Kepler Track

A challenging three or four-day circuit walk from Te Anau offering alpine scenery, beech forest, and mountain vistas over Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. It's one of New Zealand's Great Walks and ideal for fit trampers.

Things to do

• Summit walk to Luxmore Hut — Climb to the exposed alpine ridge above Luxmore Hut for panoramic views of both Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri across tussock and rocky terrain.
• Beech forest tramping — Walk through native red and silver beech forest on the lower sections of the track, experiencing dense canopy and native bird calls.
• Lake Te Anau viewpoint — Stop at designated lookouts along the track's western edge for sweeping views across New Zealand's second-largest lake and surrounding mountains.
• Iris Burn waterfall visit — Detour to the scenic Iris Burn waterfall on the eastern section, a short walk through native forest to a cascading alpine stream.
• Wildlife spotting in native bush — Look for native bird species including fantails, tuis, and kea, particularly in the beech forest and alpine sections.
• Photography at Control Gates — Capture iconic mountain and lake scenery at the historic gate structure marking access points to the alpine plateau.

Food to try

• Fresh lake fish from Te Anau — Sample locally caught brown trout or salmon at Te Anau restaurants before or after your tramp.
• DOC hut meals and dehydrated food — Experience lightweight freeze-dried meals and energy foods typical of tramping in New Zealand's Great Walks system.
• Local venison — Try Fiordland venison at Te Anau lodges and restaurants, reflecting the region's hunting heritage.
• Native berry pavlova — Enjoy desserts featuring locally foraged native berries like horopito in regional establishments near Te Anau.

Local customs & good to know

• Hut etiquette and booking — Book DOC huts well in advance during peak season and follow strict leave-no-trace principles including composting toilets at mountain shelters.
• Respect Māori cultural sites — The area holds significance to Kāi Tahu iwi; treat any cultural markers or sites with respect and learn about local Māori connections to the landscape.
• Weather preparation and safety — Alpine conditions change rapidly in Fiordland; always check DOC weather forecasts, carry appropriate gear, and inform someone of your itinerary.
• Walking track maintenance participation — Be aware that trampers often contribute to track upkeep through volunteer efforts; respect any maintenance work you encounter and stay on marked trails.