9 Things You Must Prepare When Taking the Kepler Track

Preparing for your most awaited hike on the Kepler Track in New Zealand brings an exciting feeling. All that preparation you have to make doubles the enthusiasm for the trip and makes you all set to embark on your new adventure and discover another fantastic trail.

Whether you want to explore the Kepler Track with a private guide for a day or go for the classic three-day freedom walk on the trail, you should prepare the essentials to avoid any inconvenience.

To help you get an exciting experience hiking through this famous trail, we’ll list some of the hiking essentials to prepare.

New Zealand’s Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is a famous tramping destination for hikers. It is a 60-kilometre hiking loop showcasing Fiordland's breathtaking features, from picturesque landscapes to prolific wildlife.

Compared to other Great Walks of the country, this trail is custom-built for an easier and more enjoyable hiking experience. There are bridges to traverse streams easily, boardwalks to cover boggy areas, and custom-made steps to safely cross extremely steep track parts.

9 Things to Prepare When Taking the Kepler Track

Get ready for a thrilling one-day or multi-day tramping adventure on the Kepler Track by following these helpful trekking tips and preparing these essentials.

1. Map of the Walk

Secure a map to learn the trail distance, elevation, and difficulty level. It will significantly help you assess the hike, set your expectations, and find ways to make the most of the experience.

You can also get a Kepler Track guided book, a brochure highlighting the trail's significant details to help you plan and prepare for your adventure.

2. Transportation

Whether you are a foreign or a local in Fiordland, you should always consider the transportation. Months or weeks before the schedule of your exciting guided or freedom walk, it is essential to research the ways to access the track and the travel time to determine which mode of transportation is the most convenient for you.

You can choose to take the shuttles and buses going to the trail or try the thrilling water taxi to Brod Bay, which you should check the schedule before your hike. Driving your private car is also an excellent option since there’s an accessible Kepler Car Park.

3. The Right Travel Bag

When going on an invigorating outdoor journey like hiking, you should pick a suitable travel bag that can guarantee the security of your belongings and convenience during the hike.

While luggage is always an option, you can opt for an easier and more accessible bag — like backpacks, duffel bags, and waist bags. You can easily carry them, especially on one-day or multi-day walks, difficult trail areas, and lengthy tracks.

When choosing travel bags, ensure they have enough space, multiple compartments, and excellent security features to accommodate and secure your things.

4. Enough Clothes

Packing enough clothes for your most awaited tramping adventure in one of New Zealand’s Great Walks can be tricky. It is easy to over- and under-pack, especially if you are a first-time hiker.

To ensure you’ve packed enough suitable clothes for your journey, you must determine the location, weather, and number of days of your trip.

The types of clothes that you should bring must be light, breathable, and versatile since hiking means a long and invigorating adventure through a spectacular track with a moss-draped forest.

The Kepler trail also features majestic waterfalls, lakes, and streams, so you need to pack water- and wind-resistant clothes. If you want to spend the night, you can bring jackets and other insulated clothing to keep you warm.

5. Optional Extra Layers

While you can select your preferred season, whether summer or winter, you have to check the weather forecast before your trip. Anticipating weather changes can save you from potential discomfort.

Save an extra space in your hiking bag for additional clothing layers for weather protection and insulation.

Also, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, extra shoes, head warmer, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and other accessories that will guarantee your convenience throughout your trek.

6. Food and Water

It would be best to stay hydrated and energised while hiking to finish the 60-kilometre trail. Whether going on a private or freedom walk in warmer or colder months, you must bring enough food and water to sustain yourself.

And, even if you avail yourself of hiking packages that offer delectable meals, you still must pack your replenishment to eat and hydrate while on the trail and past mealtimes. So, bring your tumblers to fill with water and a bag of snacks.

7. Camping Essentials

You can find luxurious and comfortable accommodations with excellent amenities in the Kepler Track, such as the cosy Mount Luxmore Hut. There are also excellent campsites where you can spend the night.

Bring your camping gear, sleeping equipment, and portable kitchenware if you prefer camping and enjoying the outdoors. Bring a spacious tent, comfortable sleeping bags, and cooking tools to settle, eat, and sleep comfortably after a long day of hiking.

8. Hiking Gears

While the Kepler Track in New Zealand is easy to access, don’t be laid back because you will still need your hiking gear.

Using your tramping tools — trekking poles, first-aid kit, navigation devices, illumination tools, and gear repair kit — can significantly give you a smooth-sailing and fun adventure.

9. Gadgets

Hiking outdoors gives you an amazing chance to reconnect with nature. Certainly, you would want to remember this rejuvenating and intimate experience. Bringing specific gadgets — cameras, earphones, and mobile phones — allows you to capture memories and remember the moment.

As you walk, you can wear your earphones to listen to your favourite trekking playlist. But make sure that the volume is enough to listen to your fellow hikers and private guide. Listening to music while hiking makes the journey more rejuvenating and fun.

You can also take pictures from your digital and mobile camera on various portions of the beautiful trail and Fiordland National Park. These photographs will remind you of your thrilling adventure on the Kepler Track.

Experience the Kepler Track Hike Now

Unveil the beautiful treasures of the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park and be in awe of the trail's beauty, from its lush beech forests to spectacular land and water formations. Explore one of the country’s Great Walks today.

For more information and enquiries about our Kepler Track package options, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling +64 3 5736655 or emailing [email protected].

Posted by Zedric T on January 16, 2024