Rainbow Reach to Moturau Hut and Shallow Bay
A gentle Kepler Track excursion through beech forest and wetlands to Lake Manapouri, Moturau Hut and Shallow Bay.
Route overview
Rainbow Reach; short ascent; beech forest; Amoeboid Mire option; Moturau Hut and Shallow Bay; return.
After crossing the Waiau swingbridge, the route climbs briefly and then rolls through mountain-beech forest, a kettle bog and lowland wetland to Lake Manapouri. It works as a long day walk or an introductory family overnight when all hut requirements are met.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago
- Distance
- 12 km return
- Typical duration
- 3–3.5 hr return
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Gently undulating with one short steep ascent
- Best season
- Year-round when conditions and hut access are suitable
- Trail type
- Out-and-back with optional overnight
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day permit; overnight hut use requires applicable booking or fee compliance.
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Wet boardwalks, sandflies, untreated water, lake-edge hazards and rapidly changing weather.
Highlights
Waiau swingbridge, kettle bog, Amoeboid Mire, Lake Manapouri and mature forest.
Why find a buddy
Useful for family supervision and introducing new hikers to overnight backcountry routines.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.