Kepler Track Day Walk – summit hike to Mount Luxmore

Kepler Track Day Walk – summit hike to Mount Luxmore

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's most incredible Great Walks. However, if you don't have the time to complete the whole thing, you still have the option of doing a large Kepler Track Day Walk, including a summit of Mount Luxmore.

If you want a long but rewarding day hike in the incredible Fiordland National Park from Te Anau, then the hike to Luxmore Hut and a quick summit of Mount Luxmore is a great option.

I must emphasize that this hike is quite long, with more than 1200 meters of elevation ahead of you if you decide to hike to the summit of Mount Luxmore. The good news is that the trail is not too steep and anyone with a good attitude and good hiking fitness will be able to do it in the Great Walks season.

RELATED: 9 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN ARTHUR'S PASS

Best Kepler Track One Day Hike – Control Gates to Mount Luxmore Summit Return

Hiking length/duration: 37 km there and back, 8-10 hours
Elevation: 1250m Elevation Gain, Mount Luxmore Summit: 1470m AMSL
Difficulty level: Fairly difficult; long with many meters of altitude

If you complete this day hike, you'll experience some of the best sections of the Kepler Track.

Highlights include long stretches of native beech and podocarp forests, lake views, long rolling tussock plains, views of reflecting mountain lakes and of course 360 ​​degree views of Lake Te Anau, Te Anau township and the surrounding mountain landscape from Mount Luxmore summit.

• alt=“TUSSOCK PLAINS WANDERN IN DER NÄHE DER LUXMORE HÜTTE AUF DEM KEPLER“>
• alt=“KEPLER TRACK TAG 1 BROD BAY CAMPINGPLATZ STRECKE“>
• alt=“KEPLER TRACK SEE TE ANAU“>

This track follows the regular track to complete the Kepler track in a counterclockwise direction. However, after reaching Luxmore Peak, you instead turn around and follow the path back past the Luxmore Hut and then climb back down to the control gates.

If you want to shorten the walk, you can start from Brod Bay campsite instead by taking a cheap boat from Te Anau.

I think it's important to mention that the most scenic section of the Kepler Track is between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut. This means that if you want to enjoy the best views of Lake Te Anau and the spectacular surrounding alpine vistas, you'll need to undertake a multi-day hike.

If you're still on the fence, you can read the complete guide to completing Kepler in 3 days on a budget.

Note: This day hike on the Kepler Track is long and is not officially recommended by the DOC for one day. However, it is entirely possible if you are fit and go early enough. If you're considering this outside of the Great Walks season, I would imagine it would be much more difficult. I would suggest speaking to the DOC staff at the Te Anau visitor center to discuss your intentions.

RELATED: GREAT WALKS: ROUTEBURN TRACK DAY HIKE

Arrival to the Kepler Track Control Gates

The starting point for the Kepler Track is at the control gates near the township of Te Anau.

There is a large parking lot here where you can park your car or motorhome for free. If you don't have your own transportation, I suggest trying public transportation or hitchhiking to the control gates. Otherwise, it will take about an hour each way if you walk from the visitor center in Te Anau.

Hiking details

The trail begins on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia.
alt=“KEPLER TRACK DAY 1 BROD BAY CAMPING TRACK”>
After a pleasant warm-up, the route begins the winding climb beneath the beautiful limestone cliffs before finally breaking out of the bushline and into the tussock plains.
alt=“TUSSOCK PLAINS HIKING NEAR THE LUXMORE HUT ON THE KEPLER”>
From here it's a short and flat 45 minute walk to Luxmore Hut. This is a good place to rest and consider whether you have enough time to climb the peak.

From Luxmore Hut it is an easy and gradual 1 hour climb to the Mount Luxmore summit trail. A signpost shows the way at the saddle.

Since you have already completed most of the climb, the summit trail is very short, about 15-20 minutes back to the saddle.

• alt=“MT LUXMORE GIPFELWANDERUNG“>
• alt=“MT LUXMORE GIPFEL“>

After enjoying the view, prepare your knees to descend the 1200+ m back to the control gates!

SOMETHING SHORTER? CONSIDER THE LAKE HAUROKO VIEWPOINT HIKE

Kepler Track Day Walk and Luxmore Summit GPX map

Here is a GPX file of this day hike that I recorded with my Garmin watch. If you would like to download the track, you can do so by clicking on the link below.

GPX file: Download

My Strava: Visit

Detour: Luxmore Caves

If you are a fast hiker or think you don't have enough time to climb Mount Luxmore from the cabin, then you also have the option to visit the Luxmore Caves.

This side trip only adds about 20-30 minutes.

This is a large cave system that cuts deep into the tussock plains surrounding the hut. There is also a gentle stream that flows through the cave. like some narrow tunnels and cave openings. It's worth exploring!
alt="LUXMORE CAVE ON THE KEPLER TRACK">

Optional: Stay or Freedom Camp at Luxmore Hut

You can turn this Kepler Track day hike into an overnight trip by either staying at Luxmore Hut or camping nearby.

The cost to stay in the cabin is $130 for visitors and $65 for Kiwis. It's best to reserve in advance as this hut is the most popular on the Keplerweg.
alt="LUXMORE HUT, KEPLER TRACK">
alt=“CAMPING AT THE LUXMORE CABIN”>Campsite near the Luxmore Cabin

More New Zealand South Island travel guides

I hope you found this Kepler Track day hike and Mount Luxmore summit guide helpful. If you have any updated information or questions about the hike, leave a comment below!

For now, check out some of my other free travel and hiking guides below. Are you looking for a good starting point for further hikes? Don't miss: 31 best hikes in New Zealand's South Island.

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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