At 60km in length, the Kepler Track is a great loop track that you’ll likely spend 4 days and 3 nights on. Starting just 5km from Te Anau, you’ll experience a wide variety of terrain, including my favourite, the spectacular ridgelines.

The Kepler Track is a hike that lots of people love. At 60km long, it’s on the longer end of the South Islands multiday hikes as you experience a small slice of Fiordland National Park.

To make sure you’re most well prepared you can be for the Kepler Track, this guide will address the most common concerns about preparing for a great walk. And don’t be afraid to reach out to me with any questions via email or in the comments below.

Let’s get into it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Essential Kepler Track Info
2. Planning Your Kepler Track Trip
3. Kepler Track Hiking Itineraries
4. Are There Good Day Hikes On The Kepler Track?
5. Huts vs. Campsites On The Kepler Track
6. Where To Stay On The Kepler Track
7. When To Hike The Kepler Track
8. How To Book The Kepler Track
9. What To Pack For The Kepler Track
10. Notes From The Kepler Track
11. Kepler Track FAQ’s
12. More Kepler Track Photos

1. ESSENTIAL KEPLER TRACK INFO

Trail Length: ~60km.

If you’d like the Kepler Track GPX file, you can download it here.

Elevation Gain: ~2000 metres.

The elevation profile below is starting from the control gates and takes in the short detour to Mt Luxmore (you should do the detour):

Time: Most people spend 4 days and 3 nights on the Kepler. This is a manageable distance for 99% of people over this number of days, though you’ll be ready to put your feet up at the end.

You can do the Kepler Track in 1 day (you may want to sign up for the Kepler Challenge), 2, and 3 days. 5 days is rare, but I have heard that people will spend multiple days up at Luxmore Hut which sounds fun.

Type of Trail: Circuit/loop. This makes it a super easy hike to plan getting to/from the track.

The Kepler Track Trailheads:

• Kepler Car Park (control gates)
• Rainbow Reach Car Park

You can walk the Kepler Track in both directions. The vast majority of people start at the control gates and walk in the anti-clockwise direction (going to Luxmore Hut first).

Here’s a map of the Kepler Track. If you click on the image below, it’ll open up in a new window on Topomap.co.nz.

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2. PLANNING YOUR KEPLER TRACK TRIP

STEP #1: CHOOSE YOUR TRAILHEAD

• Starting from the Control Gates: This is the closest trailhead to Te Anau and is where most people start hiking. As most people walk in the anti-clockwise direction, it means you’ll get the majority of the incline completed on day one up to Luxmore Hut.
• Starting from Rainbow Reach: Rainbow Beach is a lot more low-key, mainly due to the location, but I do like that it means you can break up the flat sections of the track between different days more. If you’re deciding to hike in the clockwise direction, you may prefer this.

STEP #2: DECIDE HOW MANY DAYS YOU’LL NEED

The majority of people spend 4 days hiking the Kepler Track, staying at Luxmore, Iris Burn, and Moturau Huts.

But as mentioned you can walk the Kepler Track in 1 day, 2, or 3 days depending on your fitness/time frame.

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3. KEPLER TRACK HIKING ITINERARIES

Hiking the Kepler Track over 4 days – Recommended Itinerary
Starting from the Controls Gates.

• Day One: Control Gates to Luxmore Hut, 13.8km
• Day Two: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut, 14.6km
• Day Three: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut, 16.2km
• Day Four: Moturau Hut to Control Gates, 15.5km

You can do this itinerary in reverse as well.

Can you do the hike in fewer days?

Yes! If you’re planning to camp the track over 3 days, I recommend starting from Rainbow Reach which will split the campsites up nicely. And if you’re doing the track in 3 days, but are worried about the distance, you can always skip the last 9km between the two trailheads.

And walking the Kepler Track in 2 days? They’re solid days, but the huts are nicely spaced about so you’ll walk about the same distance each day (28.4km and 31.7km days).

I’ve completed the Kepler Track in one day, and you’ll often see trail runners completing the loop, and of course there’s the annual Kepler Challenge.

But what about hiking the Kepler Track in one day? As long as you’re a somewhat regular hiker and get a reasonably early start (in the summer), you’ll have plenty of time to chip away at the track throughout the day and get time to spend enjoying the scenery. Averaging 4km an hour, it’s a 15-hour day. Long, but doable if you have to.

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4. ARE THERE GOOD DAY HIKES ON THE KEPLER TRACK?

There is! If you haven’t got time to do the full 60km (or the huts are booked out), you can explore various parts of the Kepler Track in a day, including a couple of fancy options which don’t involve starting at one of the two trailheads.

From the Control Gates to:

• Dock Bay
• Brod Bay
• Luxmore Hut
• Rainbow Reach

From Rainbow Reach to:

• Moturau Hut
• Shallow Bay Hut

Alternative options:

• A water taxi to Brod Bay and walk back to Te Anau
• A helicopter tour where you’ll get to see the ridgelines, and walk along them

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5. HUTS VS. CAMPSITES ON THE KEPLER TRACK

The majority of people hiking the Kepler stay in huts, but there are some who will take a tent and spend nights under the stars along the way.

HUTS ON THE KEPLER TRACK

Pros

• Provide the best shelter
• Hut wardens have up to date information
• Nice facilities (considering your on a hiking trail)

Cons

• You need to book well in advance
• Not everyone shows good Hut etiquette
• Bed bugs can be an issue from time to time
• Relatively expensive

CAMPING ON THE ROUTEBURN TRACK

Pros

• You get to sleep under the stars
• You don’t need to book so far in advance
• Cheap!

Cons

• Kea could be hanging about and happy to pick apart your tent
• There are only two campsites on the track
• You need to bring more gear (tent, mats, and more warm stuff)
• If the weather is bad, good luck to you.

They are just a few things to think about when deciding whether to camp on the Kepler Track, stay in huts, or do a combo of both.

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6. WHERE TO STAY ON THE KEPLER TRACK

The three huts on the Kepler Track are:

• Luxmore Hut
• Iris Burn Hut
• Moturau Hut

Hut Fees (from ~25th October to ~30th April):

NZ citizens
Adult: $68/night
Youth (17 years and under): Free, but bookings are still required.

International visitors
Adult: $102/night
Youth (17 years and under): $51/night

Hut Fees (from ~1st May to ~30th October):
For all
Adult: $15/night
Youth (17 years and under): Free

Luxmore Hut exception: From ~May 1st to June 30th, adults pay $25 per night.

Can I use my Back country hut pass? They’re valid at all huts between May 1st and October 24th (off season).

The Campsites:

• Brod Bay Campsite
• Iris Burn Campsite

Camping Fees from about October 25th to April 30th

New Zealand citizens

Adult (18+ years): $21/night
Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required

International visitors:

Adult (18+ years): $32/night
Child (17 years and under): $16/night

From May 1st to October 24th

For all visitors:

Adult (18+ years): $5/night
Child (17 years and under): free

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7. WHEN TO HIKE THE KEPLER TRACK

The Great Walk season runs from late October to April 30th and is the best time to walk the Kepler Track.

You’ve got more settled weather, wardens looking after the huts, low avalanche risk, and you’ll meet plenty of others on the track.

But it’s possible to walk the Kepler Track throughout the year, most of the time, as the highest point is a little under 1500 metres. There are times when the snowfall on the alpine sections is too much for all but the most experienced trampers.

If there’s a warm patch in the middle of winter, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to complete the track safely (chat with DOC in advance). This is definitely the case in May and October.

Note: You can do many of the Kepler Track day walks throughout the year regardless of the weather.

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8. HOW TO BOOK THE KEPLER TRACK

Accommodation: If you’re hiking the Kepler Track during the Great Walks season you need to book hut spots well in advance. Ideally, as soon as they go on sale which is usually in early May. After that, if there are spaces available, you’ll need to be more flexible on your dates.

Transport: I’ve written a full post on Kepler Track Transport as you’ve got lots of options, including:

• Walking
• Driving
• Water Taxi
• Bus/Shuttle
• Car Relocation
• Jet Boat

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9. WHAT TO PACK FOR THE KEPLER TRACK

If you’ve done a multiday hike before, you’ll have a good idea of what you need to pack. But if it’s your first one, knowing what to and not to pack can be tricky.

For a Kepler Track packing list, consider your:

Food: In the huts you’ve got gas supplied during the Great Walk season, otherwise you’ll need to bring your own (in addition to a cooker) to have hot/warm food. This will play a role in what food you want to bring. Will it be boujee, dehydrated meals, or a combo of both? And what are your ideal hiking snacks?

Cooking things: Will you need a stove and gas (provided in the huts during Great Walk season) or will you survive on food you don’t need to cook?

Sleeping bag: You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag on the hike unless you’re planning to hike do the track in one day. A popular sleeping bag that’ll keep most people toasty during the high season is the Macpac Dusk 400.

Reusable water bottle: Steams are hard to come by on the Kepler, but the huts usually have ample supplies of water. Bring enough to be able to carry at least 1 litre of water, if not more.

Hut Tickets/Bookings: Bring proof of your hut bookings during the Great Walk season. And outside of the season, bring either your backcountry pass if you have one, or purchase your DOC hut tickets in advance.

Power Bank: There’s a bit of phone reception on parts of the Kepler. But even without it, I find my technology will die after a few days potentially. It’s not necessary, but a power bank can be handy.

Insect Repellent: There aren’t too many sandfly issues on the Kepler, but it never hurts to bring some.

Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a Hat: Once you get onto the alpine sections of the Kepler, you’re going to want to slip, slap, slop. It gets hot.

Hiking Poles: While not a must, you’ll find some people are very thankful to carry them after a few days of walking up and down hills with a heavy pack.

Waterproof layer and bag protection: While the forecast might look good, things can change fast when hiking in Fiordland National Park. Make sure you’ve got a good waterproof jacket like the Tempo from Macpac (this is my review). And dry bags are super useful.

Good hiking clothes: Bring some base laters, a good middle layer, and outer layers. You’ll likely have stuff around the home so don’t feel like you need to go and buy all new hiking clothes. And what do you want to wear when you’re in the huts?

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10. NOTES FROM THE KEPLER TRACK

• If you’re looking for a kea, they’re often seen at Luxmore Hut.
• The incline up to Luxmore Hut wasn’t nearly as dramatic as I thought it’d be, the well maintained trail makes it less tricky.
• Wake up for sunrise at Luxmore Hut…what a view.
• The side trip to Mt Luxmore is worth it.
• I found the section from Iris Burn Hut to Rainbow Reach quite draining. It’s beautiful, but monotonous.
• Before climbing up the incline to Luxmore Hut, enjoy some time on the beach at Brod Bay.
• Eating at one of the food trucks near food trucks is a great spot to celebrate your adventure.

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11. KEPLER TRACK FAQ’S

Can you camp on the Kepler Track?
You can! As mentioned earlier, you can camp at Brod Bay and Iris Burn campsites.

Can you do the Kepler Track in May?
Yes, most of the time you’ll be good as gold. There may be an early season dump of snow, but this usually won’t hang around long and there won’t be any avalanche risk. Call DOC in advance to check what the latest conditions are.

Can you do the Kepler Track in two days?

You can, but it’s going to be 2 big days. And given the location of the huts, one day is going to be super long depending on where you stay. For this reason, you might want to consider starting at Rainbow Reach carpark.

Can you do the Kepler track in winter?

In theory, yes. But avalanche risk is possible, meaning it’s not the best idea for most people. Contact DOC before you go to get their recommendations.

Can you swim on the Kepler?

You can swim in Lake Mackenzie and some people will swim in Routeburn Falls (apparently). I’ve never seen anyone jump in Lake Harris though.

Can you walk the Kepler Track in one day?

Yup! It’s a long day out, but in the middle of summer, you could do it and nearly be in daylight the whole way. Hiking 4km an hour on average isn’t unrealistic given the track is so well maintained. 15 hours is definitely a long day out though, you’ll need to be super fit.

And of course, there’s the Kepler Challenge where the winners can run the whole length in under 5 hours!

How high is the Kepler Track?

Here’s a few points to note:

• Mt Luxmore is the highest point on the track, 1472 metres above sea level.
• The Divide is 532 metres above sea level.
• Luxmore Hut is 1085 metres above sea level.
• The Control Gates are just over 200 metres above sea level.

And total elevation gain is around 2000 metres total.

How much does the Kepler Track cost?

This will vary lots. If you were to hitchhike to/from the start, and hike the track in one day you could spend nothing but your food costs on the track. Alternatively, take a guided tour and you’ll spend a few thousand dollars on the hike. Most people will be somewhere in between.

Here’s a rough guideline for one adult in the Great Walk Season fro international visitors:

• Huts for 3 nights: $300
• Food and drinks: $100
• Additional gear: $200

As I typed this, I realised how many variables there are. But it’s not unrealistic to expect to fork upwards of $500 for an adult to do the Kepler Track. You can save money (or spend more) on transport by getting there yourself etc.

Is Kepler Track open?

If you’re asking this, it’s most likely as there’s bad weather in or around the area. Before venturing out, check the DOC website, and call or visit the DOC centre in Te Anau for the latest information.

Is the Kepler track hard?

Yes and no. 60km isn’t a short distance, but over four days it’s very manageable, with only one day with significant incline (usually day one to Luxmore Hut). If the weather gets bad, the hike will be tough, and while it’s well marked and the trail is seemingly easy to follow, you’ll want to be cautious.

Is the Kepler Track safe?

Regarding people and animals, yes. The weather and ill-preparation are the biggest safety concerns. Bring a PLB!

Where does the Kepler Track finish?

The Kepler Track is a loop track, which for most people means the Kepler Track finishes at the car park next to the control gates.

Where should I stay before Kepler Track?

Most people are going to stay in Te Anau the night before starting the Kepler Track. From here it’s about 5km to the control gates.

There are transport options from Queenstown too, or it’s a 2-hour or so drive to the trailhead.

Why is the Kepler Track closed?

If you’re asking this, it’s likely there’s been some bad weather (past, present, or future) on the track. DOC may close the track if there’s been damage etc. Check the official website and/or visit the local DOC office.

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12. MORE KEPLER TRACK PHOTOS

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I have a love-hate relationship with the Kepler Track. I loved the start, climb up to Luxmore Hut, and the alpine section. It was the part after Iris Burn Hut that I wasn’t a fan of. But I think that’s because I was getting tired at this point, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I’ll definitely give the Kepler Track another go if the timing is right though. Don’t let me put you off 🙂

If you have any questions about the Kepler Track leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com.