 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track offers vistas of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, alpine grasslands of the Jackson Peaks, beech forest and U-shaped glacial valleys.
There is no guided walking option currently on the Kepler Track other than specialist 'charter' guiding from some operators.
There are three Department of Conservation huts along the track. This well-graded track can be walked in either direction. A shorter three-day walk option finishes at the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach.
It is recommended that the track is walked in an anti-clockwise direction, allowing a more gradual climb of 1000m through cool beech forest to the bush line. Those with limited time, experience or fitness may choose to stay only one night in a hut or do a day walk.
The walk from Rainbow Reach to Moturau hut on the shores of Lake Manapouri is particularly suitable for family groups.
Two nights at Luxmore Hut makes a nice option in winter time when the alpine section is often blanketed with snow and there is high avalanche danger.
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
Track Length: |
60 km circuit track from the Kepler Track Carpark |
| |
|
Duration: |
Can be walked in 2 nights/3 days or 3 nights/4 days
|
| |
|
Season: |
Outside the summer season, huts are available to use but are not serviced. |
| |
|
Access: |
The Kepler Track is easily accessible from the Lake Te Anau control gates, either by road or a 45 minute walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau, or over the swing bridge across the Waiau River at Rainbow Reach.
A shuttle bus also operates during the summer season to entry and exit points on the track and a scheduled boat service provides access to Brod Bay. |
| |
|
Notes: |
Prior booking is required for the use of huts and campsites between late October and late April (summer season). Bookings can be made online at http://www.doc.govt.nz/ or at the Te Anau Department of Conservation office.
The track may be impassable due to snow/ice or avalanche danger during winter and spring.
Outside the summer season, huts are available to use but are not serviced.
During the summer season there are resident Track Rangers. Huts are supplied with gas cookers, tables, seating, cold running water, solar-powered lighting and heating in the main kitchen/dining area. Bunkrooms have communal sleeping arrangements, with mattresses provided. Ablution blocks have flush toilets and wash basins. There are no showers in the huts. You must carry your own sleeping bag, all food, cooking utensils, and warm clothing.
Camping at designated sites only.
The alpine section of the track is exposed to very severe weather conditions and trampers should always be well prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear regardless of the season.
No overnight guided tours available.
Special Activities - Annual Kepler Challenge Run and Luxmore Grunt (early December)
|
| |
|
Hut Capacity: |
Luxmore Hut - 54 bunks
Iris Burn Hut - 50 bunks
Moturau Hut - 40 bunks
Camping is only permitted at the two designated campsites
Brod Bay 15 - sites - maximum 30 people
Iris Burn 15 sites - maximum 30 people
|
| |
|
Hut Fees: |
The Kepler Track is a Department of Conservation Great Walk. It must be booked during the summer season.
Check the Department of Conservation website for current rates - http://www.doc.govt.nz/
|
| |
|
Contact: |
Great Walks Bookings
Department of Conservation Lakefront Drive
Te Anau
Phone: +64 3 249 8514
Fax: +64 3 249 8515
Email: greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz
Website http://www.doc.govt.nz/
|
| |
|
Office Hours: |
Opening hours 2011/2012 season
25th Oct - 11th Dec 8:00am to 5:00pm daily
12th Dec - 16th Mar 8:00am to 6:00pm daily
25th Dec 8:30am to 1:00pm
17th Mar - 27th Apr 8:00am to 5:00pm daily
Subject to Change
|
| |
|
Kepler Track Transport
for Independent Walkers: |
Please note rates and departure times may change. Please check with operator.
|
Map: |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About us 
