The Kepler Track is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand, maintained by the Department of Conservation. I did this on a three day hike in March of 2026, following on from the Routeburn Track.
Again, you need to be staying at a campsite or in a cabin. So the pace is dictated by those stops. I chose to do this one in 3 nights. Some just stop at Iris Burn and Brod Bay, these being the only 2 places you can camp.
As a loop I went from Te Anau around and back, because I don't mind walking π. However some take a foot ferry to Brod Bay, chopping off a bunch of km. Also you can get in or out at Rainbow bridge, again chopping off more km.
Day 1: Te Anau π Luxmore Hut
Starting off in Te Anau, you have a nice walk out around the lake and off into the woods. It was cool sitting in Te Anau by the lake and looking at the mountain you are about to climb nice and clear across the lake.
The woods are beautiful, green, and mossy with some nice beaches. At about halfway at Brody Bay there is a campsite. At this point the trail turns left and goes up about 800m π
On this trail, I got to encounter two Kea parrots, who were just playing and hanging out on the trail. The defining part of this hike for me was spending 4 days in Kea territory. They are amazing animals and spending time with these wonderful, inquisitive and intelligent animals was a highlight of my whole holiday. There'll likely be another post about these animals.
The hike ended at Luxmore Hut which sits on a ridge looking out over Lake Te Anau and has an amazing view across mountains. The Murchison mountains across the lake are where the TakahΔ was found and brought back from extinction.
Even though I had a tent, tonight I stayed in the hut as camping isn't allowed. I generally sleep better in the tent, but a night in a bunk bed worked.
Day 2: Luxmore Hut π Iris Burn
The day started with more Kea, a few of whom have become habituated to hanging out the hut. They know they can likely grab a backpackers gear, or get into the hut, and find some food.
The hike heads over around Mt Luxmore and follows the ridge around. The views are just stunning and allegedly stretch all the way to the ocean on the east on a clear day. The trek up to the peak is a short detour and was worth it, although possibly the windest peak I've ever been on.
The views continue as you hike along the track. Which of course has two toilets on the way, both with toilet paper and soap (it is a New Zealand great track after all). The views across all the mountains of Fiordland are spectacular. An absolutely amazing and windy day.
Since most people are doing the route counter clockwise, you do get to meet the same people again and again on the way around. You can also spot the Kiwis, because they are only ones wearing shorts π
Unfortunately at the end of the day you head down off the mountain towards Iris Burn. You descend down into lush forest again, the wind drops off and you get down to the campsite.
The campsite is in a nice valley that we thought was sheltered. Then the ranger came and told us that the warning on the website is no joke "Kea are present in the Iris Burn area and on the alpine section of the track. These inquisitive birds are interested in your camping gear, so be aware of potential damage to your tent and guard your gear to avoid damage or loss." and that most nights the majority of tents are damaged by Kea coming to check out your tent and belongings.
I've put food in bear caches, but never in a Kea cache before. So we followed directions, kept our tent really clean and settled in for the night early since it was windy and rainy.
Day 3: Iris Burn π Motuaru Hut
I've never had the wind blow so strong it completely flattens the tent down on me. Until that night, when it happened a lot. There was flapping and noise, was it the Kea breaking in, or was it the wind? What if a Kea puts a hole in my tent and the rain comes in?
I didn't sleep well. Then at 5am friends woke me up and we went to see if we could find some Kiwi in the wild. The ranger said they are regularly seen on the trail near the waterfall. Walking in absolute pitch dark, with only red lights we gingerly made our way through the New Zealand forest. We didn't find any, although I did hear the call of the Morepork Owl.
When we got back to camp, it appeared every tent was unscathed. The ranger was surprised and thought it was due to the strong winds that blew through in the night.
After that night, I was kinda tired, but the walk was an easy one with little elevation down to the Motuaru Hut. It's a beautiful hut, right on the lake. The walk is through a lovely valley, amazing forest that changes on its way. At one point its a beautiful green lush fern and moss forest.
Another night in a hut because camping isn't allowed. Fortunately I got to sun bathe on the beach and then watch an amazing sunset. I needed a good night sleep.
Day 4: Motuaru Hut π Te Anau
The last day was a pretty easy walk out to Te Anau. There were few hikers this day, but after the Rainbow Bridge exit, the numbers really dropped off and I hiked the rest on my own. A pretty unremarkeable hike compared to what's been, but still one that I enjoyed.
Summary
I would hike this again and again. The ridge walk was just brilliant, the change between lush forest and mountain ridges and everything inbetween was great. And then there were the Kea parrots who were just incredible.
It's a New Zealand Great Walk so the facilities are excellent and the talks from the rangers were so much fun. The Great Walk huts and rangers are something that I haven't experienced anywhere else. They provide a level of support and community that you won't get anywhere else making these trails perfect for new or experienced hikers alike.