On the Trail
The Kepler Track in New Zealand

An adventure above the clouds.

Photo credit by google images

The Kepler Track is a 60 km (37.3miles), 3-4 day loop track. The Great Walk (premier walking trails) traverses Fiordland National park in the southwest of the South Island. The remarkable scenery includes everything from remote lakes and peaceful beech forests, to rocky peaks and exposed alpine tussock lands. Your reward for the hill climb is a long section above bushline with marvellous panoramic views of the Kepler Mountains on one side, and lakes, rivers and hanging valleys on the other. The Kepler Track is an excellent track for you and your family and friends, especially if you love the outdoors, want an adventure with a bit of a physical challenge that is not too hard to get to and has excellent facilities. In the hiking world, the Kepler is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious wilderness adventures, involving modern huts, gas cookers, comfortable beds and a very high standard of track.

Options:
Epic – If you have the fitness level and experience you should participate in The Kepler Challenge. A local trail race and truly is breathtaking. Or choose to stay only one night and hike or run in a day.

Endurance – Most people choose to hike the whole track in either direction in 3-4 days, depending on your fitness, skills and weather conditions.

Bonus – The Kepler Track also offers great day hiking opportunities from the car park or Rainbow Reach, for families or those with limited time.

Location:
The Kepler Track is located in the south west of the South Island. The nearest townships of Te Anau and Manapouri have a full range of accommodations and shops catering to all your needs. The Kepler Track begins and ends at the Lake Te Anau control gates.

Logistics:
Over the summer months, shuttle buses operate to entry and exit points on the track and there is a scheduled boat service that provides access to Brod Bay. Most people walk this track in a counter-clockwise direction, allowing a more gradual climb through the beech forest to the snow line. During the winter months (May to October) the Kepler Track remains open, but with reduced facilities. Since it is a Great Walk of New Zealand, advanced booking for huts and campsites is required.

Length:
The Kepler is 60km or 37 miles in length.

Weather:
Always check the weather before your planned hike or run. The best time of year is November to April in general.

Terrain:
Since this is a Great Walk it means the track is 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 abreast. The surface is usually gravel, rock or dirt and like any track can get slippery in wet weather.

Side Notes:
Highlights on this journey include rambling through the rainforest, exploring Luxmore Cave, massive views from the top of Mount Luxmore 1471 meters (4826 feet), waterfalls, encounters with kea and walking down the Iris Burn glacial valley.