Kepler. Duration: 3 4 days Distance: 60 km (loop) Great Walks season: 27 October April 2016

Transcription

1 Kepler Track Duration: 3 4 days Distance: 60 km (loop) Great Walks season: 27 October April 2016

2 Kepler Track From the beech-forested shorelines of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, to tussockcovered ridgelines and spectacular alpine vistas, the Kepler Track is an incredible wilderness adventure above the clouds. Forming a loop track from Te Anau, it s a fantastic opportunity to experience the most accessible of Fiordland s Great Walks in Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. 1,500 m 1,000 m 500 m Kepler Track car park 0 m Elevation profile & Track guide Brod Bay 15 campsites Luxmore Hut 54 bunks Forest Burn emergency shelter Hanging Valley emergency shelter 5.6 km / 1.5 hrs 8.2 km / hrs 14.6 km / 5 6 hrs The Kepler Track is circular and can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough and may be muddy and slippery. This guide describes a 4-day hike for independent, non-guided walkers during the Great Walk season (27 October April 2016). Outside the Great Walks season (May to October) walking conditions are more hazardous see the safety information. Day 1: Kepler Track car park to Luxmore Hut 5 6 hours, 13.8 km Your journey begins with a stroll through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest body of fresh water in Australasia, to Brod Bay. A challenging climb under impressive limestone bluffs takes you above the bushline to panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin and surrounding mountains. Luxmore Hut is a 45 min walk from the bush line. Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut 5 6 hours, 14.6 km Start your day on top of the world. From the hut, you ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. Duration: 3 4 days Distance: 60 km (loop) Great Walks season: 27 October April 2016 Cover: Descending from Hanging Valley Shelter, John Strother ( Above left to right: Climbing to Luxmore Hut, Anja Kohler Alpine section, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz); Iris Burn Valley, Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz); Kepler Wetland, DOC Main photo: View from Luxmore, Tyler Ray Photography (tylermilesray.com)

3 greatwalks.co.nz hut campsite shelter car park Iris Burn Hut 50 bunks 15 campsites Rocky Point Shelter Moturau Hut 40 bunks Rainbow Reach car park Kepler Track car park 16.2 km / 5 6 hrs 6 km / hrs 9.5 km / hrs Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut Day 4: Moturau Hut to the Kepler Track car park 5 6 hours, 16.2 km Experience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. You ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. The beachside Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake. 4 hours 5 hours 30 minutes, 15.5 km The last day is easy walking across a unique and fragile wetland. The track then follows the Waiau River terrace to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. You can leave the track here and catch a shuttle bus to Te Anau, or continue alongside the Waiau River to the Kepler Track car park.

4 Highlights Photo: Andrew Walmsley (andrewwalmsleyphotography.com) Air New Zealand partners with the Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks. Photo: stokedforsaturday.com Watch out for the cheeky kea the world s only alpine parrot found in the South Island high country and known for its inquisitive nature. explore the fascinating Luxmore Caves, a 10 minute walk from Luxmore Hut. A 20 minute walk from Iris Burn Hut leads to the isolated Iris Burn Falls, perfect for a refreshing dip after the day s walk. Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) Students from Fiordland s five centres of learning are helping restore the unique environment of the Kepler Track and bring back its birdsong in the award-winning community conservation education based Kids Restore the Kepler project. With funding from major sponsor Kids Restore NZ, CTOS and Distinction Hotels NZ, the project is led by the Fiordland Conservation Trust in partnership with DOC and the learning centres. kidsrestorethekepler.co.nz Tussockland is a spectacular feature of the alpine areas of the Kepler Track, providing a flowing foreground to the expansive views. Photo: Michelle Crouchley Photo: Andrew Maloney Watch for the New Zealand falcon/ kārearea, one of New Zealand s most spectacular birds.

5 greatwalks.co.nz Getting there Makaroa You can access the track from the following locations. Twizel Sign me up! What do I do? Kepler Track car park: 5 km drive from Te Anau. Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre: 50 minutes walk along the lake front to the entrance of the track. Rainbow Reach car park: 12 km drive from Te Anau. Shuttle buses provide a daily service to the entry and exit points on the track during the Great Walks season. A scheduled boat service also offers transport to Brod Bay. 1 Milford Sound MILFORD TRACK ROUTEBURN TRACK Glenorchy Arrowtown Cromwell QUEENSTOWN Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Queenstown Visitor Centre 2 ook your transport to and 3 Bfrom the track operators are Mossburn 0 25 Ranfurly Book Clyde your huts and campsites online or Alexandra in a DOC Visitor Centre. KEPLER TRACK Te Anau Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Refer over page for transport options and services. Wanaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring Start off atvisitor greatwalks.co.nz/ National Park Centre kepler for more information. listed online and in this brochure. Lumsden 50 km Fairfield Dipton Places to stay GORE Winton Riverton/ Aparima your food and pack your 4 Buy bags download the Great Walks Milton Mataurapacking list and makebalclutha sure you have everything you need for a 4-day independent unguided walk. Kaka Point INVERCARGILL up on safety and make 5 Read sure you re well prepared for your RAKIURA TRACK Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) Stewart Island/ therakiura Kepler Track, Oban Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre must DOC operates 3 huts and 2 campsites along which be booked in advance during the Great Walks season (27 October April 2016). journey and changeable weather at greatwalks.co.nz/kepler. Make sure you have left your intentions with a trusted contact at adventuresmart.co.nz. Great Walks huts $54 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (bookings required). During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting, and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide food, cooking utensils or showers. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are no wardens. Bookings are not required, huts and campsites are first come, first served and fees are reduced. See the website for details. Great Walks campsites $18 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (bookings required). Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. the closest DOC Visitor 6 Visit Centre (Te Anau) to pick up your tickets and official track guide, and chat with the friendly staff for the latest weather forecast and track conditions. Lace up your boots and 7 Agetll set! hiking. Don t forget to share your experience on facebook. com/greatwalks.

6 season special free hot showers for freedom walkers phone 0800 hump ridge and quote promo code: shower More wilderness... less people 3-day loop track BOOK NOW: Packages from Basic Tramping at $175 to Guided Walking at $1645 p or 0800 HUMP RIDGE (486774) w e walk@humpridgetrack.co.nz WAIRAURAHIRI JET, FIORDLAND Johan & Joyce, RD 1, Tuatapere SOUTH COAST TRACK 45kms Jet boating adventure, All weather 2 day Hike, Historic Viaducts, Pick Ups - Drop offs, Accommodation, Vehicle transfers. johan.joyce@wjet.co.nz phone: SAFER PARKING SAFER PARKING TE ANAU 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau We provide the only safe and secure park while you walk the track. Don t let a break-in spoil your holiday. saferparkingteanau@msn.com phone: or LOCAL EXPERTS TRACK TRANSPORT, RENTAL EQUIPMENT & PACKAGES FIORDLAND TRIPS & TRAMPS Te Anau Group (5+ people) charter transport linking Fiordlands tracks with Queenstown, Invercargill & Te Anau. Contact us for an obligation free quote. info@tripsandtramps.com phone: or Hiking adventures begin here. Friendly advice on hiking in the Southern Alps. Rental gear available plus great range of accessories. M i l f o r d - S k i - T r a c k s Outside sports Milford Road, Te Anau and Shotover Street, Queenstown info@outsidesports.co.nz phone: Te Anau Queenstown

7 Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels the Steamers Beach Complex is conveniently located within Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels. Family and Studio Motels Marakura Lakeview Family Motels Backpackers, Tent and Powered Sites Bathroom and Kitchen Cabins Car and Bag Storage Groups and Schools welcome 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau P W. Single rooms Dorm rooms Double rooms Twin rooms 4, 6 and 8 bed rooms BBH Member Rates P E.res@teanau.info W. Kepler Track Shuttle Milford Track Routeburn Track Hollyford & Humpridge Day walkers & groups welcome Charter & on demand services year round. Out of Season Bus/Boat Package May/Oct Queenstown Te Anau Invercargill Milford Sound P E. res@tracknet.net W. GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS YHA offers great pre and post walk options with affordable, comfortable accommodation ideally suited to Great Walkers. YHA Te Anau - On the doorstep of the Kepler Track, YHA Te Anau offers comfortable accommodation for all ages, groups and families. With knowledgeable staff familiar with all the local walks and a hostel designed for walkers, this is the perfect place for your pre and post walking stays. YHA TE ANAU Lake Hauroko Tours Dusky Track transport@duskytack.co.nz phone: Drop off- pick up, Monday & Thursday, Season- 1st November 30th April. Bookings essential. Charter rates available. Transport from and to Te Anau, -Trips and Tramps Milford' s original kayak operator YHA.co.nz/great-walks or Mention this ad for a 10% discount Fiordland Massage CliniC Located at Distinction Hotel & Villas, Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Refreshing way to restore your energy and spirit. Relaxation / Deep Tissue / Hot Stone / Foot Revival Treatments available. Open 7 days 9am - 9pm phone: or Rosco has been running world class Sea Kayaking trips for 23 years, that is experience you can count on, his local guides are the best in the business, we offer 8 different trips, to suit beginner right through to the experienced paddler. Adventure Fiordland, 72 Town Centre, Te Anau FREEPHONE: rosco@roscosmilfordkayaks.com Kepler Water taxi Transport to Brod Bay daily. Departs from Water Taxi wharf opposite town centre 8.30am 9.30am. Return bookings essential. Other departures by arrangement Published by: Department of Conservation Marketing Team PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand Editing and design: Publishing Team DOC National Office October stevsaunders@xtra.co.nz This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

8 Iris Burn Iris Burn Waterfall Iris Burn Hut Mount Tinsley 1547m Hanging Valley 1472m Mount Luxmore Forest Burn Luxmore Hut Luxmore Cave Brod Bay Lake Te Anau Boat Transport Te Anau 1628m J A C K S O N P E A K S KEPLER MOUNTAINS 1451m Iris Burn 1453m Coal Fiordland National Park Cre ek Dock Bay ENTRY/EXIT Te Rua-o-te-moko / Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Great Walk hut Great Walk campsite 1112m Rocky Point Forest Burn Harts Hill 655m Kepler Track Carpark Shelter Visitor Centre Boat Transport!!! Walking Track 549m Great Walk / Tramping Track State Highway 95 Other Roads 527m 0 1 Km Lake Richter 582m Lake Manapouri Shallow Bay Moturau Hut Waiau River ENTRY/EXIT Rainbow Reach Carpark SH95 to Manapouri 411m Know before you go It is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well equipped on a Great Walk. Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code 5 simple rules to help you stay safe: 1. Plan your trip. Book your trip well in advance, including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/end of the track. 2. Tell someone your plans. Safety is your responsibility leave your trip details with a trusted contact. Further research on safety outside of this brochure is essential. See adventuresmart.org.nz. 3. Be aware of the weather. Weather on the track is changeable, so be prepared and check the forecast before you go. See metservice. com. 4. Know your limits. A good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 7 hours a day, depending on your fitness and weather conditions, and carry a pack of up to 15 kg for the whole length of the track. 5. Take sufficient supplies. The right outdoor clothing and gear are essential for your trip. Pack all necessary equipment and your own food and drinks (including an extra day s supply). Food and drinks are not available for purchase at Great Walks huts and campsites. Remember your safety is your responsibility Kepler Track safety The information in this brochure relates to the Kepler Track in the Great Walks season (27 October April 2016). This track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. An overnight stay at Moturau Hut is a great option to include the whole family. fiordland National Park is in an area with high rainfall and changeable weather patterns. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of year. The Kepler Track has complex avalanche terrain and the risk of avalanche can extend into December. During the Great Walks season, DOC manages this risk to a low level and may close the alpine section of the track between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut if avalanche conditions exist. Go to greatwalks.co.nz/kepler Know before you go section for detailed safety information, and What to take section for a comprehensive gear list. Outside the Great Walks season (early May to late October) facilities are greatly reduced including no gas for cooking, limited water supply, no rangers or emergency radio facilities and there are additional safety hazards to consider: The winter environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours. Avalanche-prone bridges across some major watercourses are removed. DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding or avalanches. Walking the Kepler Track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. Navigation, river crossing and alpine skills are essential for your survival. For more information see Outside the Great Walks season at greatwalks.co.nz/kepler.