Kepler 3 Day Freedom

Walk without the worry of organising, with transfers, hut bookings, food, equipment and track information organised for you. This is a stunning hike from the shores of Lake Te Anau to the mountaintops.

From NZD 1250.00 pp.

Inclusions

  • Kepler Track hut bookings (2 nights – Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut)
  • Available during the Great Walks Season (1st November to 30th April)
  • Care package including insect repellent, sanitising wipes and earplugs
  • Quality borrowed gear: Adjustable & gender specific Osprey pack & pack cover, Sea to Summit sleeping bag & liner
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Head lamp, hiking poles, first aid kit, inflatable pillow, hot drink thermos, rain jacket and pants
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Cooking gear - pot, bowl, cup plus utensil set - super light, compact and easy to use
  • Return bus transport to the Kepler Track from Te Anau and then from Rainbow Reach car park to Te Anau
  • All food and borrowed gear will be dropped off at your pre trip accommodation
  • Suitable for children aged 10 years and over
  • 2 night/3 day food package for the track *

*Select in advance from the menu options provided for a personalised food package to your dietary requirements

What you need to bring:

  • Appropriate outdoors clothing and footwear.  We recommend worn in hiking boots, to minimize blisters and so your feet are comfortable.
  • Personal items and toiletries (in small quantities) including sun cream
  • A medium level of fitness

Itinerary

Day 0 – Your equipment and food will be dropped off at your accommodation in Te Anau

Day 1 – Kepler Track Car Park to Luxmore Hut

(Approx. 5 to 6 hours/13.8km)

A shuttle bus will take you from Te Anau this morning to The Kepler Track car park and the start of your walk, starting this morning with a pleasant walk around Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay.  From here, ascend through mountain and beech forests to Luxmore Hut, just above the tree line with stunning views over Lake Te Anau far below. Be sure to visit the nearby Luxmore Caves.

Day 2 – Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut 

(Approx. 5 to 6 hours/14.6km)

The track climbs gradually from the hut to a ridge just below the summit of Mount Luxmore. Be sure to take the 10 minute side trip to the summit of Mount Luxmore providing excellent views. Continue along the stunning alpine track and then descend through a series of zigzags into a hanging valley to Iris Burn Hut.

Day 3 – Iris Burn Hut to Rainbow Reach/Te Anau

(Approx. 6.5 to 8 hours/22.2 km)

A steady hike today down through beech forest, riverside clearings and a gorge. Nearing Lake Manapouri, the track meanders through lowland beech and podocarp forest. It follows the lake shore to Moturau Hut, situated beside a beautiful beach, with panoramic views of Lake Manapouri.  From here it is a gentle stroll through beech forest to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach to finish your walk. A shuttle service will take you from here back to Te Anau.

Please note that accommodation is in Department of Conservation huts which are pre-booked for our guests - these are basic but comfortable and must be shared with other track walkers. Clients must carry their own pack containing clothing, sleeping bag, food and cooking equipment/eating utensils. Gas is available in the huts.

2023/2024 Departure Dates:

Most departure dates for the 2023/2024 season are now full, but please do still email us and we can double check if there are any available dates for you.

2024/2025 Departure Dates:

Departures run between November 2024 and April 2025.

Provisional bookings/expressions of interest are now being taken for the 2024/2025 season. Please email us (or submit your booking details through the link on this page) with your preferred departure date/timeframe and we can waitlist your booking request ready to go when the DOC booking system opens in approx. June/July 2024.