Kepler Track

Important: In the Great Walks season (October till late April) bookings are required for campsites and huts - huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens. Check with local DOC before you go. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider.

Day 1: Carpark to Luxmore Hut (13,8 km / 8,6 mi)
The track follows the shoreline through beech forest and passes Brod Bay, which is a great place to swim and camp if you have had a late start. There is a shelter provided, with tank water, picnic tables and two toilets. From Brod Bay, the track steadily ascends for about two hours to limestone bluffs. The bush line is reached after another hour’s climb. From here you have panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and Earl Mountains. Luxmore Hut (1085 m) is located about 45 minute walk from the bush line. A side trip is possible from Luxmore Hut - Luxmore cave is a 10 minute walk from the hut and is well signposted. Write down your intentions in the visitors' book provided in the hut before visiting the cave. It's recommend that each person carries a minimum of two light sources.

Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn (14,6 km / 8,7 mi)
The next day starts with a great sunrise from the balcony of Luxmore Hut. After this the track climbs gradually from the hut to a ridge just below the summit of Mount Luxmore. You should walk the 10 minute side trip to the summit (1472 m) which provides stunning panoramic views. The track then descends to a shelter close to Forest Burn Saddle, where there is avalanche gear provided in case of an emergency.

While crossing the saddle beware of wind gusts. The track follows the ridge for about two hours to Hanging Valley Shelter. It then follows a long, open ridge toward the Iris Burn and descends through a series of zigzags into the valley. Iris Burn Hut and campsite (497 m) is located in a large tussock field. Make sure you have insect repellent with you - now is the perfect time to use it (many sandflies!!). From Iris Burn Hut walk the 20 minute stroll to Iris Burn Waterfall.

Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Kepler Track Carpark (31,7 km / 19,3 mi)
The Track leads steadily beech forest and a gorge. After the gorge, the tracks comes out on river flats near the mouth of the Iris Burn. Nearing Lake Manapouri it follows the lake shore to Moturau Hut, where you’re able to stop for another night. After this it’s a moderate stroll through beech forest to Rainbow Reach. The track crosses a wetland and follows the Waiau River terrace to the Kepler Track carpark.