How do you get to the Kepler Track?
Given the Kepler is a loop track (there are two, technically three trailheads) starting close to Te Anau it’s easy to get there.
That said there are lots of Kepler Track transport options offered during the Great Walk season which runs from late October to the end of April (these will all be limited outside during the off season).
This post will help you decide how you’re going to get to/from the Kepler Track.
The three Kepler Track trailheads are:
While the first two trailheads are 9km apart, most people will complete the full 60km loop.
But knowing you can make the hike shorter might work better for you. And for those who take the Te Anau water taxi to Brod Bay, the hike will be a few kms shorter again.
It might be easier for you to picture everything using the map below. Clicking the image will open it up in a new window where it’s easier to zoom in and out.
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THE KEPLER TRACK TRANSPORT OPTIONS
1. Walk
2. Drive
3. Kepler Track Shuttles & Buses
4. Te Anau Water Taxi to Brod Bay
5. Kepler Car Relocation
6. Jet Boat
7. A Helicopter Tour
1. WALKING TO THE START OF THE KEPLER TRACK
Given the proximity of Te Anau to the Kepler Track, you can walk to the trailhead. Most of you will be travelling from Queenstown to Te Anau before beginning the Great Walk, so you might stay in Te Anau for a night before starting the hike.
From the middle of Te Anau to the control gates is 5.6km meaning to get there and back will add 11.2km to the hike. It’s a beautiful 5.6km, so provided you’re fit won’t be an issue.
This works best for those travelling on a budget.
And yes, you can stick a thumb out and hitchhike to the trailhead and not wait long (usually).
2. DRIVING TO THE KEPLER TRACK
This is the easiest way to get to and from the Kepler Track. If you’ve got your own car, there are plenty of parking spaces available at both of the trailheads. The Control Gates trailhead is where most people start hiking from.
As always, if you’re going to leave your car parked here for a few days, keep all valuables out of sight. That said, I’ve never heard about any thefts while parking at the Kepler.
3. KEPLER TRACK SHUTTLE/BUS
There are a few different Kepler shuttle/bus options to choose from. Most will take you to the Control Gates, and give you the option of being picked up at Rainbow Reach, Control Gates, or no pick up at all.
- FiordlandTours.co.nz: They offer a shuttle from Te Anau to either Rainbow Reach or the Control Gates.
- TrackNet.net: They offer transport from Te Anau to the Control Gates, and return from Rainbow Reach.
- EasyHike.co.nz: Easy Hike offer transport from Te Anau to the Control Gates, and return from the Control Gates or Rainbow Reach.
From Queenstown to Kepler Track:
- FiordlandOutdoors.co.nz: They offer a bus departing Queenstown at 6.30 am. You’ll then catch a Kepler water taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay. After catching a bus back from Rainbow Reach, you’ll head back to Queenstown at 5 pm.
You can look up all the different shuttles offering track transport here.
4. WATER TAXIS TO BROD BAY
This is a fun way to get from Te Anau to the Kepler Track! There are a few departure times in the morning which is nice.
If you’re looking for a day walk on the Kepler, this is a good option as there’s a return water taxi later in the day, or you can walk back from Brod Bay back to Te Anau too.
It’s a 15-minute ride from Te Anau to Brod Bay which is close to the bottom of the steep section up to Luxmore Hut. From there you continue on your way looping the Kepler Track.
After hiking you can choose where you’ll get picked up from:
- Rainbow Reach
- Control Gates
- Make your own way back to Te Anau
This is booked via FiordlandOutdoors.co.nz. Sometimes you can find discounts on the boat transfers here on BookMe.co.nz.
5. CAR RELOCATION
A car relocation service from trailhead to the trailhead isn’t as helpful as getting a relocation for the Routeburn Track but there are a couple of options:
- FiordlandOutdoors.co.nz: You’ll get a water taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay, and while you’re catching the water taxi, they’ll relocate your vehicle to Rainbow Reach or Control Gates.
- EasyHike.co.nz: Similar to above, you can get the water taxi to Brod Bay and then choose to have your car relocated to Rainbow Reach or Control Gates.
6. JET BOAT TO MOTARAU HUT
Taking a jet boat to the start of a hike is rather unique (you can do it on the Gillespie Pass Track too), and is possible with FJet.nz.
From Te Anau, the jet boat takes you for a thrilling ride on the Waiau River before you exit out on Lake Manapouri which lets you get close to Moturau Hut. They’ve got the option of then picking you up from Control Gates or back at Motarau Hut later on if you’re after a day hike. Or you can continue on and do a full loop.
They also offer a guided walk option.
7. A HELICOPTER TOUR
Have limited time but an unlimited budget? If you’re after a unique Great Walk experience that gives you epic views of Fiordland National Park, the fly-hike-fly option is a great way to see the best parts of the Kepler Track in a few hours.
You can book the experience below via Trips & Tramps, or check out this slightly different option on Klook.com.
The Trips & Tramps option is an experience you’ll never forget. You get picked up from your accommodation, and from there you’re in for epic views of the lakes, ridgelines, mountains, and more. You get to walk the best part of the track too.
You’ll land at Luxmore Hut which is a great spot to spend time at. Watch out for the sneaky keas who may come to steal your belongings!
From there you can walk to Mount Luxmore which again, has insane views. Your jaw will be dropping. The walk is about 6km with 400 metres of elevation gain. If you do find the going tough you can turn around whenever you like.
After some lunch, you’ll fly over the Kepler Mountains before a remote mountain top landing to take everything all in again. And then before you know it, you’ll be back in Te Anau by mid-afternoon.
How good is that for a five-hour day?
I hope this post has helped you figure out the best Kepler Track transport options for your needs. If you have any questions or comments about getting to the Kepler Track, ask in the comments below or email jub@churnewzealand.com
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.