Kepler Track Trail Head & Information — Attraction in Fiordland Community

Clockwise or counterclockwise? People can trek the Kepler track from control gate near the golf court then walk counterclockwise to end at rainbow reach or back to control gate; or walk it clockwise start from rainbow reach. I walked in counterclockwise from control gate which is more a official direction, in 2 days. Stay one night at Iris Burn hut. I would think this is a easier and better way to enjoy the walk. Breaking the walk in 2 days. The first day, from control gate to Iris Burn hut, is all the up and down peaks range in the walk and the most gorgeous sceneries part. The up hill is gradual, via Luxmore hut to Luxmore summit. From Temperate forest to Sierra wetland then dry land, the panoramic view give us te Anau plain on on side, and a peek of fiord on the other side. From the Luxmore summit, there is 2 to 3 hours spectacular ridges walk on the mountain range until hanging valley shelter. To end the day, it’s the rapid 2 hours descent in the iris burn valley. The second day is mostly flat plain walk in the same temporary forest. It’s a little bit boring as it takes 6 hrs to rainbow reach or 9 hrs back to control gate. Imagine if doing the walk reversely, the first day is relaxing. The second day starts with painful 3 hours ascend then the mountain ranges. Maybe it is better and worth to stay one more night at Luxmore Hut to end the walk...

Best track ever! I did it in 2 days. Starting from car park to Iris Burn and then from Iris Burn back via Luxmore. Most people follow the DOC path which is car park to Luxmore and then Iris Burn. I personally think my journey has the best view. The first day is very flat and the 2nd day is quite challenging. From Iris Burn to Luxmore, the first 2 hours is uphill climb. After that, spectacle view of mountains. The weather in morning is very nice (it gets very windy in the afternoon and that is why I recommend the Iris Burn to Luxmore). The shelter is a great place to stop for lunch. Plus you could hangout with Kea (who always looks for your food, be careful with your backpack). In Luxmore hut, there is a cave nearby, if you dare, it is pretty deep and make sure to go...

This is the right carpark and geolocation to start, if you want short day walks to Dock Bay or Broad Bay. If you continue from Broad Bay for about 6 hours more, you will try to Luxmore Hut. The track is very tranquil, we were lucky to spot and hear several rare species of birds! Highly recommended if you...