Kepler Track, Te Anau Fraser’s Beach Picnic Area, Manapouri 9679, Southland Region, New Zealand

Kepler Track, Te Anau Fraser’s Beach Picnic Area, Manapouri 9679, Southland Region, New Zealand 

The Kepler Track is a 60 km circular tramping track which travels through the landscape of the South Island of New Zealand and is situated near the town of Te Anau. The track passes through many landscapes of the Fiordland National Park 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 Johannes Kepler. The track is one of the New Zealand Great Walks and is administered by New Zealand Department of Conservation.

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.

The Kepler Track is also home to the Kepler Challenge, an annual running race that traverses the whole 60 kilometres, which the winners complete in less than five hours.

Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound