Planning a trip to New Zealand? Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers everything from booking tours and transport options to what to pack and when to visit. It’s your go-to guide for clear, reliable answers that help take the stress out of organising your holiday. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find helpful tips to make your Kiwi adventure run smoothly.
The Kepler Track is a renowned 60-kilometre hiking trail in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. It is part of the country's Great Walks, offering diverse landscapes from lakesides to rocky ridgelines. The track takes around three to four days to complete and features highlights like the ascent of Mt Luxmore, stunning views, and encounters with unique flora and fauna. During the Great Walks season, hikers can pre-book accommodations at huts or campsites. The Kepler Track provides an immersive wilderness experience in the picturesque Fiordland region.
The best time to walk the Kepler Track is during the Great Walks season, which typically runs from late October to late April. During this period, there are more facilities available along the track, and the hazards are generally fewer. However, it's important to be aware that even during this season, poor weather conditions can make the walk challenging.
The Kepler Track typically takes 4 days to complete for independent, non-guided walkers during the Great Walks season, which runs from late October to 30 April. This timeframe allows walkers to immerse themselves in the wilderness and enjoy the diverse landscapes along the track. However, it's important to note that individual walking times may vary depending on factors such as fitness level, weather conditions, and personal pace.
Yes, the Kepler Track is a circular track that can be walked in either direction, allowing walkers to choose their preferred route.
The Kepler Track is divided into different sections, each with its own distance and estimated duration. Here are the approximate distances and durations for each section:
Please note that the durations mentioned are rough estimates and can vary depending on individual walking pace, weather conditions, and personal fitness levels. It's essential to plan your journey accordingly and allow for additional time if needed.
No, you do not need a specific permit to hike the Kepler Track. However, there are some important considerations regarding accommodations along the track. During the Great Walks season, which typically runs from late October to late April, bookings are required for huts and campsites along the Kepler Track. This is to ensure availability and manage the number of visitors.
Walking the Kepler Track requires a good level of fitness and endurance due to its challenging terrain and duration. The track includes steep ascents, exposed ridges, and uneven surfaces, making it physically demanding. Walkers should have a moderate to high level of aerobic fitness, leg strength, and the ability to sustain walking for several consecutive days. Prior training and preparation are recommended, including cardiovascular exercises and pack carrying. Assessing personal fitness levels and consulting healthcare professionals is advised, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the track.
The Kepler Track is not recommended for young children, particularly those under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. The track can be challenging and demanding, requiring a good level of fitness and experience. It is important to consider the safety and well-being of children when planning a hike on the Kepler Track. Families with older children or teenagers who are experienced hikers and well-prepared for the track's conditions may find it suitable, but careful assessment and adequate preparation are advised.
Weather conditions can change quickly in any season on the Kepler Track. Fiordland National Park experiences high rainfall and is susceptible to cold temperatures, snow, strong winds, and heavy rain throughout the year. It is important to be prepared for all conditions and regularly check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast for updates.
Yes, there is a risk of avalanches on the Kepler Track, which can extend into December. During the Great Walks season, the Department of Conservation (DOC) manages avalanche risk and may close the alpine section between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if there is a hazard.
Follow the Land Safety Code to ensure your safety while enjoying the outdoors. This includes choosing the right trip for your capabilities, understanding the weather conditions, packing warm clothes and extra food, sharing your plans with others, and having a means of seeking help if needed.
Along the Kepler Track, there are several activities you can engage in, including:
Please note that activities may vary depending on individual interests, weather conditions, and the specific regulations and guidelines in place at the time of your visit.
Yes, bookings are required for huts and campsites on the Kepler Track during the Great Walks season, which typically runs from late October to late April. Due to its popularity and limited capacity, it is important to make advance reservations to secure accommodation along the track. The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages the bookings for huts and campsites, and they can be made through their official website or booking system. Making reservations ensures that you have a guaranteed place to stay at the designated huts or campsites along the Kepler Track during the Great Walks season.
The huts along the Kepler Track provide basic facilities for walkers. Here are the facilities typically available at the huts:
It is important to note that huts on the Kepler Track do not provide food, cooking utensils, or shower facilities. Walkers should bring their own food, cooking equipment, and personal hygiene items. Additionally, bookings are required for huts along the Kepler Track, especially during the Great Walks season, to secure accommodation.
Yes, the towns of Manapouri and Te Anau are near the entry/exit points of the Kepler Track. These towns offer a range of quality accommodation options, great restaurants, and stunning alpine lake scenery. If you're looking for more options, the alpine resort town of Queenstown is just a 2-hour drive away, providing a wide range of places to stay and plenty of attractions to explore.
Yes, it is possible to walk the Kepler Track solo. Many individuals choose to hike the track independently, enjoying the solitude and personal challenge of the journey. However, it is important to note that solo hiking requires additional preparation and precautions. Ensure you have appropriate gear, a well-planned itinerary, and inform someone reliable about your plans, including your estimated start and end dates. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the track, understand potential hazards, and follow all safety guidelines provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Solo hikers should also have adequate outdoor experience and be self-reliant during their hike.
Some essential personal equipment includes a backpack (40-60 litre size), waterproof pack liner, sleeping bag (3-4 season), first aid kit, survival kit, safety equipment (e.g., map, compass), torch/flashlight, rubbish bag, booking confirmation and ID, earplugs (for communal bunkrooms), and cooking and food equipment.
Recommended clothing includes tramping/hiking boots, socks (wool or polypropylene), shorts, shirts (wool or polypropylene), under layers (top and bottom), mid-layers (wool or polar fleece), raincoat, over trousers, warm hat, gloves, sunhat, sunglasses, extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey. Optional items include gaiters and lightweight shoes for inside the huts.
No, food cannot be purchased on the track. It is advised to bring lightweight, fast-cooking, and high-energy value food such as cereal, bread, spreads, cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, fruit, instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, and emergency food in case of any delays.
Walking the Kepler Track outside the Great Walks season should only be attempted by fit, experienced, and well-equipped individuals. It is important to have the appropriate skills, knowledge, and preparedness to handle the potentially harsh conditions and hazards that may be present during this time.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2023 - 23 October 2023), the conditions on the Kepler Track can be cold and wet, with the possibility of ice, snow, and shorter daylight hours. It is important to be prepared for these challenging weather conditions.
Great Walks huts are the most comfortable accommodation option on New Zealand’s Great Walk tracks. They typically include mattresses, running water, toilets, hand washing stations, and heating with fuel supplied. Some huts also offer solar lighting, cooking facilities with gas provided, and an on-site hut warden during the walking season.
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