KEPLER TRACK

Inclusions

• Pre Kepler Track briefing.
• All Kepler Track hut bookings and fees.
• 2 nights accommodation - pre and post track
• 3 nights DOC hut accommodation
• Coach from Queenstown to Te Anau.
• Water taxi from Te Anau wharf to Brod Bay.
• Transfer from track end to Te Anau.
• Coach transfer Te Anau to Queenstown.
• Track map and information.
• Souvenir track book (rrp $NZ30).
• Booking services of our Queenstown office for optional Queenstown and Fiordland sightseeing & activities.
• NZ Mountain Safety Council approved pack liner.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown (hotel accommodation included), freetime to explore or book your post hike activities. Pre-track briefing held at Kiwi Discovery, 37 Camp Street, Queenstown at 2pm. The briefing covers transport/pick-up times, necessary equipment/clothing, recommended food and goes through what to expect on each day of the walk. You will exchange your voucher on this day for your transport tickets and DOC hut tickets.

Day 2 - Kepler Track

Pick up at hotel accommodation, travel by coach from Queenstown to Te Anau where a water taxi takes you& to Brod Bay, the start of the Kepler Track. After walking through mountain and beech forests, you ascend to the first night on the Kepler Track at Luxmore Hut just above the tree line. Approximately 3½ to 4½ hours walk.

Day 3 - Kepler Track

There is an opportunity for a 10 minute side trip to the summit of Mount Luxmore with excellent views before heading along the stunning alpine track to Iris Burn Hut. Approximately 5-6 hours walk.

Day 4 - Kepler Track

A steady days hike down through beech forest, riverside clearings and a gorge, takes you to Motura hut situated beside a beautiful beach with panoramic views of Lake Manapouri. Approximately 5-6 hours walk

Day 5 - Kepler Track/Queenstown

The last day is a gentle stroll through beech forest to Rainbow Reach. A shuttle service will take you to Te Anau, where a coach will bring you back to Queenstown for a well earned shower and drink. You will arrive by 2pm.

What to bring

Food is NOT available for purchase on the track. Food should be lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. We recommend shopping the night (or earlier) before you depart on the track. There are 2 local downtown supermarkets – Alpine Supermarket on Shotover St and Fresh Choice on Gorge Rd.

You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. It is not always possible to dry clothes in the huts. NB: cotton clothing such as jeans and sweatshirts is NOT suitable. Polypropylene, which is quick drying is recommended.

You will need a pack with waterproof liner, sleeping bag, matches/lighter, torch and spare batteries, eating & cooking utensils, toiletries (soap, toilet paper etc), first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellant, drink bottle, camera.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be an experienced tramper? No. We will give you a briefing prior to departure for the track. You will have no problems making your way to the Department of Conservation huts. The tracks are very clearly marked and there are DOC staff in residence at each of the huts. They have radio telephones for weather forecasts and emergencies. 2.How fit do I need to be? The Kepler Track can be enjoyed by all ages who are of reasonable fitness. Many thousands of people have enjoyed these Great Walks (ages ranging from 10-70 years old). To enjoy the walks you need to be able to carry a backpack with your personal belongings, cooking utensils, food and sleeping bag (see checklist), over mountain tracks from 10-15km or 4-6 hours walking per day.
2. Do I need a guide? If you are capable of following a basic map and trail markings and are comfortable with your fitness level and carry your own pack, then the answer is no. The Kepler Track is a great introduction to tramping, offering a variety of terrain over well established tracks.
3. What are the huts like? The huts are all serviced with gas for cooking, mattresses on bunk beds, running water and flush toilets. Trampers are expected to leave the huts tidy and to pack out what they pack in.
4. What kind of conditions can I expect? The Kepler Track is over changing terrain. You can expect anything from warm sunny days through to cold alpine conditions (see checklist). The surfaces of the track vary from well trodden, to areas of rough terrain (eg over rock and tree roots). If in any doubt as to what to pack follow the checklist.
5. How heavy will my pack be? It’s up to you, but we suggest that your personal belongings, cooking utensils, food and sleeping bag need not exceed 15-18 lbs, 7-10 kgs.
6. What sort of food do I take? Most people prefer to take lightweight goods that will travel easily, therefore dried packet foods are good. Food such as noodles, pasta, rice instant dinners, soups dried fruits, nuts and high energy foods, such as chocolate are recommended. You may wish to take fresh food for the first meal.
7. How much walking do you do each day? It depends on each individual and whether you wish to stop etc but we roughly say about 4.5 hours a day, that includes stopping and starting.

Bedding Configuration

Rates are based on twin or double so please indicate preferred bedding configuration at the time of booking under "Add Booking Notes" on the check out page.

Additional Information

There are always other walkers on the track, and people always tend to meet others and group up on their own accord. We do not group people up but you will be leaving with people on the same transport and generally with the same or similar itineraries so you won’t be alone. The huts all sleep approximately 40 people, and are divided up into 4-6 communal bunk rooms. There are no exclusive rooms.

Season

Season operates from 25th October 2012 to 25th April 2013.

Important Information

Please note that all bunks in the huts on the track have mattresses but no pillows. Gas stoves and running water are provided but there are no cooking utensils or pots and pans. There are no showers.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

More than 10 days prior to departure incurs a $150 (NZD) fee per person. Between 3-10 days is 50% refundable and less than 3 days is 100% non-refundable.