We did the whole kepler track in 3 days in mid october. The track over the alpine section is not marked and is often blanketed in thick snow. Shallow Bay Hut is a typical NZFS old-style hut from back in the day, complete with open fireplace. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020): Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee. We met some really great people on the Kepler Track from day one and it turned out they were all heading in the same direction as us over the next four days so as with the Milford Track we shared the same huts for the next three nights. Winding through beech forest the entire 1.5 hours, the track destination is the final hut on the track – Moturau Hut. Accommodation and facilities on the Kepler Track Backcountry huts. The Kepler Track is a 60km loop with the start of the track about 5km from the town of Te Anau. Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove. Bookings are open for trips to 30 April 2021. Time: 5–6 hrDistance: 16.2 kmExperience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. Above the treeline, stunning views over Lake Te Anau are revealed from amongst the tussock and the hut is then reached within an hour. Located in Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri area and Lake Te Anau area in the Fiordland region. The Kepler Track follows it on the true right for much of this length, coming out at the Control Gates. The Kepler Track is a multi-day hike, and unless you decide to see only a part of it in one day, you will have to stay along the trail overnight. ... the Kepler Track is an incredible wilderness adventure above the clouds. Luxmore Hut comes with a million dollar view normally reserved for 5 star hotels. An ‘adventure above the clouds’, the Kepler Track was created for your outdoor pleasure and to showcase the very best of Fiordland. It is permitted to camp down at the free campsite at Shallow Bay on Lake Manapouri and it even has a long drop toilet not so far away. The trail is in great shape (not boldering) and well used; there are a few stairsteps up to Bushline. Bookings are required for huts and campsites. A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*: A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 month Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ Mountain Safety Council; NZ Federated Mountain Clubs; NZ Deer Stalkers Association; NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR); Scouts New Zealand; GirlGuiding NZ. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you above the bushline to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and surrounding mountains. Your safety is your responsibility. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. Places to stay. Discounts are not available online. We did it in 3 nights and 4 days staying at all huts along the way and found that to be a good pace. After your spectacular helicopter ride we arrive at Luxmore Hut, the first hut on the Kepler Track Great Walk. for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. Snow blankets the alpine section of the Kepler Track, making travel slowImage: DOC. Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night, Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night, avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe, mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional). This portion of the trail is incredible and I highly rate it. As mentioned, there are many huts along the way and staying at all of them isn’t necessary. In some instances, by following the track, you'll be crossing avalanche paths - you may need to navigate around them. There are 3 different Department of Conservation huts (shared facilities and bunks). A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. Just 2 hours away in the hike i got a phone call from my bank like somebody is using my bank card, doing transactions. it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours, DOC does not manage hazards such as avalanches and flooding. And the Kepler Track is popular, particularly in the summer holiday season, and huts can be full, all 54 bunks taken, it ain’t a track to get away from people. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be … Be prepared for all conditions. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need: Luxmore Hut after a snow storm - alpine equipment is essential. Destination Fiordland has information about transport operators. You can book transport between Te Anau and the ends of the tracks, otherwise it's a 50 min walk. The Great Walk huts are generally comfortable with reasonable amenity, although they do have a winter season where the water to the inside taps is turned off, pipes are drained to avoid damage from freezing, instead you have to go to an outside tank. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. Your reward for the hill climb is a long section above bushline with marvellous panoramic views of the Kepler Mountains on one side, and lakes, rivers and hanging valleys on the other. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so please visit a DOC visitor centre in person. With your knowledgeable, local Trips & Tramps nature guide, learn about the fauna and flora in the surrounding alpine tussock fields, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Te Anau basin, scenic lakes and surrounding Fiordland Mountains. You can finish after 50.5km (31 miles) if you would prefer, but to do this you’ll need to organize transport in advance. Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlights into the valleys. All transport must be arranged before starting the track. A scheduled boat service also offers transport to Brod Bay. Brod Bay Campsite. In fine weather you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the highest point on the track (1472 m). From late October to April, walk past the beech-forested shorelines of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, to tussock-covered ridgelines with spectacular alpine vistas. Luxmore in particular is luxurious for a back country experinece and is our favourite of all the huts on the Fiordland Great Walks. Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay | Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach | Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut | Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore Hut. To me, hiking the Kepler Track is easily one of the very best things to do in all of New Zealand ! Kepler Track Duration: Most people stay 2 or 3 nights on the track; 3 or 4 days total. Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 5.6 kmThe track begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water in Australasia, to Brod Bay. The Kepler Track section from Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn can be divided into three 2-hour chunks. Not much amenity at Rainbow Reach Shelter, no bunks, etc, just a simple shelter with a toilet, but on the positive side it is shelter. The Kepler Water Taxi offers transport across Lake Te Anau for those who wish to shorten the walk to Luxmore Hut or to allow for an enjoyable shorter walk back around the lakefront from Brod Bay. Your accommodation is now ‘reserved’ but is not confirmed until you complete the payment process. The track follows the terraces of the Waiau River Terrace to the swing-bridge at Rainbow Reach. It is a 13.8 km hike from the Kepler Track car park or just 8.2 km from the Brod Bay campsite. Look for yellow-crowned parakeets along the river. Dress for these conditions. There are 9 avalanche paths, and most have the potential to cross the track. take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. We hiked on the Kepler Track from Te anau twice. This portion of the track is the last leg of the Kepler Track, just in reverse. The final day of the Kepler track is a moderate stroll to reach the end. Walk the full track. Note that camping is only permitted at the official two campsites although it is okay to camp for free a minimum of 500 m from the track. The Kepler Track has 3 excellent Great Walks huts with resident wardens, two camping areas. Campers can't use the hut facilities. Park at the Rainbow Reach car-park, cross a swinging suspension bridge and make a left on the Kepler track. Luxmore Hut, overlooking Lake Te Anau and mountains beyond is a very special place for a relaxing with your hiking buddies. Kepler Track huts, campsites and shelters There might be only three official Great Walk huts on the Kepler, Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau, and two official campsites, Brod Bay and Iris Burn, but there are a number of other structures that are also documented here. Walking times. Book your tickets online for Kepler Track, Te Anau: See 489 reviews, articles, and 523 photos of Kepler Track, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 20 attractions in Te Anau. "Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those: who hold a residence class, student or work visa; and, who have lived in New Zealand for six of the previous 12 months; and. Campsites have basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets. There are 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. Tags backcountry huts, fiordland, iris burn hut, kea, kepler track, lake manapouri, luxmore hut, moturau hut, new zealand great walk, te anau ← Cycling from Italy to Austria – Dobbiaco to Lienz Bike Route (46km) → Israel – A walk back in time, a leap forward in faith Shuttle buses provide a daily service to the entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. Given the high demand, use of the Kepler Track is quite regulated, especially during the “Great Walk Season” (approximately mid-October to the end of April). Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast (MetService website). Moturau Hut is located just up from the shoreline of Lake Manapouri where there are outstanding views, and with some great expanses of mature red beech forest in the vicinity. Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track. In the Great Walks season all the Kepler huts have gas for cooking. The risk of avalanche can extend into December. From May to late October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours - only attempt if you have alpine, navigation and river crossing skills. Kepler Track - The Kepler Track is a 60 km, 3-4 day loop track taking you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the tussocky alpine tops and grand Mt Luxmore. The major issue is the entirely exposed alpine section from Luxmore Hut to the forest above Iris Burn Hut. Around each corner are new and spectacular views of lakes and mountain peaks. In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021): Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. The Brod Bay campsite is down by Lake Te Anau in some attractive red beech forest, where moss is a major understory feature of the botany. Luxmore Hut. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/kepler-track/. DOC operates 3 huts and 2 campsites along the Kepler Track, which must be booked in advance during the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021) to avoid disappointment. Find out what to take. Day 4, Moturau Hut > Rainbow Reach, 6km. A DOC ranger is in residence. have the skills for the ATES class you are going into, have talked to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Avalanches are frequent. I saw a guy trying to light up a huge log with cigarette lighter, so I offered my help. We decided after a couple of hours that we had the energy to go on the 5pm nature walk with the hut ranger. Weather conditions can change quicky in any season. The track then follows the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. Luxmore Hut is one of the most popular huts around due to its proximity to Lake Te Anau township and there’s a lot of talk about the view. Kepler Track New Zealand. Kepler Track car park to Luxmore Hut 13.8km, 5-6hr The track hugs the shore of Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, where it begins a steep switch-back ascent. The first involves the most climbing – somewhat easier than climbing to Luxmore Hut – to a relatively flat section. The track from the hut is clearly signposted. In fact, if you don’t have time to hike the entire Kepler Track, consider hiking up to the Luxmore Hut and back down on a day hike. Kepler Track carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay | Kepler Track carpark to Rainbow Reach | Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut | Kepler Track carpark to Luxmore Hut. The Kepler Track is a 60 km (37 mi) circular hiking track which travels through the landscape of the South Island of New Zealand and is situated near the town of Te Anau.The track passes through many landscapes of the Fiordland National Park such as rocky mountain ridges, tall mossy forests, lake shores, deep gorges, rare wetlands and rivers. Kepler Track Distance: 60km (37 miles) loop track. Camping is possible at Brod Bay and near the Iris Burn Hut, but the distance between … Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 26 October 2021): Walking the track should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards. The Kepler Track has a lot of challenging and complex avalanche terrain. Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. Same amount around 10 times. Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. Shallow Bay Hut is a non-serviced, unmanned hut on the edge of Lake Manapouri. KEPLER TRACK HIGHLIGHTS. The Control Gates shelter is the official start, and completion point, for the Kepler Track. There were many people in the hut but nobody had started a fire. Luxmore Hut 54 bunks Kepler Track Shelter and car park 0 m 500 m 1,000 m KEPLER TRACK 5 – 6 hours, 138. km Your journey begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water by volume in Australasia, to Brod Bay. Running water is turned off inside the huts. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hrDistance: 6 kmThe last day is easy walking across a unique and fragile wetland. Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos. Depending on the hut they have bunks from 40 to 54 people, provide gas for cooking, running water and toilets. Adult (18+ years): $65 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $32.50 per person, per night, Adult (18+ years): $20 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $10 per person, per night. Side tracks to Luxmore Cave and Mt Luxmore are worthwhile. Air New Zealand is a national partner with DOC for conservation, and is proud to support DOC's Great Walks. You can leave the track here and catch a shuttle bus to Te Anau. This river links Lake Te Anau with Lake Manapouri, and the remainder of the Kepler Track more or less follows … Forest Burn Shelter might be a windowless box but it may give some respite from the weather. Kinda handy for a lunch stop for those not intent on departing the Kepler as rapidly as possible.