We think it’s fair to say that the South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most incredible hikes in the world but if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure like no other, then look no further than the Kepler Track—a multi-day hike that's guaranteed to make you stop in your tracks (pun intended).
The awe-inspiring 60km multi-day trek is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and is home to towering mountains, lush native forest, stunning waterfalls, glacier-carved valleys, and not to mention insane views.
So if you're looking for your next alpine adventure, lace up and book your spot pronto, but before you do, check out everything you need to know before tackling the Kepler Track.
The Kepler Track Low Down
Nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park, the Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's best-loved hikes, and for good reason! Home to breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, the 60km track is a site to behold.
With 2080m of elevation, you can expect dramatic landscapes filled with tussock-covered ridgelines, spectacular alpine vistas, glacial valleys, beech forests, waterfalls, and eye-catching blue lakes. Plus, you might spot some cheeky kea (local alpine parrots) trying to get into your pack for a snack.
The track is a loop so it can be walked in either direction and is well sign-posted so there’s no chance of getting lost.
If you're an experienced hiker then you may want to complete the track in three days and two nights, however, most people finish it in four days and three nights.
Be sure to make a booking in advance as spots tend to get snatched up quickly in peak season.
Image credit: The Kepler Track | Lauren Sanderson
Getting To The Kepler Track
You'll be pleased to hear that the tramp is a loop track, so it starts and finishes at the same place. We’d recommend starting at the Kepler Track car park, which is only a 5-minute drive from Te Anau town.
You can also choose to start from Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre or Rainbow Reach car park but this may add some extra time to your walk. If you want to cut off a few kilometers your other option is to take the water taxi from Te Anau, which will take you across the lake from town directly to the trail.
If you prefer to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving then book a shuttle bus, which runs daily to the entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. Check out the DOC site for a list of shuttle services here.
When To Hike The Kepler Track
The best time to hike the Kepler Track is during the Great Walk season, which is from late October to April as weather conditions are better and daylight hours are longer.
The Department of Conservation recommends booking during this peak time to secure huts or campsites, more on which below.
The track is busiest from December to February, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider hiking in the shoulder months of October, November, or April.
May to late October is known as the off-peak season as it’s during the winter and although the track is still open it’s only recommended to those hikers with specialist alpine skills and experience tackling wintery terrain—think snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures, and high risk of avalanche.
What To Pack For The Kepler Track
Proper preparation is key to enjoying the Kepler Track. As you’ll be hiking for multiple days you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got everything you need, but remember you’ll have to carry everything you bring so try to pack lightly and only take essentials.
This includes a sturdy tent and roll mat (If camping), sleeping bag, torch, matches or lighter, cooking equipment, and utensils. Some of the huts may provide cooking facilities so be sure to check your chosen huts when booking.
You’ll also need to carry enough food to fuel your 60km tramp. Three meals a day will keep the doctor away when hiking, so be sure to pack breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks.
Porridge sachets are a godsend for brekkie, add a dash of water and it’s good to go. You can’t go wrong with a good sarnie or two for lunch, but be sure to prepare your lunch at camp the night before to avoid faff on the track and fuel up on snacks like protein bars, bananas, chips— basically, carbs will be your bezzie mate on this trip.
For dinner you’ll want something hot to warm your cockles, we love the Back Country offerings—basically, freeze-dried meals that can be cooked in their own pouch in ten minutes. They’re super light, act as a bowl, and are actually delicious. Think spag bol, beef hotpot, curries, risotto, roast chicken and even a chocolate brownie pudding for dessert.
As there are no drinking water supplies on the mountain, you’ll need to bring drinking water and bottles as well as purification tablets. If you can’t get your hands on any purification tabs, no stress just boil up some water at camp and let it cool overnight for drinking the next day.
As with all New Zealand Great Walks, there are no bins on the track or the huts so you’ll need to carry all empty packaging back with you, so a rubbish bag will come in handy.
As you know New Zealand weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all seasons. In terms of clothing, a lightweight raincoat, waterproof trousers, thermals, gloves, thick socks, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must as well as suncream, sunglasses, a sunhat and a beanie to wear at night (warning: it can get pretty chilly).
No walk is quite complete without an insect or two, or in this case, thousands, so be sure to pack plenty of insect repellent to keep those pesky critters at bay. Some other items to consider are earplugs, eyemasks, hand sanitiser, a first aid kit, a pack of cards or a book, a battery pack, and mobile phone, booking confirmation and ID, and hiking poles.
Most importantly, you’ll need a can-do attitude, this will get you far on the Kepler Track.
Image credit: Views of Lake Te Anau from Luxmore Hut | Lauren Sanderson
What to Expect On The Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer loop that typically takes 3-4 days to complete. It features a mix of forested valleys, alpine ridges, and lakes, offering a diverse range of scenery.
The Department of Conservation site provides a handy day-by-day itinerary for your walk and gives in-depth descriptions of what you can expect. One thing is for sure, you’re guaranteed to see breathtaking panoramic alpine views and vast terrain across the three to four days.
Depending on the route you decide, you can expect between five to seven hours of walking a day. There are thankfully some flat sections on the track, however, what goes down must go up so expect steep parts too.
Without giving too much away, expect stunning natural beauty at its finest. It's a picturesque haven waiting to be explored.
Image credit: Luxmore Hut | Lauren Sanderson
Where to Stay On The Kepler Track
After a hard day of hiking, you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head. Make sure you book in advance into the three huts or two campsites that are available on the track. Luxmore Hut, Iris Burn, and Moturau huts are run by DOC so are clean, and tidy and have everything you need for a comfortable night's sleep such as bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic gas cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water.
For those preferring to camp, there are designated campsites along the track, such as the Iris Burn Campsite and the Luxmore Campsite. Camping permits are required.
Te Anau is the nearest location for accommodation prior to the hike. If you don’t want your adventure to end, Queenstown is only a 2-hour drive away, so we suggest heading there to continue the fun. Need some accommodation inspo? Check out the best accommodation in Queenstown.
Other Walks Near The Kepler Track
There are heaps of beautiful hikes in the Fiordland National Park. If you haven’t got three to four days of hiking in your legs but still want to experience the Kepler Track then opt for the day walk to Luxmore Hut—a 13.8km trek, with panoramic views of the Te Anau basin and surrounding mountains from the hut. Trust us, the views from the top are worth the 1085-metre climb.
Another epic day walk is Lake Marion, this 3-hour trek is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Fiordland, perfectly situated in a hanging valley surrounded by iconic mountain peaks.
If you're looking for another shorter trek, the Key Summit is a 3-hour return and is home to incredible panoramic views over the Humbolt and Darran mountains.
Fiordland National Park is a treasure trove of hiking opportunities. Other walks include the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Gertrude Saddle, and heaps more. Check out the DOC site for more walking inspo in the National Park.
Whether you’re conquering the Kepler Track or exploring other trails in Fiordland, the region’s natural beauty and diverse terrain promise an unforgettable hiking experience. Enjoy your adventure and remember to respect the pristine environment you’re exploring!