Kepler Track: Control Gates to Brod Bay

This easy out-and-back follows the first lakeside section of the Kepler Track from the Kepler Track carpark at the Control Gates to Brod Bay. The route passes through mountain and red beech forest, kamahi, rimu, miro, and fern groves before reaching Dock Bay, then crosses Coal Creek Bridge and continues along Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, a sandy swimming spot with toilets and a walk-in campsite.

The mapped corridor is about 5.4 km/3.4 mi one way; allow for approximately 5.6 km/3.5 mi each way and 11.2 km/7.0 mi return in visitor planning. Most hikers allow about 1.5 hours each way, with gentle undulations on a formed gravel and dirt track. Store the out-and-back corridor once in the route line; the length is the total return distance. A summer water taxi can be arranged from Brod Bay for a shorter one-way walk.

Start at the Kepler Track carpark at the southern end of Lake Te Anau, reached from the Manapouri–Te Anau Highway via Golf Course Road. Dock Bay and Brod Bay both have toilets; Brod Bay campsite has non-powered sites, a cooking shelter, and untreated tap water, and requires booking during the Great Walks season. Dogs are not permitted. Carry sandfly repellent, and take care on wet or slippery sections, especially outside the drier summer months.