Plan and prepare KEPLER TRACK Duration: 3–4 days Great Walks season: Distance: 60.1 km (loop) 27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021 Elevation profile & track guide KEPLER Forest Burn Emergency 1,500 m Shelter Luxmore Hut TRACK 54 bunks Hanging Set out on a wilderness Valley 1,000 m Emergency adventure above the Shelter clouds, high in the Kepler mountains above Lakes Track Brod Bay Shelter and Shelter and Campsite Te Anau and Manapouri in 500 m car park 30 campers Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World 0 m Heritage Area. 1 hr 30 min / 5.6 km 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 30 min / 8.2 km 5 – 6 hr / 14.6 km The drama of these vast tussock-covered ridgelines and spectacular alpine vistas contrasts with the peaceful lakes and the beech forest of the Iris Burn valley.
The Kepler Track is circular and can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections Day 1: Kepler Track car park to Day 2: Luxmore Hut to are steep and rough and may Luxmore Hut Iris Burn Hut be muddy and slippery. Poor weather conditions can make 5 – 6 hours, 13.8 km 5 – 6 hours, 14.6 km this walk challenging, even in the Your journey begins with a stroll through the Start your day on top of the Great Walks season. beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, world. From the hut, you’ll the largest body of fresh water by volume in climb to a ridge just below This brochure describes a 4-day Australasia, to Brod Bay. A challenging climb Mount Luxmore. In good hike for independent, non-guided under impressive limestone bluffs takes you weather there are stunning walkers during the Great Walks above the bushline to panoramic views of the views across the south fiord of season (27 October 2020 Te Anau basin and surrounding mountains. Lake Te Anau to the Murchison – 30 April 2021). Luxmore Hut is a 45 min walk from the bushline. Mountains. After a wonderful day on the tops, you’ll arrive at Iris Burn Hut, situated in a large tussock clearing.
Outside the Great Walks season (May to October) walking conditions are more hazardous – see the safety information.
COVER: Descending from Hanging Valley Shelter, John Strother (www.panafoot.com)
Duration: 3 – 4 days ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Limestone bluffs, Daniel Deans; Distance: 60.1 km (loop) stunning mountain views from the Kepler Track, Daniel Deans; walking through lowland beech forest, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz); Great Walks season: boardwalk through the wetland, DOC 27 October 2020 – MAIN PHOTO: View from Luxmore, 30 April 2021 Tyler Ray Photography (tylermilesray.com) #
#1284m Hanging Valley Luxmore Hut Lake Te Anau Shelter Mount Tinsley # " # 1537m " shelter car Mount Luxmore hut campsite and toilet park ô 94 " 1472m Luxmore Brod Bay Shelter Forest Burn Cave and Campsite Shelter JJ " Iris Burn Te Anau Waterfall "" 1006m Te Rua-o-te-moko / #1622m # J Iris Burn Hut A C Fiordland National C o a and Campsite K l Park Visitor Centre S C Iris Burn Hut O re N #1448m e k " and Campsite P
E ! 50 bunks A K Fiordland Ir S 30 campers is ! Bu Dock Bay ! Kepler Track rn
Rocky Point 1459m National Park ! Shelter and # ENTRY/EXIT
Shelter Moturau Hut Rainbow Reach ! Great Walk hut
! ! " car park n 94 40 bunks Shelter and car park r u "" B t Kepler Track " Great Walk campsite s e r o Shelter and 785m F " Shelter Rocky Point " # car park 95 Shelter Harts Hill #645m " Visitor centre 5 – 6 hr / 16.2 km 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr / 6 km 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr 30 min / 9.5 km 1114m # Toilets are available at
" all huts and campsites
W a
i Car park a " u R Great Walk i ve r ! ! Walking track " Moturau Hut Boat transport Buncrana ENTRY/EXIT 548m Island # Lake Shallow Bay State highway Richter "" #527m Road Rainbow Reach Beehive 587m # Rona Island Shelter and car park 0 1 km Manapouri ¯ Lake Manapouri
Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut Day 4: Moturau Hut to the Kepler Track car park
5 – 6 hours, 16.2 km 4 hours – 5 hours 30 minutes, 15.5 km Experience ever-changing scenery as the track The last day starts in the forest, then the track emerges takes you over a low saddle, then down to Rocky into a wetland area. The track through the wetland is on Point, past a large slip caused by heavy rain. a boardwalk, to protect the unique and fragile ecosystem. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland The track then returns to the forest to follow the Waiau beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. The beach- You can leave the track here and catch a shuttle bus to side Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake. Te Anau, or continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park. ABEL TASMAN # COAST TRACK
HEAPHY TRACK Takaka
Motueka #1284m Hanging Valley Luxmore Hut Lake Te Anau Karamea Shelter NELSON Nelson Picton Mount Tinsley # " Visitor Centre # 1537m " Mount Luxmore ô 94 " 1472m Luxmore Brod Bay Shelter Wakefield Forest Burn Cave and Campsite Shelter BLENHEIM JJ " Iris Burn Te Anau Waterfall "" 1006m Te Rua-o-te-moko / #1622m # J Iris Burn Hut A C Fiordland National C o K a Westport and Campsite S l Park Visitor Centre O C 1448m re Murchison N # e k " St Arnaud P
E ! Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes A K Fiordland Visitor Centre Ir S is ! Bu Dock Bay ! rn
1459m National Park ! # ENTRY/EXIT
! Great Walk hut
! ! " n Punakaiki 94 r Reefton u "" Paparoa National B t Kepler Track " GreatPark Walk Visitor campsite Centre s e r o Shelter and 785m F " Shelter Rocky Point " # car park 95 Shelter Harts Hill 645m " Visitor centre # Kaikoura #1114m GreymouthToilets are available at " all huts and campsites
W Hanmer Springs a
i Car park a " u R KumaraGreat Walk i ve r ! ! Hokitika Walking track " Moturau Hut Boat transport Buncrana ENTRY/EXIT 548m Island # Lake Shallow Bay State highway Richter "" #527m Road Rainbow Reach Arthur’s Pass National Beehive Park Visitor Centre 587m # Rona Island Shelter and car park 0 1 km Manapouri ¯ The map in this brochure is a guide only and Lake Manapouri should not be used for navigational purposes.
Oxford Rangiora
Getting there Places to stay Kaiapoi Franz Josef/Waiau Westland Tai Poutini You can access the track from the: DOC operates 3 huts and 2 campsitesNational Park along Visitor Centrethe Kepler Track, CHRISTCHURCH Kepler Track car park: which must be booked in advance during the Great Walks season Ōtautahi/Christchurch Visitor Centre a 5-km drive from Te Anau township. (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021) to avoid disappointment. Methven Fiordland National Park Visitor Great Walks huts Aoraki/Mount Cook Centre: a 50-minute walk along the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Akaroa Visitor Centre lakefront to the entrance of the track. Visit www.doc.govt.nz/keplertrack for prices. Haast ASHBURTON Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre Rainbow Reach car park: During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, a 12-km drive from Te Anau. heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence. The hutsGeraldine do not Shuttle buses provide a daily service to the Fairlie provide food, cooking utensils or showers. entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. A scheduled boat service Outside the Great Walks season, facilities are greatly reducedTemuka and there Twizel also offers transport to Brod Bay. Makaroaare no DOC rangers. Booking is not required, huts and campsites are first come, first served and fees are reduced. See the websiteTIMARU for details. Great Walks campsites Visit www.doc.govt.nz/keplertrack for prices. Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and Waimate Milford Sound Wanakaa water supply. Campers are not permittedKurow to use hut facilities. Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre ROUTEBURN MILFORD TRACK TRACK Glenorchy
Arrowtown
Cromwell QUEENSTOWN OAMARU Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Ranfurly Queenstown Visitor Centre Clyde Alexandra
KEPLER TRACK
Palmerston Te Anau Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Waikouaiti
0 25 50 km Mossburn Lumsden Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) DUNEDIN Fairfield Ōtepoti/Dunedin Visitor Centre Dipton
GORE Milton
Winton Mataura Balclutha
Kaka Point Riverton/ Aparima INVERCARGILL
RAKIURA TRACK
Oban Stewart Island/ Rakiura National Park Rakiura Visitor Centre Highlights 1
Air New Zealand partners with the Department of Conservation to bring Photo: Andrew Walmsley birdsong back to (andrewwalmsleyphotography.com) our Great Walks. 2
1 Watch out for cheeky kea – the world’s only alpine parrot. The kea is found in the South Island high country and is known for its inquisitive nature. Photo: stokedforsaturday.com 2 Explore the fascinating Luxmore Caves, a 10-minute walk from Luxmore Hut. 3 A 20-minute walk from Iris Burn Hut leads 3 to the isolated Iris Burn Falls, perfect for a refreshing dip after the day’s walk.
Conservation story 4 Students from Fiordland’s five centres Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) of learning are helping restore the unique environment of the Kepler Track and bring back its birdsong in the award-winning community conservation education-based 4 5 ‘Kids Restore the Kepler’ project. With funding from major sponsor Kids Restore NZ, Community Trust of Southland and Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) Distinction Hotels NZ, the project is led by the Fiordland Conservation Trust in partnership with DOC and the learning 6 centres. kidsrestorethekepler.co.nz 5 Tussock is a spectacular feature of the alpine areas of the Kepler Track, providing a stunning foreground to the expansive views. 6 Look for the New Zealand falcon/kārearea. It can fly at over 100 km/hr when chasing prey. Photo: Michelle Crouchley Photo: Andrew Maloney Know before you go What do I do next? It is important to plan your trip 4. Know your limits. A good level Start off at www.doc.govt. thoroughly to make sure you stay of fitness is needed to walk the nz/keplertrack for more safe. Before you go, know the track. Read about the track information. Outdoor Safety Code – 5 Simple carefully to make sure it suits your rules to help you #MakeItHomeNZ. abilities. Always follow the track markers and signposted tracks – 1. P lan your trip. Choose a trip Book your huts and going off-track can be hazardous, BOOK that fits your abilities. Make sure campsites online at even for experienced walkers. you have enough time to do bookings.doc.govt.nz. Don’t be afraid to turn back. your walk, plus extra time. Book accommodation, transport 5. T ake sufficient supplies. Book your transport to and and transfers to the start/end Take the right gear, including from the track. of the track early. extra food, clothing and equipment in case something 2. T ell someone your plans. goes wrong. You’ll have to carry Tell someone where you are everything you need, as you Buy your food and pack going and when you’ll be back. can’t buy food or equipment at your bags – check the Great Ask them to call emergency Great Walks huts or campsites. Walks packing list and make services if you haven’t returned sure you have everything you on time. Consider carrying a You can find more information on need for a 4-day independent personal locator beacon, as there safety at www.doc.govt.nz/safety unguided walk. is no cellphone reception on or www.adventuresmart.nz. most tracks. Read up on safety and 3. B e aware of the weather. make sure you’re well New Zealand weather is very prepared for your journey and changeable. Even if it’s summer changeable weather at www. or the forecast is good, you doc.govt.nz/keplertrack. should always carry a rain jacket and warm clothing. Check metservice.com for the most Visit the closest DOC Visitor up-to-date forecast. Centre (Te Anau) to pick up your tickets and official Safety on the Kepler Track track guide, and chat with the friendly staff for the Great Walks season: The Kepler Track has complex latest weather forecast 27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021 avalanche terrain and the risk and track conditions. T he alpine sections of the Kepler of avalanche can extend into Track are not recommended for December. During the Great children under the age of 10, due to Walks season, DOC manages All set! Lace up your boots the exposed mountain environment this risk to a low level. DOC may and get hiking. Don’t forget and weather that can change close the alpine section of the to share your experience on very quickly. An overnight stay at track between Luxmore Hut facebook.com/docgovtnz. Moturau Hut is a better option for and Iris Burn Hut if avalanche the whole family. conditions exist. F iordland National Park is in Go to www.doc.govt.nz/ For in-depth an area with high rainfall and keplertrack ‘Know before you local knowledge, visit: changeable weather. Cold go’ section for detailed safety temperatures, snow, strong information, and ‘What to take’ Fiordland National Park winds and heavy rain can section for a full gear list. Visitor Centre happen at any time of the year. Remember – your safety is Phone: +64 3 249 7924 Be prepared for all conditions. Email: greatwalksbooking your responsibility @doc.govt.nz www.doc.govt.nz/great-walks You are strongly recommended NOT to attempt this track between early May and late October (outside the Great Walks season). The winter environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with ice, snow, avalanches and short daylight hours. Published by: DOC is unable to manage any hazards outside the Great Walks season. Bridges Department of Conservation PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand are removed, as floods and avalanches occur on these tracks during winter. October 2020 To attempt the track in winter conditions, you need to be very experienced in backcountry winter navigation, have river crossing expertise and appropriate Editing and design: Te Rōpū Auaha, Te Papa Atawhai alpine skills and equipment. Hut facilities are greatly reduced – with no Creative Services, Department of Conservation cooking gas, limited water and no hut wardens or emergency hut radios. For more information, see ‘Outside the Great Walks season’ at This publication is produced using paper sourced from
R185113 well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. www.doc.govt.nz/keplertrack.