
✔ Pay only for hiking days
THE ROUTE
Three days. One unforgettable loop.
From lakeside beech forest to alpine ridgelines, vast tussock tops and lush Fiordland rainforest.
Day 1
4- 6 hours
📌 Control gates (Lake Te Anau)
📌 Brod Bay
📌 Luxmore caves (optional)
📌 Luxmore hut
Day 2
6 - 8 hours
📌 Mount Luxmore (optional side trip)
📌 Forest Burn saddle
📌 Iris Burn waterfall & hut
Day 3
5 - 7 hours
📌 Moturau Hut
📌 Rainbow reach (or to control gates)
PACKBACK TIP
Missed a hut booking?
DOC campsites are often still available. Our lightweight MSR Hubba Hubba tent is perfect for Kepler camping - and you can pair it with our Core Pack for $60 / day.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
The moments worth showing up for.
TENTING AT BROD BAY
LAKE TE ANAU
FOUND A FRIEND AT LUXMORE HUT
TIME FOR A DIP
TOP OF MOUNT LUXMORE
PICK A PEAK!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
LUXMORE HUT
TESTED ON THE TRACK
The Kepler Bundle.
Essentials, hand picked for this exact walk.
✓ 65L Lowe Alpine Pack
✓ Ascent Pro Rab sleeping bag
✓ Sleeping bag liner
✓ Leki trekking poles
✓ After dark (head torch, pillow & towel)
✓ Meal pack
✓ Rab Kangri gortex jacket
✓ Cooking pack (plate, cup, spork & knife)
✓ Emergency & first aid kit
✓ Rab gaiters
✓ JetBoil (optional)
✓ Variety of dry bags
Trip length
3 Days
$590
NZD $196 / DAY FREE DELIVERY (excluding JetBoil)OR PICK INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
Curate your own Kepler pack.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The honest briefing.
Checklist
✓ Book DOC huts or campsites well in advance
✓ Day 2 is long and exposed - start early
✓ Pack layers - alpine conditions change fast
✓ Cell coverage is limited; download maps
✓ Carry a rain jacket, even in summer
✓ Sandfly repellent a must
✓ Leave No Trace - pack out everything
✓ Plasters and blister packs come in handy!
💧Water
There is plenty of drinking water available from streams, rivers and lakes along the track. Treat all water before drinking if you are unsure - don’t assume every source is safe.
🍽️ Food
Zero resupply on track. Carry all meals - and a treat for the Mount Luxmore summit.
⚠️ Alpine weather changes rapidly.
The Kepler climbs to 1,470m over the Luxmore Summit and is exposed to strong winds. Check the latest forecast with DOC before you go and be prepared for all conditions.
THE NEIGHBOURS
Wildlife & where to land after.
Keep an eye out for curious kea on the alpine tops, fantails and robins through the beech forest, and listen for the unmistakable song of the bellbird echoing through Fiordland. Remember, never feed wildlife or leave your gear unattended around kea!
Mike & Amanda’s Te Anau picks
Hard-earned food, drinks, relaxation & local attractions
-
Black Dog - our favourite spot to unwind after the trail with a great gin, crispy parmesan and truffle fries, and a cosy seat beside the open fire. They do meals and arrange of snacks.
-
The Merchant - on the Milford road, a local favourite serving excellent coffee and fresh baking. Ideal before setting off or when you return from the track OR on your way to check out Milford.
-
The Blak Shak - bacon and egg butties, souvlaki’s and delicious coffee - unbeatable combination, when strolling the streets of Te Anau.
-
Nonna Giovanni - authentic Italian favourites, handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Comfort food with a lake front view.
-
Sprig & Thistle - on your drive in, or out of Te Anau, situated at the Key - the coffee and cookies are legendary. Don’t forget to check out Davaar, the most beautiful 100% wool knitwear, from right off the farm (that you will be standing on!).
-
Fat Duck - gastro pub of the year, their food is exceptional and if you can nab yourself a reservation, you will not be disappointed.
-
Tasman Park Spa Pool - sink into private hot spa pools surrounded by Fiordland scenery and lake front views. The perfect reward for hardworking legs.
-
Wild wood sauna - recharge with a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge, overlooking Lake Te Anau. The ultimate way to soothe tired muscles after your adventure.
-
Fiordland Cinemas - right next to the Black Dog, are one of our favourite places to relax and unwind, while watching a new release or the regular Deer War or Ata Whenua Shadowland films, about the Fiords.
-
Visit the newly created Woodstone Farm experience - you’ll see an arrange of farm animals, feed a lamb, enjoy great food and coffee, all against the beautiful backdrop of Te Anau.
QUESTIONS
Asked, answered.
-
Yes. During the Great Walks season (late October to late April), you'll need to book your huts or campsite well in advance through the DOC website. The Kepler is one of New Zealand's most popular Great Walks, and peak summer dates often sell out months ahead.
-
Don't give up. DOC campsites are often still available. Our premium MSR Hubba Hubba tents are a lightweight, comfortable alternative for completing the track. Get in touch we may be able to secure you a hut booking.
-
The full Kepler Track is a 60 km loop, typically completed over 3 to 4 days.
A common itinerary is:
Day 1: Control Gates to Luxmore Hut (13.8 km, 5-6 hours)
Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut (14.6 km, 5-6 hours)
Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut (16.2 km, 5-6 hours)
Day 4: Moturau Hut back to the Control Gates (15.5 km, 4-5 hours) -
Almost everyone walks the Kepler clockwise, starting at the Control Gates near Te Anau. This gets the biggest climb to Luxmore Hut out of the way on day one and means you cross the spectacular alpine ridge in the recommended direction. While you can walk it anti-clockwise, the clockwise route offers the best overall experience for most hikers.
-
The Kepler is considered a moderate to challenging hike. The climb to Luxmore Hut is long and steady, and the exposed alpine section between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut requires a reasonable level of fitness. Once you descend into the forest, the walking becomes much gentler. If you can comfortably walk for 5 to 7 hours with a backpack, you'll be well prepared.
-
The Great Walks season runs from late October to late April, offering the best weather and full hut services. Outside this period, conditions become significantly more challenging.
-
Yes. We deliver nationwide so your gear is waiting before your adventure begins.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN