How I Hiked the Kepler Track in 3 Days For Under $40

Here’s my hiking itinerary for the Kepler Track over 3 days while getting the most out of this incredible hike without paying hundreds in hut fees!

The Kepler Track in South Island’s Fjordlands is known as one of the best Great Walks in all of New Zealand! However, as you probably already know, the cost per night for staying in the huts goes well over $100 per night!

If you do have the means to pay these fees, then it is worthwhile, since the money is going directly to the DOC, who do a fantastic job in protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity and maintaining all of the park tracks and routes.

However, I don’t believe that budget travelers should have to miss out on the Great Walks simply because the pricing structure is aimed at “big-spender” travelers. In this guide, I’ll outline how to hike the entire Kepler track, with some tips on how to save some money in the process.

What You Need to Know About the Kepler Track

• Elevation: Highest Point: 1,470 m AMSL (Luxmore Summit)
• Start Point: Kepler Control Gates near Te Anau (or further in via a boat transfer to Brod Bay Campsite)
• Total gain elevation gain: 2,450 m
• Length: 65 km
• Difficulty: Moderate; some steep sections and long but not technical.
• Direction: It's possible to hike both ways but I recommend the counterclockwise direction for the best elevation profiles.
• Season: Great Walks season is 29 Oct - 30 Apr. Outside this season prices are cheaper but the DOC recommends only fit, experienced & well-equipped hikers to attempt it.
• Contacts: Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
• Route: My Strava | GPX File (.gpx 6.4 mb)

The Kepler Track is considered one of New Zealand's "Great Walks". The track is located in the incredible Te Wāhipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The track leads through beautiful beech forest along Lake Te Anau before climbing alpine vistas above 1,400 meters with incredible views of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri.

Although it's a fairly long hike, it's not at all technical in the Great Walks Season. However, you'll need alpine/avalanche experience and equipment in the winter months.

You can find more up-to-date information on track closures and safety information on the DOC website and by downloading the official brochure.

How to Hike the Kepler in 3 Days

The typical Kepler Track itinerary spans four days. My itinerary below to do it in 3 days essentially cuts out the last hut (Moturau Hut), squeezing in a long 33 km walk on the last day.

This is possible because the last day involves very little elevation gain or drop and is more of a pleasant (yet long) stroll along flat paths beside Lake Manapouri and the Waiau River.

Here's the hiking itinerary, read on for more details.

• Day 1: Kepler Track Carpark to Luxmore Hut (15.6 km & 810 m elevation)
• Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut (18 km & 580 m elevation gain, 1040 m descent)
• Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Control Gates (33 km & 50 m elevation gain, 200 m descent)

How Much Does it Normally Cost to Hike the Kepler Track?

Since the Kepler track is considered a "Great Walk" the hut passes and campsite bookings are much more expensive than other routes and tracks in NZ. Below is a rundown of the current costs.

Season	Visitor	Hut Pass Per Night (NZD)	Campsite Per Night (NZD)
Great Walks Season (29 Oct – 30 Apr)	New Zealanders	68	21
	Internationals	102	32
Outside the Great Walks Season (1 May – 28 Oct)	Everyone	25	10

In total, if you want to stay at Luxmore Hut, Iris Burn Hut, and Moturau Hut on the official 4-day Kepler Track itinerary– expect to pay $306 NZD as a foreigner, or $204 as a Kiwi.

How I Hiked the Kepler Track for Under $40

No, it's not possible to hike the Kepler for free. However, as I found out, it was possible to hike the entire track for $21 NZD for New Zealanders and $32 NZD for foreigners. This was possible for both 3-day and 4-day itineraries.

This was achieved by freedom camp near the Luxmore Hut and near the Shallow Bay Hut. However, it was never possible to freedom camp anywhere near the middle section of the hike (Iris Burn Hut) because it's simply too dense with no flat clearings to pitch a tent.

Therefore, when I hiked, the only compulsory campsite fee is for the Iris Burn Campsite.

Updated Rules: In regards to freedom camping laws in New Zealand, you are able to pitch a tent anywhere in New Zealand's parks, as long as you are 500 metres away from the Great Walks track. So, it is still legal to camp near the Luxmore Hut like my itinerary below.

That said, the DOC reached out to me recently and noted some important facts about conservation in this region. Unfortunately, many irresponsible trekkers have been taking advantage of this information and causing damage to the sensitive alpine environment. So, I do not recommend this affordable route. Read my update in the link above or the official budget alternatives below.

Alternative "Cheap" Kepler Track Option

Without freedom camping near the Luxmore Hut and instead hiking the "official" budget Kepler itinerary, you can:

• Stay at Luxmore Hut ($68 or $102)
• Camp at Iris Burn Campsite ($21 or $32)
• Freedom camp 500 meters from the Moturau Hut (free) or finish on the 3rd day as I did

This totals $89 (Kiwis) or $134 (foreigners), which is still a lot more affordable and accessible than the full 4-day hut route. With the latest developments, I believe this is a much better option.

Current Iris Burn Camping Costs

Below is a table of current pricing that I update yearly. The fee was cheaper when I hiked a few years ago but is still very reasonable.

Period	Category	Adult (18+ years)	Youth (17 years & under)
Great Walks Season (29 Oct – 30 Apr)	New Zealanders	NZD $21 per night	Free, but booking is required
	Internationals	NZD $32 per night	NZD $16 per night
Outside Great Walks Season (1 May – 28 Oct)	Everyone	NZD $10 per night	Free

Update: DOC also told me that we are not allowed to camp or stay overnight in the Forest Burn and Hanging Valley shelters. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

My Experience Hiking the Kepler in 3 Days

For the purpose of this guide, I will be detailing a 3-day itinerary in an anti-clockwise direction that I took.

This follows the generally recommended and most popular hike itinerary for the first two days, while finishing the hike by combining the last two days into one.

Originally, I had packed and planned to hike the Kepler in four days. However, after overestimating the length, we decided to push on and finish the hike in three.

The reason for this is that from the Iris Burn Hut back to the control gates, it is very flat, with little to no incline. So, if you're generally fit, you should have no trouble finishing this section in a single day.

However, if you'd like to finish the hike in 4 days instead, then I'd recommend camping near the Shallow Bay Hut. You are able to freedom camp here for free! Some blogs and sources online mention that you still have to pay the hut fee. However, after speaking to the DOC, I can confirm that this isn't the case for campers at the Shallow Bay Hut.

Day 1: Kepler Track Carpark to Luxmore Hut

• Distance: 14.6 km
• Elevation gain: 810 m

The official starts at the Kepler control gates marked in the map above. From here, there is an information shed and toilets as well as a freshwater tank to fill up your bottles.

The track follows the shore of Lake Te Anau for several kilometers. This section is pleasant and is a good warmup for the upcoming climb. After just over an hour, you should reach the Brod Bay campsite.

From here, the track begins to climb gradually through a beautiful beech forest. This area is known for its large native bird population, so keep an ear out for their calls.

The climb from Brod Bay campsite to the Luxmore Hut is gradual and not too steep. However, you will gain over 800 metres of elevation before finally breaking out through the tree line.

It's a great feeling as you enter the rolling tussock plains. Here you'll get to witness the first views of Lake Te Anau from above, as well as Mt Luxmore and the rest of the Kepler Track as it winds its way along the rolling ridges.

The Luxmore Hut is roughly 30-40 minutes from the treeline.

Luxmore Caves

The Luxmore Caves is a short side-trip from the Luxmore Hut that only takes about twenty minutes return.

It's definitely worthwhile checking out if it hasn't been raining too much. The limestone cave system burrows deep under the tussock plains, with several small tunnels and a small running stream.

Camping Near the Luxmore Hut

I had spoken to the DOC and other hikers in New Zealand who told me that camping near the Luxmore Hut was one of the most popular ways to avoid paying the expensive hut fees and lower the overall cost of the hike.

Of course, if you have the funds, staying at Luxmore Hut is a great experience. It's one of the most scenic huts on the South Island and a great place to catch up with other hikers. The money also goes towards wilderness conservation, so it is money well spent.

However, I think it's important to note there are many hikers who would prefer to hike self-sufficiently or those who simply can't afford to pay these fees on a budget. I believe that nature is for everybody to enjoy, and shouldn't be only accessible to those with enough disposable income. Luckily, it was possible and legal to camp near the Luxmore Hut, as long as hikers were prepared, knew the rules, and were committed to camping sustainably.

Here's an update on the rules:

Basically, the New Zealand law regarding this permits freedom camping for anybody, as long as they are 200 metres from a regular track or 500 metres from a Great Walks Track. As a Swede, this is similar to our "Allemansrätten"– which is a responsibility, not a right.

That said, with the recent communications with the DOC, I don't recommend that anybody freedom camps near the Luxmore Hut. However, for those who are already committed to doing this, I have left my personal account in hopes of offering my perspective on how we did it safely and sustainably.

Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut

• Distance: 18 km
• Elevation gain: 580 m (1040 m descent)

Day 2 offers by far the best views for the entire Kepler Track. Following on from the Luxmore Hut, the Kepler Track works its way around the bluffs and climbs close to the summit of Mt Luxmore. The track here offers views of small alpine tarns scattered along the vista.

Side Trip to Climb Up Mt Luxmore

You'd be crazy not to make the short 5-10 minute ascent up to Mt Luxmore! The Kepler track is literally right below the peak and if you're lucky enough to get good weather, the views are spectacular.

Amazing Views Along the Alpine Sections

The views of Lake Te Anau and surrounding mountains get better as the day progresses. Soon after Mt Luxmore, you'll see the track atop the jagged ridgeline beyond.

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather and enjoy the views! Make sure to stop and take it all in.

Descending to the Iris Burn Hut

After a few hours of climbing and descending the ridges, the track steeply descends back down into the bushline and into the Iris Burn forest.

This section is very scenic, with flowing rivers and small cascading waterfalls along the track. There are also several bridges with impressive views. Warm your knees up for the 800-metre descent back down to the Iris Burn campsite.

Remember, this area is the only place where you won't have a choice in the matter of paying for a site. You'll soon realise why. The surrounding forest is thick and lacks any viable clearings to pitch a tent.

Side Trip to Iris Burn Falls

After pitching our tent, it was time to go check out Iris Burn Falls. We braved the sandflies and pushed on for a freezing but refreshing swim at the deep pool underneath the waterfall.

The waterfall is roughly 15m in height and cascades in a "horsetail" shape. In high season, most people staying at the hut come here to wash off the sweat and dirt and relax after having completed the two most difficult days of the trek.

Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Control Gates

• Distance: 33 km
• Elevation gain: 50 m (200 m descent)

We considered ourselves lucky as we woke up with no tent holes from mice or kea. However, the weather had turned on us on the 3rd day. With rain forecasted for the rest of the day, we quickly packed up our soggy tent and cooked breakfast underneath the undercover cooking area.

Again, this final day of the Kepler track is long but flat, with only small sections of incline. Besides the incredible podocarp and beech forests, there is also little that warrants a stop.

After a few hours, you'll reach Lake Manapouri. There are several trails that lead to beachside access where you can relax and enjoy lunch.

From the Moturau Hut, the track continues on to follow the Waiau River, past the Rainbow Beach Bridge and finally arriving back at the control gates.

Of course, this day is going to be the longest. However, since it's so flat, it's definitely possible to complete this section in a single day.

At any time you can make the call to camp at the Shallow Bay Hut for free. You could also check if there is space at the Moturau Hut, however, you usually need to book in advance.

Optional: Stay at Shallow Bay Hut

To stay in the Shallow Bay Hut, you will need a $5 unserviced hut pass. You can purchase these from the DOC visitor centre in Te Anau.

This hut is definitely not up to the standard of the regular with mosquitos and sandflies being a big problem. However, it does offer shelter from the elements if you need it.

I'd prefer to camp next to the hut for free, where there are a few cleared areas, since that way you can block out the mosquitos. Of course, this will only apply for those looking to do this hike in four days, not following this Kepler track 3-day itinerary.

Optional: End at Rainbow Beach Bridge

If you want to finish early, you can also call it quits at the Rainbow Beach Bridge. This cuts off over an hour of the hike back to the control gates.

In saying that, you'll need to either leave a car here or organize transport from the bridge back to Te Anau or the control gates regardless.

FAQs About Hiking the Kepler Track

If you have any up-to-date information for completing the Kepler track in 3 days, help other travelers out by leaving a comment below. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me personally, or leave a comment.

For now, if you're looking for more South Island travel guides and blogs, you'll find them in the list below.

• 36 Amazing Places to Visit in the South Island - my most comprehensive travel guide that is useful to help you find the best places to visit on your trip to the South Island
• Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Explore Queenstown's top hikes, epic adrenaline activities, and hidden gems.
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• Accommodation Resources: Plan where to stay in Queenstown and discover the amazing Tekapo Lake Hotels.