Kepler Track
Tussock tops and beech forest loop
Overview
A classic alpine loop above Lake Te Anau with exposed ridgelines and beech-clad valleys.
Itinerary
Up to Luxmore
Lake Te Anau panorama from Luxmore Hut
The High Alpine Ridge
Fiordland ridgeline traverse
Down to Lake Manapouri
Iris Burn waterfall and lake reflections
Back to Te Anau
Lakeshore birdlife and forest
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
4h 30m
Up to Luxmore
Te Anau Control GatesLuxmore Hut
Distance
13.8 km
Elevation gain
980m
Est. time
4h 30m
A steep climb through beech forest to the treeline at Luxmore Hut — the views of Lake Te Anau unfold.
Lake Te Anau panorama from Luxmore Hut
- 2
Day 2
7h
The High Alpine Ridge
Luxmore HutIris Burn Hut
Distance
20 km
Elevation gain
350m
Est. time
7h
The track's showpiece day — exposed ridge walking above the clouds with views across Fiordland.
Fiordland ridgeline traverse
- 3
Day 3
5h
Down to Lake Manapouri
Iris Burn HutMoturau Hut
Distance
16 km
Elevation gain
80m
Est. time
5h
Descend through native forest to the shores of Lake Manapouri.
Iris Burn waterfall and lake reflections
- 4
Day 4
2h
Back to Te Anau
Moturau HutTe Anau Control Gates
Distance
6 km
Elevation gain
0m
Est. time
2h
A flat lakeshore finish returns walkers to the start.
Lakeshore birdlife and forest
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 54
Luxmore Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookersLake views - Night 2HutSleeps 54
Iris Burn Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookers - Night 3HutSleeps 40
Moturau Hut
BunksFlush toiletsGas cookersLakeshore
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
Trips are private by default. Share when you're ready.
Walk data from DOC — used with permission.