Kepler Track
Incredible, ever-changing scenery
From beech forest and lake shores to impressive mountain ridges with stunning vistas and unique wetland, when it comes to the Great Walks, the Kepler Track is a must.
General Info:
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Length: 60 km loop
Season: October-April
From: To and from the Kepler Track car park in a loop.
Depart from: Queenstown or Te Anau.
Return to: Te Anau or Queenstown.
Getting there: See Getting There section below and find our 2025/2026 bus time table here.
Suitable for: Hikers with a medium to good level of fitness.
Accommodation: Department of Conservation huts or campsites. The Kepler Track huts provide simple accommodation including bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities (you will need to bring your own cooking utensils), solar-powered lighting and cold running water (boil before use). Showers are not provided.
The two campsites along the track have toilets, sinks and a water supply, some have picnic tables and shelters but be aware campers can’t use hut facilities.
Requirements: DoC hut tickets and all camping equipment.
Hut Tickets: Available here - they sell out quickly, so be prepared.
What to take to walk the Kepler Track: For a full list of what you need to take, visit our What to Take page or if you would rather hire your hiking equipment and have a food package prepared for you, you can here.
Important to know:
No food is available at the huts or on the track so bring all foods and snacks with you.
Weather conditions on the Kepler Track can change quickly in any season, so come prepared for all conditions, and track closures are possible so travel insurance is recommended.
Showers are not provided at the huts and water needs to be boiled before use.
Campers can’t use hut facilities.
Dogs are not allowed.
Essential App: Download The Great Walks App here
Getting There: Kepler Track Transport
When it comes to finding track transport to and from the Kepler Track we make it easy. Our comfortable buses can be booked one-way from Queenstown to Te Anau and back again. If you would rather walk to your own schedule that’s no problem, you can choose our car relocation package.
-
Track Transport
Great Walks Bus has all your Kepler Track transport covered to getting to and from the track easy.
-
Car Relocation
Want to drive to the start of the track, walk at your own pace and have your car meet you at the other end? Choose our car relocation package.
-
Hiking Packages
Want (almost) everything taken care of? Hire camping equipment or order a food package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kepler Track?
The walk is a 60km loop.
Do you have to stay at every hut on the Kepler Track?
Along the Kepler Track you’ll find three huts and two campsites all of which need to be booked via DoC well in advance during the Great Walks season. Please be aware camping or staying overnight in the shelters at Forest Burn and Hanging Valley is not permitted.
Does your bus operate everyday?
Our buses operate everyday from Queenstown & Te Anau from early October to late May.
Does your track transport operate on public holidays?
Yes, we operate every single day during Great Walks Season.
What happens if I miss the return shuttle?
Please get in contact with your booking agent to find alternative transport.
Kepler Track History
Unlike the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, the Kepler Track has a rather short history, it wasn’t discovered by explorers or used by Maori as a trading track, instead the idea for a new built track came about in 1985 and was built purely for the enjoyment of walking for two reasons: 1) to celebrate the upcoming National Parks Centennial and 2) because the Milford and Routeburn Tracks were getting very busy. The Kepler Track opened in 1988 and became an instant success.
Fun Facts
The Kepler Track begins along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of freshwater in Australasia. The deepest part of the lake is 226 metres below sea level.
The Kepler Track is a 60 km loop
The Kepler Track was the first purpose-built multi day hiking track in New Zealand.
Want to take on the whole track in one day? You can as part of the Kepler Challenge that sees runners cover the whole 60 km in one day!
More Information
For more information about hiking the Kepler Track, please see the DoC website.