Kepler Track - Great Walks

Te Anau is the perfect start and finish to this great walk- described by a Uk friend as Scotland on steroid!! 64km can be done in a day by trail runners!! Took us four days 3 nights as recommended to enjoy the amazing landscapes! As typical of a great walk, each booked hut comes equiped with mattress, gas stove, water for washing up! Wood heater, Tables and chairs in the dining areas. This track can be done from both directions. I have seen some doing it over two nights. The green mossy rain forests on first and last days are typical features of the great walks (Routeburn and Milford). The defining moment for me is walking along the ridge in the Fiordland!! Wow!! Steep hills are well assisted by steps. Make sure you have lots of space in your shoes ti hold your feet tight to avoid blackening your toes when tackling the many steep down hills going in anti clock wise direction!! The side trips are interesting! Time yourself to get to Mt Luxmore! We did it upon arrival at Luxmore Hut the first night as the summit was totally covered by cloud and mist on the second day even though it is on the track! Beware of the flying leeches at Iris Burn Hut- sandflies in warmer months - they itch for days!!! So many ways to get to the start point of control gate!! One can drive and park near the control gate, Tracknet bus also can drop you at Control Gate and pick you up from Rainbow Reach at the end of the walk. If you are energetic enough, you can walk one hour along the lake to the start point at control gate; and another 10 km after the walk at Rainbow Reach back to control gate!! One can even access via the $25 water taxi to add to the adventure! Its a ten min ride from town centre across Lake Te Anau!
Apr 24th, 2023

Recommended activities Walking, Hiking More
Apr 7th, 2023

Jan 16th, 2023

Went on September 20, had some fallen trees and snow on the track so probably better done a bit later. Otherwise, would recommend starting at the Luxmore hut end and going until you come across snow.
Sep 10th, 2022

Love this track, as if I were going into the clouds.
May 14th, 2022