Kepler Track

The full loop starts at the Kepler Track carpark near the Control Gates, follows the Te Anau lakeshore to Brod Bay, then climbs to Luxmore Hut and crosses the alpine ridge toward Iris Burn Hut. It descends through the Iris Burn valley to Moturau Hut, crosses the wetland to Rainbow Reach, and follows the Waiau River back to the Kepler Track carpark. Rainbow Reach is an optional shorter exit for transport; it is not the endpoint of this full-loop record.

DOC's stage distances total about 60.1 km: 5.6 km from the carpark to Brod Bay, 8.2 km to Luxmore Hut, 14.6 km to Iris Burn Hut, 16.2 km to Moturau Hut, 6 km to Rainbow Reach, and 9.5 km back to the carpark. The stored line represents the complete physical loop; it does not duplicate the return corridor or include optional side trips such as Mount Luxmore summit or Luxmore Cave.

Expect beech forest and lake margins at lower elevations, a sustained climb above Brod Bay, panoramic alpine views, exposed ridgelines, steep descents, river valleys, and fragile wetlands. This is a multi-day tramp with long days, uneven terrain, and limited services. The alpine sections are especially sensitive to wind, rain, snow, and fast weather changes.

The route uses Luxmore, Iris Burn, and Moturau huts, plus designated campsites. During the Great Walks season, huts and campsites must be booked in advance. Transport from Te Anau can be arranged for the carpark, and a shuttle from Rainbow Reach can shorten the final section, but those transport choices do not change the full-loop distance above. Carry food, water-treatment supplies, warm layers, rain protection, navigation equipment, and a headlamp; facilities and services are reduced outside the Great Walks season.

From May to late October, expect shorter daylight, cold and wet conditions, snow or ice, and possible river-crossing and navigation hazards; attempt the route then only with the appropriate alpine skills and equipment. Dogs are not permitted on the Kepler Track. Check DOC's current track and booking information before departure, and secure valuables out of vehicles at trailheads.