Kepler Track

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Vast tussock-covered ridgelines and spectacular alpine vistas contrast with peaceful lakeside and valley beech forest in this wilderness adventure.

Great Walk tracks are of a higher standard than most other tracks so are well formed and easy to follow. The tracks are usually quite wide depending on the terrain – some fit two people walking side by side in flat areas.

The surface is usually gravel, rock or dirt, and like any track can get slippery in wet weather.

Most rivers and waterways on these tracks have sturdy bridges. Occasionally there are also small streams that cross the track but are usually easy enough to step across safely. Be aware that in wet weather rivers can rise very quickly and flood the tracks.

There are hill climbs where the track becomes steeper, which is all the better for views

Kepler Track carpark to Brod Bay (5.6km)
The track begins with an easy rolling bit of trail through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water in Australasia. The route continues for a short way to Brod Bay.

Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut (8.2km)
A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you above the bushline to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and surrounding mountains. The Luxmore Hut awaits weary visitors at the end of this portion.

Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut (14.6km)
From the Luxmore Hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. As you continue on your way, you'll eventually come to Iris Burn Hut, which is situated in a large tussock clearing.

Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut (16.2km)
Experience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. The beach-side Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake.

Moturau Hut to Rainbow Reach (6km)
The last day is easy navigation across a unique and fragile wetland. The track then follows the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach

Rainbow Reach to Kepler Track carpark (9.5km)
Continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park, where you'll have completed your journey!