Kepler Track

Fiordland’s Kepler Track is a showcase of New Zealand’s alpine drama, a 60-kilometre loop that climbs from pristine beech forest to the tussock-clad tops of the Kepler Mountains. This Great Walk delivers panoramic views of Lake Te Anau, the Murchison Mountains, and the glacier-carved valleys below. It’s a well-formed, three-to-four-day tramp that rewards you with hut stays, sunrise on Mount Luxmore, and a genuine sense of wilderness – without the crowds of the Milford Track.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Luxmore Summit – the highest point on the track, offering a 360° panorama of Fiordland’s peaks and lakes.
• Luxmore Hut – a backcountry lodge perched on a ridge, famous for its sunset views and resident kea parrots.
• Iris Burn Valley – a dramatic descent through alpine meadows and cascading waterfalls.
• Lake Manapouri – glimpsed from the track’s southern section, a deep blue gem of Fiordland.
• Kepler Track’s limestone outcrops – otherworldly rock formations along the trail.
• Te Anau – the gateway town, where you can arrange transport and stock up on supplies before or after the hike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow three to four days for the full loop, walking 6–8 hours per day. Most trampers start at the Control Gates trailhead near Te Anau and walk clockwise, staying at Luxmore Hut (night one), Iris Burn Hut (night two), and Moturau Hut (night three). If you’re short on time, a day hike to Mount Luxmore summit from the Brod Bay road end is a rewarding option. Book huts and campsites in advance through the Department of Conservation, especially during the peak season (October to April).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Te Anau – the departure point for the Kepler Track, with lake cruises, glowworm caves, and cafés.
• Milford Sound – a world-famous fiord, a 2-hour drive from Te Anau via the Homer Tunnel.
• Doubtful Sound – a more remote fiord accessible via a cruise and bus from Manapouri.
• Queenstown – the adventure capital, 2.5 hours east, perfect for post-tramp indulgence.
• Fiordland National Park – explore other short walks like the Lake Marian Track or the Routeburn Track.

Please check official sources for current details.