The Kepler Track and Routeburn Track are two of NZ’s ten Great Walks.
Both tracks are popular with the huts booked out for most nights during the Great Walk season. And there’s usually a good crowd in the campsites too.
So, Routeburn vs Kepler, which one do you choose?
In a perfect world, both. But if I had to choose, I’d go with the Routeburn.
But this post will continue. I’ll give you my thoughts on each of the hikes which might help you decide which one is best for you.
MY THOUGHTS ON ROUTEBURN VS KEPLER TRACK
Why do I think the Routeburn Track is better?
- There are some fun side trips you can add on. Try and make it into the Valley of the Trolls!
- There’s a lot of variety in the 32km.
- You can do the Routeburn hike in a day or do various out and backs along the trail.
- You have more flexibility with hut bookings whereas on Milford you MUST stay 3 nights during the Great Walk season.
- You can create a loop with the Greenstone/Caples tracks making the transport a lot easier.
COMMON QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN KEPLER TRACK OR ROUTEBURN TRACK
How far is each hike?
Kepler Track: 60km
Routeburn Hike: 32km.
Which is harder Kepler or Routeburn?
At nearly twice the length that makes the Kepler Track harder than the Routeburn. The Routeburn has more technical terrain but it doesn’t make up for the extra distance.
Don’t let the difficulty of each track get in the way of you choosing one over the other.
What’s the elevation gain of Routeburn Track and Kepler Track?
Milford Track has about 1650 metres and Routeburn has about 1300. So the Routeburn is steeper once you factor in the distance. Here are the elevation profiles of both:
The Routeburn Track elevation profile
Kepler Track elevation profile.
Is it worth doing Routeburn AND Kepler?
Many will do the Kepler and Routeburn back to back which is fun. They’re two totally different tracks so if you’ve got the time, yes! I’d choose the Kepler first, as the distance on each day of the Routeburn is less.
If you can’t commit to both, or don’t get the hut bookings you need, there are lots of other hikes in Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
Here are a few other multiday hike options:
- Gillespie Pass Circuit
- Rees Dart Track
- Greenstone/Caples Loop
There are so many epic day hikes in the area such as Gertrude Saddle, Sugarloaf Pass Circuit, and Lake Marian.
Luxmore Hut….not a bad spot for a nights sleep.
Are they doable year-round?
Technically yes, but the Great Walk season for both tracks is from late October to the end of April. You can complete them outside of these months, but both transport options and hut facilities are reduced. Both of the tracks are usually great options in May, and pending snow levels, October can see both easily done too.
Outside of these times avalanche/heavy snow makes them a no-go zone for most people. You’ve got shorter daylight hours too which makes things complicated.
What has the best views?
This is tough, the Routeburn has a variety of amazing views…and you’ve got to love the 360-degree view at the top of Conical Hill if you decide to go. The Kepler Track has great views as you cruise along the ridgeline, but overall I’ll go with the Routeburn.
What’s the easiest one to access?
The Kepler Track. It’s just five kilometres away from Te Anau, and it’s a circuit track so there’s no complicating transport factors. You can drive to either trailhead.
The Routeburn can be accessed from either end, but the two trailheads are a long way away from each other via road. If you’re using a third party transport option for the Routeburn, it isn’t cheap.
I’ve written about the various ways to get to/from the Routeburn and transport options for Kepler.
Are dogs allowed on Routeburn Track or the Kepler Track?
No. No dogs are allowed in National Parks in New Zealand.
Between these two hikes, the Routeburn has to be the clear favourite. Maybe that’s because it’s shorter? But it is amazing. The Kepler has an amazing ridgeline, but there are a couple of flatter sections on the Kepler Track that people aren’t a fan of.
Either way, you’ll have a blast! #TeamRouteburn
If you any have questions regarding the Kepler Track vs Routeburn Track, leave a comment below or email me, at jub@churnewzealand.com.
WHAT TO READ NEXT:
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.