Keen to get out there and immerse yourself in the lush and spectacular scenery of NZ’s southern fiords?
The Kepler Track is one of the DOC Great Walks of New Zealand and with its loop style track and starting point just outside Te Anau it’s a perfect walk if you are a newbie at multi day hiking or plan to step out into the great outdoors without a big group of mates coming along.

Here’s all the important info:
- Distance: 60km
- 4 days / 3 nights in huts to average 15km /day
- Highest point: 1472m
- Costs: $NZ resident +18y $68 pp/pn (International visitors +18y $102pp/pn)
- Great walks season: late October – end of April
- Book: New Zealand - DOC Booking Service - Great Walk
Nestled in between two stunning lakes and taking you high across spectacular alpine ridgelines it’s a beautiful walk that shows off the best of NZs stunning scenery.
The 60km track is well marked, has three well organised huts, a couple of campsites along the way and does not require you to book transport to the start and end points which are just a few kilometres outside the Te Anau township
(Tip: After completing the track pop into the local for some cool refreshments and tasty Nachos or Burgers).
Key things to note regarding the accommodation options:
- Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence and will check tickets and attendance in the evenings. Huts do not have food, cooking utensils or showers.
- Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some have picnic tables and shelters. Campers can't use the hut facilities, so make sure to bring everything you need to cook yourself a nutritious meal at the end of a day on the trail.
What kind of gear should you bring?
If staying in the huts:
- 50L backpack (depending on your packing you might be okay with a 38L pack too),
- Packing cubes and a dry sack,
- Water bladder,
- Lightweight sleeping bag,
- Cooking utensils,
- Freeze dry meals,
- Extra pants to change into at the hut, 2 extra tops (1ls and 1ss),
- A light rain jacket,
- 2-3 pairs of socks,
- Comfy and well-worn in hiking shoes or boots,
- Pair of jandals to wear around hut or camp,
- Blister plasters, sunblock, and toiletries
- Sunhat, Ruru headtorch, and a beanie,
- Microfiber towel,
- Togs if you plan to take a dip in the lake
- Resealable bag, container or jar to carry any rubbish or leftover food back home with you
If staying at the campsites:
- Additionally bring a small hiking tent, sleeping mat, camping stove and depending on the temperatures a warmer sleeping bag.
Check out our articles 'What to wear on a spring hike' and ‘How to layer outdoor clothing’ for more advice regarding the perfect multi day hiking outfit and 'Meal planning for a multi-day hike' to get your meals organized before you hit the track.
Day 1 - Kepler Track Carpark to Luxmore Hut
Starting on the Luxmore side of the track will force you to do a bunch of the heavy lifting on your first day. The section between Brod Bay and the Luxmore ridgeline is a steady uphill battle through lush NZ forest until you get above the treeline. From there it’s just a little bit further (approx.. 45 min) across the tussock covered ridge til you see the bright red glowing Luxmore hut located in the perfect spot to have an afternoon snooze on the deck or in the lounge area overlooking the Te Anau basin and surrounding mountains.
Day 2 - Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
Day 2 will make you feel on top of the world. Waking up high up in the mountains the day follows the ridgeline for most of the way allowing for stunning views of the Murchison mountains, playful Keas keen to investigate your packs and plenty of staircases as you make your descend down and through the lush forests.

Day 3 & 4 - Iris Burn Hut - Moturau Hut (Lake Manapouri) - Rainbow Reach / Kepler Track Carpark
For the final two days of the track you will get to explore the serene beauty of NZs green rainforests in great detail as you make your way back towards Te Anau passing the Waiau river and Lake Manapouri, next to which the third and final hut is located in the perfect spot for an afternoon dip to wash off the dust and sweat of the past several days.
While the rangers might tell you it’s a pretty flat home run on the 4th day be aware there are occasional slight uphills along the track! However, as you chew through your final provisions, dreaming of tasty refreshments should help you track along those final Ks to the finish line.
Note: If you want to cut the walk short by approx. 10 km on your final day, you can finish your adventure at Rainbow Reach Carpark and hitch a ride back from here to Te Anau or your vehicle over at the Kepler Track Carpark.
This is also a good option if you want to finish the track in 3 days instead of 4 as Rainbow Reach is only an additional 2 hours walk from Moturau Hut.