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38:
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232:, is said to have named the great lakes while exploring the interior of the South Island. During a period of wet weather, his party found a large and beautiful lake which they named Te Ana Au, meaning cave of rain, and just south of it another lake which Rākaihautū named Roto Ua, the lake where rain is constant. Today we know Roto Ua as Lake Manapouri. The Kepler is situated between the two lakes.
261:
skirt northern face of
Luxmore and take a zig-zag down to the Iris Burn Valley. It would then travel down the Iris Burn Valley to Lake Manapouri and join with the track from Shallow Bay to Rainbow Reach Bridge and a new track from the bridge along the western side of the Upper Waiau back to the Te Anau Control Structure.
273:. The track had a considerable contribution from the International Expedition Operation Raleigh during 1986/87 when expeditions from around the world constructed much of the walkways and the Iris Burn and Mount Luxmore huts. The caves at Mt Luxmore were also mapped and Mount Raleigh was named above the Iris Burn.
260:
Alf Excell and Les
Henderson, two members of the Fiordland National Park Board, came up with the idea of a track they called the “Around the Mountain Walk”. The track would join two existing tracks, going from Te Anau Lake control structure joining with the track to the Luxmore Mountain Meadows and
464:
The track climbs over a low saddle and wanders through mixed forest to the large slip formed during heavy rain in
January 1984. The track sidles through a gorge to come out on river flats near the mouth of the Iris Burn. It follows the lakeshore around Shallow Bay to Moturau Hut, situated beside a
295:
While it is possible to complete the Kepler whilst camping this requires a 10-hour hike between Brod Bay and Iris Burn campsites. A much easier option is to stay at
Luxmore Hut on the first night, then continue on to Iris Burn campsite for the second night, completing the track to Rainbow Reach on
256:
The idea for the track was first proposed by Alf Excell and Les
Henderson. In 1984 in preparation for the National Parks Centennial in 1988, the National Parks Authority (now Department of Conversation) asked all New Zealand National Parks Boards to propose suitable projects to celebrate the
440:
The path then follows a long, open ridge toward the Iris Burn and descends via a series of zigzags into a hanging valley. The track descends through forest, and provides a view of a large natural landslide. The Iris Burn Hut (497 m or 1,631 ft) is sited in a large tussock clearing
205:
Compared with other tracks in New
Zealand, this walking track is constructed to a very high standard. Most streams are bridged, boardwalks cover boggy areas and the very steep sections have steps. It is a moderate walking track that takes three to four days to complete.
693:
This hut sleeps 50 in 3 separate bunk rooms with mattresses and provides the same amenities as the
Luxmore. The hut is situated near a small field where there is a small river. About a 20-minute walk from the hut is the Iris Burn Waterfall where swimming is possible.
672:
This hut sleeps 54 in bunk style rooms with mattresses and is equipped with stoves and tables inside for cooking as well as an outside deck area. There is a large bunk room and a smaller bunk room that faces Lake Te Anau. Camping is not permitted at this site. The
407:
From Brod Bay, the track climbs up past limestone bluffs (at 747 m or 2,451 ft) to
Luxmore Hut (1,085 m or 3,560 ft) on Mt Luxmore. A short walk from the hut leads to a cave, one of about 30 in the area, of which many are still unexplored.
264:
The project was accepted and the Kepler track, however, was established in 1988 and opened in
February of that year as a Great Walk as part of the Fiordland National Park Centennial celebrations. It was designed to ease the strain on the popular
722:
Like most of New
Zealand's Great Walks, huts must generally be booked through the Department Of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand in advance. Showers and waste collection are not provided. It is recommended to bring bug spray in summer months as
430:
A gradual climb from the hut to Luxmore Saddle (1,400 m or 4,600 ft) which is the highest point on the main trail, offering extensive views of the park. There is an opportunity to climb to the peak of
292:
Control Gates. It can be walked in either direction. If time is short, the track can be shortened to three days by exiting or entering at the Rainbow Reach swing bridge using a car or bus.
386:
The track follows the shores of Lake Te Anau in beech forest to sandy Brod Bay where camping is permitted, and where it is possible to enter or exit the track by an arranged shuttle boat.
524:
This short section crosses many small streams, before running next to the Waiau River until it reaches the Rainbow Reach swing bridge, where there is a carpark, and tramper bus services.
335:
975:
949:
730:
Along the trail there are shelters that can be used for day time picnic and rest stop use and a few that are set up to be used in emergencies during the winter months.
536:
474:
190:
such as rocky mountain ridges, tall mossy forests, lake shores, deep gorges, rare wetlands and rivers. Like the mountains it traverses, the track is named after
702:
There are several campsites provided in the shaded area of the trees near the hut and by the stream. It has been advised to not camp in the field as the
714:
Situated on Lake Manapouri, this hut sleeps 40 in bunk beds with mattresses. In summer swimming in the lake and outdoor picnic tables are available.
836:
643:
Shuttle buses also operate during the summer months to entry and exit points on the track and a scheduled boat service provides access to Brod Bay.
1198:
1193:
1047:
674:
529:
1039:
297:
1015:
911:
249:
Early tracks up onto Mt. Luxmore were cut by Jack Beer to provide summer grazing for his sheep. Many tracks in New Zealand have evolved from
437:
Emergency shelters are located at Forrest Burn and Hanging Valley – though overnight stays are expressly forbidden, except in an emergency.
1062:
391:
1091:
199:
979:
238:, Fiordland's first ranger, lived at the southern end of Lake Te Anau for many years and often explored the Kepler area. Surveyor
213:, an annual running race that traverses the whole 60 kilometres (37 mi), which the winners complete in less than five hours.
953:
843:
790:
302:
The price and availability of accommodation varies considerably between the peak season (summer) and the off-season (winter).
656:
This campsite is situated on Lake Te Anau and is the first campsite for hikers who started the trek from the control gates.
1001:
813:
759:
586:
The undulating track here traverses mixed forest and crosses many small streams, arriving back at the Control Gates.
1203:
628:
The Kepler Track is accessed from the Lake Te Anau Control Gates, either by road or a 50-minute walk from the
597:
The Lake Te Anau Control Gates are approximately 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) from the DOC visitors centre in
159:
1126:
1084:
1158:
1044:
226:
1111:
1100:
1077:
629:
195:
187:
74:
59:
17:
865:
146:
Late October to mid April Possible to walk in winter months too, but for experienced hikers only
637:
63:
664:
1141:
1002:"New Zealand Great Walks Information, Hiking, Packing & Safety Tips | Milford Track"
617:
The Kepler Track is located in the south west of the South Island. The nearest townships of
257:
Centennial. Project funds would come from the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department.
235:
8:
976:"Iris Burn Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park | tramping new zealand"
950:"Luxmore Hut | Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park | tramping new zealand"
890:
808:(6th ed.). Victoria, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications Ply Ltd. p. 302.
604:
1163:
809:
755:
749:
210:
789:(Map) (3rd ed.). 1 : 60,000. Parkmap. Cartography by GeoSmart (NZ) Ltd.
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281:
270:
243:
222:
191:
250:
37:
640:
at Rainbow Reach, a ten-minute (12 km or 7.5 mi) drive from Te Anau.
239:
119:
1056:
924:
435:(1,472 m or 4,829 ft) for a 360 degree view including Lake Te Anau.
1187:
1148:
1136:
1131:
625:
have a full range of accommodation and shops catering to all tramping needs.
552:
538:
490:
476:
432:
351:
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266:
108:
98:
1116:
706:(alpine parrots) are known to pester tents that are situated in the field.
289:
179:
86:
1069:
633:
16:
This article is about the New Zealand Walking Track. For other uses, see
685:
1173:
622:
288:
The track is usually recommended to be walked in this route from the
81:
1063:"Kepler Track, New Zealand Great Walks, Department of Conservation"
750:
Hosking, Gordon; Hosking, Michele; Kamp, Peter; Kamp, John (2002).
154:
Ridgetop alpine views, lakes, wetlands, forests, rivers, waterfalls
724:
618:
598:
183:
1040:
NZ Mountain Safety Council's Tramping Video Series: Kepler Track
298:
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council's video on the Kepler Track
175:
229:
304:
703:
242:
named the range after the 17th century German astronomer
441:
1.5 km (0.93 mi) from Iris Burn waterfall.
608:Luxmore Hut and Lake Te Anau from the Kepler Track
186:. The track passes through many landscapes of the
178:track which travels through the landscape of the
1185:
182:of New Zealand and is situated near the town of
677:, an extensive cave system are located nearby.
1085:
831:
829:
827:
825:
1099:
576:
376:
1092:
1078:
891:"New Zealand Place Names - James McKerrow"
822:
752:Kiwi Footpaths Track Guide No.2 The Kepler
745:
743:
803:
781:
779:
777:
775:
773:
771:
684:
663:
603:
280:
1199:Protected areas of the Southland Region
1194:Hiking and tramping tracks in Fiordland
912:Kids Restore The Kepler History (2011).
905:
797:
632:Visitor Centre in Te Anau, or over the
306:Kepler Track Typical 3 and 4 Day Walks
1186:
844:New Zealand Department of Conservation
791:New Zealand Department of Conservation
740:
621:(4.6 km or 2.9 mi away) and
253:trails or pioneer exploration routes.
174:is a 60 km (37 mi) circular
89:control gates, Rainbow Reach, Brod Bay
1073:
922:
768:
697:
646:
209:The Kepler Track is also home to the
42:An alpine section of the Kepler Track
1045:Kids Restore The Kepler-History link
923:Brett, Dennis (January–March 1989).
651:
465:beach with views of Lake Manapouri.
13:
14:
1215:
1033:
1172:
680:
164:Hypothermia, sunburn, high winds
36:
1008:
994:
968:
804:DuFresne, Jim (November 2006).
942:
916:
883:
858:
709:
659:
225:, the legendary leader of the
1:
1057:Kepler Mountains Youtube link
733:
1127:Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
717:
458:16.2 km (10.1 mi)
111:1,400 m (4,600 ft)
7:
612:
591:Lake Te Anau Control Gates
424:14.6 km (9.1 mi)
276:
198:and is administered by the
10:
1220:
1159:Tongariro Northern Circuit
754:. Kiwi Footpaths Limited.
580:9.5 km (5.9 mi)
401:8.2 km (5.1 mi)
380:5.6 km (3.5 mi)
363:Lake Te Anau Control Gates
331:Lake Te Anau Control Gates
216:
200:Department of Conservation
194:. The track is one of the
122:, 178 m (584 ft)
25:New Zealand tramping track
15:
1170:
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590:
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221:Māori legend has it that
158:
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126:
115:
104:
93:
80:
70:
55:
47:
35:
30:
518:6 km (3.7 mi)
1204:Fiordland National Park
1112:Abel Tasman Coast Track
1101:New Zealand Great Walks
1016:"Kepler Track Brochure"
806:Tramping in New Zealand
630:Fiordland National Park
352:45.441806°S 167.68972°E
196:New Zealand Great Walks
188:Fiordland National Park
60:Fiordland National Park
51:60 km (37 mi)
18:Kepler (disambiguation)
929:New Zealand Geographic
690:
669:
609:
553:45.49083°S 167.66250°E
491:45.48167°S 167.61028°E
285:
75:New Zealand Great Walk
1142:Pike29 Memorial Track
1050:31 March 2012 at the
688:
667:
607:
357:-45.441806; 167.68972
284:
227:Māori migration canoe
558:-45.49083; 167.66250
496:-45.48167; 167.61028
548: /
486: /
347: /
307:
698:Iris Burn campsite
691:
670:
647:Huts and campsites
610:
305:
286:
1181:
1180:
1164:Whanganui Journey
1145:
982:on 22 August 2016
956:on 22 August 2016
652:Brod Bay campsite
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978:. Archived from
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952:. Archived from
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935:
920:
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893:. 18 August 2007
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583:2.5 – 3.5 hours
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404:3.5 – 4.5 hours
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348:
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344:
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271:Routeburn Tracks
211:Kepler Challenge
138:Summer to Autumn
40:
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27:
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1214:
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1210:
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1154:Routeburn Track
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1052:Wayback Machine
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244:Johannes Kepler
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192:Johannes Kepler
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1034:External links
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941:
925:"Kepler Track"
915:
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870:Queenstown.com
857:
837:"Kepler Track"
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727:are abundant.
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521:1.5 – 2 hours
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447:Iris Burn Hut
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240:James McKerrow
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120:Lake Manapouri
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109:Luxmore Saddle
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1149:Rakiura Track
1147:
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1138:
1137:Paparoa Track
1135:
1133:
1132:Milford Track
1130:
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815:1-74059-788-5
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761:0-473-08820-7
757:
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731:
728:
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715:
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689:Iris Burn Hut
687:
681:Iris Burn Hut
678:
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675:Luxmore Caves
666:
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530:Rainbow Reach
527:
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508:
468:
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433:Mount Luxmore
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236:Richard Henry
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105:Highest point
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66:, New Zealand
65:
61:
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39:
34:
29:
23:
19:
1122:Kepler Track
1121:
1117:Heaphy Track
1022:
1010:
996:
984:. Retrieved
980:the original
970:
958:. Retrieved
954:the original
944:
932:. Retrieved
928:
918:
907:
895:. Retrieved
885:
873:. Retrieved
869:
860:
848:. Retrieved
805:
799:
787:Kepler Track
786:
751:
729:
721:
713:
701:
692:
671:
655:
642:
627:
616:
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532:Swing Bridge
461:5 – 6 hours
439:
436:
427:5 – 6 hours
413:Luxmore Hut
339:45°26′30.5″S
326:Description
317:Day (Short)
301:
294:
290:Lake Te Anau
287:
263:
259:
255:
248:
234:
220:
208:
204:
180:South Island
172:Kepler Track
171:
169:
116:Lowest point
87:Lake Te Anau
31:Kepler Track
22:
1023:doc.govt.nz
897:25 December
846:. 2006–2007
710:Moturau Hut
668:Luxmore Hut
660:Luxmore Hut
638:Waiau River
636:across the
634:swingbridge
564:Moturau Hut
556: /
543:167°39′45″E
502:Moturau Hut
494: /
481:167°36′37″E
470:Moturau Hut
355: /
342:167°41′23″E
314:Day (Full)
296:day three.
71:Designation
1188:Categories
734:References
725:sand flies
562: (
540:45°29′27″S
500: (
478:45°28′54″S
383:1.5 hours
361: (
223:Rākaihautū
127:Difficulty
82:Trailheads
866:"Te Anau"
718:Logistics
623:Manapouri
320:Distance
64:Southland
1048:Archived
613:Location
392:Brod Bay
277:Tramping
97:Hiking,
56:Location
986:28 July
960:28 July
875:14 June
793:. 2003.
619:Te Anau
599:Te Anau
577:
377:
267:Milford
217:History
202:(DOC).
184:Te Anau
160:Hazards
99:running
934:9 July
850:18 May
812:
758:
311:Place
176:hiking
151:Sights
143:Months
135:Season
130:medium
48:Length
1019:(PDF)
840:(PDF)
323:Time
251:Māori
230:Uruao
988:2016
962:2016
936:2022
899:2023
877:2019
852:2007
810:ISBN
756:ISBN
704:Keas
269:and
170:The
94:Use
1190::
1021:.
927:.
868:.
842:.
824:^
770:^
742:^
601:.
515:4
455:3
452:3
421:2
418:2
398:1
374:1
246:.
62:,
1144:)
1140:(
1093:e
1086:t
1079:v
1065:.
1025:.
1004:.
990:.
964:.
938:.
901:.
879:.
854:.
818:.
764:.
566:)
504:)
365:)
20:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
.JPG)