Kepler Track Day Walk - summit hike to Mount Luxmore

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

If you want to take a long but worthwhile day hike from TE Anau in the incredible Fjordland National Park, then the hike to the LuxMore hut and a quick summit of the Mount Luxmore is a great option.

I have to emphasize that this hike is quite long, with more than 1200 meters of altitude that are in front of you when you decide to hike to the summit of Mount Luxmore. The good news is that the way is not too steep and everyone with a good setting and good hiking fitness in the Great Walks season will be able to do so.

Connection: 9 Epic things to do in Arthur’s Pass

Best Kepler Track Intaach hike-Control gate to Mount LuxMore Summit Return

Wandering/Duration: 37 km back and forth, 8-10 hours
Height difference, Mount Luxmore summit: 1470 m amsl
Quite difficult; long with many meters of altitude

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

The highlights include long sections with locals with locals and podocarp forests, views of the lake, long, hilly pussy levels, views of reflective mountain lakes and of course 360-degree views of the Lake Anau, the municipality of Te Anau and the surrounding mountain landscape from the Mount LuxMore summit.

  • Alt = "Tussock Plains hike near the Luxmore Hütte on the Kepler">
  • Alt = "Kepler Track Day 1 Brod Bay Camping Railway">
  • Alt = "Kepler Track See Te Anau">

This track follows the regular track to complete the Kepler Track against clockwise. However, after you have reached the LuxMore summit, turn around and follow the way back past the LuxMore hut and then get down to the control doors.

If you want to shorten the hike, you can start on foot with an inexpensive boat from TE Anau at the Brod Bay campsite.

I think it is important to mention that the most scenic section of the Kepler Track is between the Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn hat. This means that if you want to enjoy the best view of the Lake Anau and the spectacular surrounding Alpine panoramas, you have to go on a hike lasting several days.

If you are still undecided, you can read the complete instructions for completion of the KEPLER in 3 days with a small budget.

Note: This day hike on the Kepler Track is long and is not officially recommended by the Doc for a day. However, it is quite possible if you are fit and go early enough. If you consider this outside the Great Walk season, I would imagine that it would be much more difficult. I would suggest talking to the DOC staff in the TE Anau visitor center to talk to them about their intentions.

Connection: Great Walks: Routeburn Track Day Hike

Arrival to the Kepler Track Control Gates

The starting point for the Kepler Track is located at the control doors near the municipality of Te Anau.

Here is a large parking space where you can park your car or motorhome free of charge. If you do not have your own means of transport, I suggest trying to try public transport or hitchhiking to the control doors. Otherwise it takes about an hour per route if you walk from the visitor center in Te Anau.

Wanderdetails

The path begins on the banks of the beautiful Lake Te Anau, the largest freshwater lake of Australasia.
Alt = “Kepler Track Day 1 Brod Bay Camping Route”>
After a pleasant warming up, the route begins the winding climb under the beautiful limestone rock before it finally breaks out of the bush line and into the pushing levels.
Alt = “Tussock Plains hike near the Luxmore Hütte on the Kepler”>
From here it is a short and flat 45-minute walk to the LuxMore hut. This is a good place to rest and rethink whether you have enough time to climb the summit.

from the LuxMore hut it is a simple and gradual 1-hour climb to the Mount Luxmore summit path. On the saddle a guide shows the way.

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

  • Alt = "Mt Luxmore summit">
  • Alt = "Mt Luxmore summit">

After enjoying the view, prepare your knees to get down to the control doors more than 1200 m!

a little shorter? Consider the hike on the Lake Hauroko Viewpoint

Kepler Track Day Walk and Luxmore Summit GPX card

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

gpx file: download

Mein Strava: Visit

Detour: Luxmore Caves

If you are a quick hiker or think that you don't have enough time to climb Mount Luxmore from the hut, then you also have the opportunity to visit the Luxmore Caves.

This detour only adds about 20-30 minutes.

This is a large cave system that cuts deep into the pushing levels around the hut. There is also a gentle stream that flows through the cave. Like some tight tunnels and cave openings. It is worth exploring it!
Alt = “Luxmore Cave on the Kepler Track”>

Optional: stay or Freedom Camp at the Luxmore Hut

You can transform this day hike on the Kepler Track into an excursion with overnight stays by either spending the night in the Luxmore or camping nearby.

The cost of staying in the hut is $ 130 for visitors and $ 65 for Kiwis. It is best to reserve in advance, because this hut is the most popular on Keplerweg.
Alt = “Luxmore Hütte, Kepler Track”>
Alt = “Camping at the LuxMore hut”> Camping near the LuxMore hut

More New Zealand South Island travel guide

I hope that you found this day hike on the Kepler Track and the Mount LuxMore summit. If you have current information or questions about the hike, leave a comment below!

For the time being, take a look at some of my other free travel and hiking guides below. Are you looking for a good starting point for further hikes? Do not miss: 31 best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand.

My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one 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 from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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