Tucked away in the southwestern corner
of the South Island
lies a 1.2 million hectare time capsule
of a beautiful prehistoric New Zealand.
Luckily, keen adventurers can explore
Fiordland's unique landscape through one
of the many walking tracks that weave through
this glacially carved land.
One of New Zealand's Great Walks takes you
high above Fiordland for a truly breathtaking Alpine adventure.
The Kepler Track is a 60 kilometre loop
that takes you along lakes,
through dense beech forests
and up into a spectacular alpine world.
The Alpine section of the Kepler Track
runs for approximately 14.6 kilometres
and offers stunning panoramic views
of Te Anau and the neighbouring mountain ranges.
The Great Walks season is the best time
of year to attempt this tramp
as you'll find all the huts are fully open
and track conditions are actively monitored and managed.
The Kepler's close proximity to Te Anau
leads people to believe that it's suitable
for tramping year-round.
But outside of the Great Walks season
this is not a good idea
as facilities are greatly reduced and snow normally
covers the track, making it hard to see.
The average daily summer temperature
normally sits around five to nine degrees (C).
and true to Fiordland form, you can
expect rain for over 200 days of the year.
It's important to remember that you
will be in an Alpine environment
which means there is a good chance you'll
experience heavy rain, strong winds,
snow and freezing temperatures,
even during the Great Walks season.
So warm and waterproof clothing will be essential.
You'll also need a good pair of tramping (hiking) boots
and make sure you carry enough water
for the whole day.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand
make sure you 'leave your intentions' with a trusted contact
and inform them when you've finished your trip.
You can find out more about 'leaving your intentions'
at the Mountain Safety Council website.
Day 1 of your journey starts on the
shores of Lake Te Anau.
From here, you'll tramp through the forest for about an
hour and a half before reaching Broad Bay Campsite.
This is where the climbing begins
as you'll tramp 8.2 kilometres up to Luxmore Hut
which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
A good amount of fitness is needed
as this will be a steep, steady
climb to the top.
Once you leave the bushline you will be exposed
to an open Alpine environment.
Wind and rain can be especially brutal at this point,
so take care on your final push to Luxmore Hut
as you will already be tired from a long day of tramping.
Your second day consists of a five to six hour tramp
along the ridge line to Iris Burn Hut.
This means that you will be left exposed
to any and all weather that comes your way
with very little shelter and no
alternative routes to take.
Talk to the hut warden and consult the weather forecast
before committing to a full day on the ridgeline.
If you decide to carry on, then your day will start
with a gentle climb up Mount Luxmore.
You will be fairly sheltered by the mountain on this section
but as you round the corner, you will be met
with the full brunt of any incoming fronts.
This makes this spot a good point to stop
and assess the conditions for the rest of the day.
Look to the west to see what weather may be coming
and then you can make an informed
decision on whether to continue on
or turn back and try again on a better day.
Avalanches are a very real risk during winter and spring.
Don't continue past this point if snow has settled on the ground
unless you are experienced in off-track navigation,
avalanche awareness and winter climbing
as well as carrying the proper equipment
to safely travel over snow.
If no snow is present then you
will continue on to Forest Burn Shelter.
The track is well-formed most of the way
with it narrowing down in some parts
so just watch your step in these sections.
Two hours after leaving the hut
you will reach the Forest Burn Shelter.
This is a very basic emergency shelter
that lets you take a break from the elements
and have some lunch.
You will also find a toilet here
but remember that the shelter is not for sleeping in
unless it's an emergency.
You'll continue along the ridge line
for a further two hours
before reaching Hanging Valley Shelter.
The track weaves up and down along the way
and you'll get some pretty stunning views of Fiordland.
Hanging Valley Shelter is another good spot to stop and
have a break from the elements.
A toilet is also available here and again,
no sleeping unless it's an emergency.
From here, you'll begin the descent down into the bush line.
Some stairs have been installed to make this section
a bit easier for you.
Take care and watch your footing as you descend
as there is a steep drop-off on both sides
and bad weather can make this a very hazardous descent.
Shortly after you will reach the end of the ridge line
and start zigzagging down into the bush.
The steep descent continues the whole way down
to Iris Burn Hut and it takes approximately
an hour and a half from this point.
Walking poles can be really helpful in reducing
the stress on your knees.
Iris Burn Hut is a very welcome sight and
marks the end of the Alpine section.
From here the tramp will take another two days
bringing you down the Iris Burn Valley
and along the shore of Lake Manapouri.
The Kepler track offers some of the best
Alpine scenery in the world
but be sure to know what you're committing to.
Aim to walk only during the Great Walks season.
Find out the latest information on track conditions
by talking to the DOC staff
at the Fiordland National Park Visitor centre in Te Anau.
Make sure you check the official Fiordland National Park
weather forecast at MetService.com.
And finally
don't forget to 'leave your intentions'
with a trusted contact.
Now, get out there and enjoy
one of New Zealand's best Alpine adventures.
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