Kepler Track Car Park to Luxmore Hut
A strenuous full-day ascent from Lake Te Anau through forest and limestone bluffs to Luxmore Hut above the bushline.
Route overview
Kepler car park; Dock Bay; Brod Bay; steep forest ascent; limestone bluffs; bushline; Luxmore Hut; return.
The route combines the gentle lakeshore approach to Brod Bay with a major climb through beech forest and beneath limestone cliffs. Above the bushline, panoramic views open across Te Anau, Manapouri and surrounding mountains before the final approach to Luxmore Hut.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago
- Distance
- 27.6 km return
- Typical duration
- 8–10 hr return
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Climb to Luxmore Hut at 1,085 m
- Best season
- Best during snow-free Great Walks season; winter is alpine terrain
- Trail type
- Out-and-back full-day hike
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No permit for a same-day return; booking required if staying at Luxmore Hut.
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Very long return, alpine weather, snow or ice, wind, exhaustion, limited daylight and reduced winter facilities.
Highlights
Lake beaches, limestone formations, alpine views and Luxmore Hut.
Why find a buddy
Strong buddy value for pacing, fatigue monitoring and conservative turnaround decisions.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.