You can find three huts on the Kepler Track: Luxmore Hut is the hut with most amazing views over Te Anau Lake, Iris Burn Hut close to the falls and Moturau Hut on the shore of Lake Manapouri. Huts and campsites must be booked in advance. Camping is not permitted on the track except in the two designated areas and, during the season, huts and campsites must be pre-booked. The trail is in great shape (not boldering) and well used; there are a few stairsteps up to Bushline. All transport must be arranged before starting the track. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow. Day 4, Moturau Hut > Rainbow Reach, 6km. The risk of avalanche can extend into December. "Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those: who hold a residence class, student or work visa; and, who have lived in New Zealand for six of the previous 12 months; and. It is permitted to camp down at the free campsite at Shallow Bay on Lake Manapouri and it even has a long drop toilet not so far away. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 26 October 2021): Walking the track should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards. To me, hiking the Kepler Track is easily one of the very best things to do in all of New Zealand ! In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need: Luxmore Hut after a snow storm - alpine equipment is essential. take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. We hiked on the Kepler Track from Te anau twice. Given the high demand, use of the Kepler Track is quite regulated, especially during the “Great Walk Season” (approximately mid-October to the end of April). Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast (MetService website). Luxmore Hut, overlooking Lake Te Anau and mountains beyond is a very special place for a relaxing with your hiking buddies. There are also 2 emergency shelters in the alpine section of the walk. From late October to April, walk past the beech-forested shorelines of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, to tussock-covered ridgelines with spectacular alpine vistas. A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. ... the Kepler Track is an incredible wilderness adventure above the clouds. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. Bookings are open for trips to 30 April 2021. it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours, DOC does not manage hazards such as avalanches and flooding. How about a campsite right on the shores of Lake Manapouri, in amongst some big red beech forest, complete with a priceless view? The hike is generally completed over 3 - 4 days. Moturau Hut is located just up from the shoreline of Lake Manapouri where there are outstanding views, and with some great expanses of mature red beech forest in the vicinity. Don’t burn it down. We met some really great people on the Kepler Track from day one and it turned out they were all heading in the same direction as us over the next four days so as with the Milford Track we shared the same huts for the next three nights. Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hrDistance: 6 kmThe last day is easy walking across a unique and fragile wetland. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee. Bookings are required for huts and campsites. 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. Same amount around 10 times. With your knowledgeable, local Trips & Tramps nature guide, learn about the fauna and flora in the surrounding alpine tussock fields, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Te Anau basin, scenic lakes and surrounding Fiordland Mountains. Avalanches are frequent. Time: 5–6 hrDistance: 16.2 kmExperience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove. for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. Kinda handy for a lunch stop for those not intent on departing the Kepler as rapidly as possible. Just 2 hours away in the hike i got a phone call from my bank like somebody is using my bank card, doing transactions. Walking times. Know how to use these tools. It is a 13.8 km hike from the Kepler Track car park or just 8.2 km from the Brod Bay campsite. Kepler Track car park to Luxmore Hut 13.8km, 5-6hr The track hugs the shore of Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, where it begins a steep switch-back ascent. This portion of the trail is incredible and I highly rate it. Look for yellow-crowned parakeets along the river. Luxmore Hut. Tags backcountry huts, fiordland, iris burn hut, kea, kepler track, lake manapouri, luxmore hut, moturau hut, new zealand great walk, te anau ← Cycling from Italy to Austria – Dobbiaco to Lienz Bike Route (46km) → Israel – A walk back in time, a leap forward in faith The first involves the most climbing – somewhat easier than climbing to Luxmore Hut – to a relatively flat section. Kepler Track Distance: 60km (37 miles) loop track. The Kepler Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. The beach-side Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake. Know the Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to ensure you have a great trip and make it home. Your safety is your responsibility. The hut has 6 beds at a first come first serve basis and plenty of room for camping. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be … Brod Bay Campsite. Take five minutes and learn how to prepare for a multiday tramp and #MakeItHomeNZ. For the most part, the Kepler Track's highlights lie between the Luxmore Hut and the Iris Burn Hut. Note that camping is only permitted at the official two campsites although it is okay to camp for free a minimum of 500 m from the track. Fiordland National Park experiences high rainfall (up to 9000 mm per year) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season. The Brod Bay campsite is down by Lake Te Anau in some attractive red beech forest, where moss is a major understory feature of the botany. You can leave the track here and catch a shuttle bus to Te Anau. The Kepler Track huts are excellent. Find out what to take. Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. Forest Burn Shelter might be a windowless box but it may give some respite from the weather. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. Iris Burn campsite has level and sheltered camping sites with a handy kitchen structure, fireplace, picnic tables and a water tank. After your spectacular helicopter ride we arrive at Luxmore Hut, the first hut on the Kepler Track Great Walk. I saw a guy trying to light up a huge log with cigarette lighter, so I offered my help. The Control Gates shelter is the official start, and completion point, for the Kepler Track. The Kepler Track is a multi-day hike, and unless you decide to see only a part of it in one day, you will have to stay along the trail overnight. Shortening the track is deemed being efficient rather than lazy. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. You need to be totally self-sufficient. Luxmore Hut is a 45 minute walk from the bushline. Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay | Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach | Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut | Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore Hut. Iris Burn Hut is not quite as dramatic a setting as Luxmore, with those bigtime views, but a pleasant enough spot to be resting those feet. The final day of the Kepler track is a moderate stroll to reach the end. Adult (18+ years): $65 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $32.50 per person, per night, Adult (18+ years): $20 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $10 per person, per night. Shallow Bay Hut is a typical NZFS old-style hut from back in the day, complete with open fireplace. New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*: A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 month Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ Mountain Safety Council; NZ Federated Mountain Clubs; NZ Deer Stalkers Association; NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR); Scouts New Zealand; GirlGuiding NZ. Not much amenity at Rainbow Reach Shelter, no bunks, etc, just a simple shelter with a toilet, but on the positive side it is shelter. And the Kepler Track is popular, particularly in the summer holiday season, and huts can be full, all 54 bunks taken, it ain’t a track to get away from people. Destination Fiordland has information about transport operators. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlights into the valleys. Depending on the hut they have bunks from 40 to 54 people, provide gas for cooking, running water and toilets. In fact, if you don’t have time to hike the entire Kepler Track, consider hiking up to the Luxmore Hut and back down on a day hike. In the Great Walks season all the Kepler huts have gas for cooking. A scheduled boat service also offers transport to Brod Bay. DOC operates 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be booked in advance during the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021) to avoid disappointment. Camping is possible at Brod Bay and near the Iris Burn Hut, but the distance between … Located in Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri area and Lake Te Anau area in the Fiordland region. Conclusion: don't leave your valuables in the car, the car park is not monitored by police. In fine weather you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the highest point on the track (1472 m). Air New Zealand is a national partner with DOC for conservation, and is proud to support DOC's Great Walks. Park at the Rainbow Reach car-park, cross a swinging suspension bridge and make a left on the Kepler track. Enjoy a day walk. Critical Ecosystem Pressures on Freshwater Environments, Biodiversity inventory and monitoring toolbox, Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping track, Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay, Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut, Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast, New Zealand Avalanche Advisory for Fiordland, Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for Fiordland, Te Rua-o-te-moko / Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Kepler Track walking guide – pick one up when you collect your tickets at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough, cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur, DOC manages avalanche risk to a low level and may close the alpine section of the track between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if avalanche conditions exist. A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you above the bushline to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and surrounding mountains. The Kepler Water Taxi offers transport across Lake Te Anau for those who wish to shorten the walk to Luxmore Hut or to allow for an enjoyable shorter walk back around the lakefront from Brod Bay. Walk the full track. Time: 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr 30 minDistance: 9.5 kmContinue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park. Cooking utensils are not provided and there is no food for sale on the track. This small hut a few kilometers past the Moturua Hut (the recommended paid hut on the Kepler Track walk.) Places to stay. This river links Lake Te Anau with Lake Manapouri, and the remainder of the Kepler Track more or less follows … You can book transport between Te Anau and the ends of the tracks, otherwise it's a 50 min walk. Snow blankets the alpine section of the Kepler Track, making travel slowImage: DOC. Book online. The Kepler Track is a 60km loop with the start of the track about 5km from the town of Te Anau. The Kepler Track section from Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn can be divided into three 2-hour chunks. Above the treeline, stunning views over Lake Te Anau are revealed from amongst the tussock and the hut is then reached within an hour. Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Kepler Track huts, campsites and shelters There might be only three official Great Walk huts on the Kepler, Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau, and two official campsites, Brod Bay and Iris Burn, but there are a number of other structures that are also documented here. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/kepler-track/. Your accommodation is now ‘reserved’ but is not confirmed until you complete the payment process. First time we took water taxi across lake to Broad Bay, hiked too Bushline, then down and along lake to car park - close to 18 km total over 6 hrs. The problem with this 500 metre limit is that there are few locations where it is physically possible to whack up your tent, the country is either covered in tussock, not easy to sleep on those massive lumps, or on a considerable slope. The Brod Bay campsite is the first campsite from the starting point of the trail. Camping or staying overnight in the shelters at Forest Burn and Hanging Valley is not permitted. Weather conditions can change quicky in any season. Luxmore Hut comes with a million dollar view normally reserved for 5 star hotels. Huts and Campsites Along The Kepler Track. Any flushing toilets are also locked, you have to use a long drop. You can finish after 50.5km (31 miles) if you would prefer, but to do this you’ll need to organize transport in advance. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. Booking opening dates are notified two weeks ahead of bookings opening. The Kepler Track is a 60 km (37 mi) circular hiking track which travels through the landscape of the South Island of New Zealand and is situated near the town of Te Anau.The track passes through many landscapes of the Fiordland National Park such as rocky mountain ridges, tall mossy forests, lake shores, deep gorges, rare wetlands and rivers. Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 5.6 kmThe track begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water in Australasia, to Brod Bay. Here are all the huts in anti-clockwise order from the carpark. The track then follows the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. We did it in 3 nights and 4 days staying at all huts along the way and found that to be a good pace. The Kepler Track has 3 excellent Great Walks huts with resident wardens, two camping areas. There are 9 avalanche paths, and most have the potential to cross the track. Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos. Luxmore in particular is luxurious for a back country experinece and is our favourite of all the huts on the Fiordland Great Walks. There were many people in the hut but nobody had started a fire. Side tracks to Luxmore Cave and Mt Luxmore are worthwhile. Start your day on top of the world. track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed  mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night, Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night, avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe, mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional). Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay | Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach | Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut | Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore Hut. An ‘adventure above the clouds’, the Kepler Track was created for your outdoor pleasure and to showcase the very best of Fiordland. Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr 30 minDistance: 8.2 km. An enjoyable side-trip from the main track leads to the six-bunk Shallow Bay Hut, one of the park’s older and smaller huts, near the mouth of the Waiau River. there are additional hazards to consider. Hanging Valley Shelter is just at about the highest point on the Kepler and immediately prior to the steep drop down to Iris Burn. A DOC ranger is in residence. Shallow Bay Hut is a non-serviced, unmanned hut on the edge of Lake Manapouri. The Kepler Track follows it on the true right for much of this length, coming out at the Control Gates. From May to late October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours - only attempt if you have alpine, navigation and river crossing skills. Be prepared for all conditions. In some instances, by following the track, you'll be crossing avalanche paths - you may need to navigate around them. Huts do not have food, cooking utensils or showers. Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass - buy these from a DOC visitor centre before you go. We decided after a couple of hours that we had the energy to go on the 5pm nature walk with the hut ranger. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. Discounts are not available online. The track follows the terraces of the Waiau River Terrace to the swing-bridge at Rainbow Reach. Alpine areas are usually covered in snow. As mentioned, there are many huts along the way and staying at all of them isn’t necessary. Accommodation and facilities on the Kepler Track Backcountry huts. Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track. The track over the alpine section is not marked and is often blanketed in thick snow. We did the whole kepler track in 3 days in mid october. have the skills for the ATES class you are going into, have talked to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. Between late October and late April the three Department of Conservation huts on the track are provided with heating, gas for cooking, mattresses, running water and flush toilets. Campers can't use the hut facilities. Kepler Track: Easy day or half day walks as well - See 487 traveler reviews, 522 candid photos, and great deals for Te Anau, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Luxmore Hut is one of the most popular huts around due to its proximity to Lake Te Anau township and there’s a lot of talk about the view. Luxmore Hut 54 bunks Kepler Track Shelter and car park 0 m 500 m 1,000 m KEPLER TRACK 5 – 6 hours, 138. km Your journey begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water by volume in Australasia, to Brod Bay. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so please visit a DOC visitor centre in person. Some have picnic tables and shelters. If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you: Map of avalanche paths on Kepler Track (JPG, 934K). Running water is turned off inside the huts. The Kepler Track in Fiordland New Zealand, near Te Anau, is a circular hike that covers 60 kilometres while traversing the stunning and spectacular scenery of the Fiordland National Park, in the South Island of NZ, and is one of the nine Great Walks. Around each corner are new and spectacular views of lakes and mountain peaks. The Great Walk huts are generally comfortable with reasonable amenity, although they do have a winter season where the water to the inside taps is turned off, pipes are drained to avoid damage from freezing, instead you have to go to an outside tank. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020): Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. Kepler Track Duration: Most people stay 2 or 3 nights on the track; 3 or 4 days total. Most walkers take 4 days/3 nights. The major issue is the entirely exposed alpine section from Luxmore Hut to the forest above Iris Burn Hut. Kepler Track - The Kepler Track is a 60 km, 3-4 day loop track taking you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the tussocky alpine tops and grand Mt Luxmore. Book your tickets online for Kepler Track, Te Anau: See 489 reviews, articles, and 523 photos of Kepler Track, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 20 attractions in Te Anau. Most of the walk is in the bush however a good 6 km of this is zigzagging up about 800 metres. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. The Luxmore Hut is the first of the Kepler Track huts. Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets. Kepler Track New Zealand. Dress for these conditions. Kepler Track Huts. This portion of the track is the last leg of the Kepler Track, just in reverse. A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. There are 3 different Department of Conservation huts (shared facilities and bunks). Winding through beech forest the entire 1.5 hours, the track destination is the final hut on the track – Moturau Hut. Think Shallow Bay campsite. There might be only three official Great Walk huts on the Kepler, Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau, and two official campsites, Brod Bay and Iris Burn, but there are a number of other structures that are also documented here. The side track to the Luxmore Caves can also be very slippery and icy. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. Brod Bay campsite | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Control Gates shelter | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Forest Burn Shelter | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Hanging Valley Shelter | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Iris Burn campsite | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Iris Burn Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Luxmore Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Moturau Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Rainbow Reach Shelter and carpark | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Rocky Point Shelter | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Shallow Bay campsite | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Shallow Bay Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, Abel Tasman Coastal Track huts and campsites, Abel Tasman Inland Track huts and campsites, Hollyford Track and Pyke - Big Bay Route huts, Rakiura/Stewart Island huts and campsites. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk. During the Great Walks season, DOC manages avalanche risk and may close the alpine section between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if there is avalanche hazard. In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021): Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. KEPLER TRACK HIGHLIGHTS. Shuttle buses provide a daily service to the entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. You have 25 minutes from now to complete the payment process. I was feeling fine most of the day, but as soon as I stopped hiking I felt exhausted. The track from the hut is clearly signposted. During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold.